Microbrewskis

While I'm sure that portions of my audience may love sipping on a tall glass of Hamm's on ice or a warm bottle of Miller High Life, I implore all of you to enter the wonderful world of microbrews. Let me tell you that while many sectors of American product development are failing, the U. S. of A. has continued to lead in the art of microbrewing. Go tonight after work to Binny's or Sam's and walk up and down the american beer aisle and see if you get out of there in less than twenty minutes. It won't happen. You'll also be leaving with at least two six packs of stuff brewed in a state that you've never visited. Vermont Maple Beer...what the hell, Michigan Cherry Beer...bring it on.

That is what sets these beers apart: the ingredients. By no means is this blog here to endorse adding savory pizza ingredients to a malted beverage, unless you're going to give me face time on a local network, then I'm all in. Test your boundaries and you just might discovery flavor combinations that you'll enjoy. There is a Chocolat beer made by Southern Tier that no one I've met has ever turned down. This includes women who do not fancy themselves as beer drinkers. It is a glorious combination of stout beer, high grade chocolate, and coffee notes. If you love Leinie's Summer Shandy, then you'll likely appreciate Pyramid's Apricot Ale. It is a great summer thirst quencher with just enough fruit notes (we're not talking Berry Weiss on this one).

If you're not sure which types of beers you like, head to your local Rock Bottom or other regional micro brew restaurant to get a sampler. If you're a dark drinker, grab some Oatmeal Stouts from regional brewers or Black Ale from Sam Adams or if you are looking to wake up next to a toilet seat, why not give the Bourbon County Stout from Goose Island a whirl. Just ask Danimal how potent that baby is. Speaking of Goose Island, treat yourself to a Matilda as soon as you get the chance. If you can find Sofia, add that to your collection as well. Both of these Belgian ales will make you scoff at the next person who merely offers you a Blue Moon. I know what you're thinking, hey look at the beer snob. That's totally unfounded, I consider myself a beer pompous ass. I'm out to try as many beers as I can whenever I get the chance, so when I come to your section of Wisconsin and ask what local beers you have, and you say Miller products and I proceed to verbally assault you; just know that you had it coming.

Chicagoans should focus mainly on Goose Island products. They make something for almost any taste and have quickly become the nation's finest behind Sam Adams in microbrewing. It pains me to say this, but if you're in Indiana then you should probably make plans to visit Gloomington. Upland Brewing is an American treasure with multiple glorious flavors. Three Floyds is also one of my favorites out of Munster. Get the Saison Ale or the Gumballhead. Bell's should be well known to Michaganders as I pick up Oberon whenever I have the chance. I can't deny my affinity for Leinie's wide variety of flavors, but if you're actually in Wisconsin then you need to get your hands on any kind of New Glarus product you can find. The wax sealed raspberry and cranberry ales are better than dessert wine. Some of my other personal favorites are O'Fallon Brewery with their Peach Ale, Southern Tier's variety, Dogfish Head, and more recently Surly out of Minnesota. You are now fully equipped to prepare yourself for a well stocked Labor Day party or Fantasy Football draft. Take this knowledge to your local establishment or package store to open up your mind and bladder.

Restaurant Recap

While we're on the topic of such low brow consumption as beer, let me offer a low brow suggestion: Buffalo Wild Wings. I know most of you don't need an endorsement, but I had to take time to express my love for the local wingery. As of now, there is likely one of these within twenty miles of you and if there isn't, then you probably don't live close enough to any restaurants. The lunch time lineup is really the best deal. You can get boneless or regular wings with a side and a drink for less than $10. 50 cent boneless night on Thursdays comes in handy later in the fall when you're sitting around wondering what to do since you don't have NFL Network at home. I'm a big fan of the medium sauce. If you're not a regular, their sauces are basically one stage warmer than your typical sauces. Don't get the mild unless you can actually handle medium heat. Wimps should stick to the Sweet BBQ. By all means steer clear of the Blazin wings. It is painful. No one wants to order a glass of milk from a bar. You say just dip it in blue cheese? I love to eat food and if I'm going to die somebody from consuming deliciousness, it will not be due to a constant stream of chunky white substance. There's really nothing else to know. The chips and salsa are a good appetizer, the desserts suck, they always have beer specials, and stay away from the burgers.