New To The Craft World!

That's a pretty nice list for 6 months. The only thing I disagree with is giving sculpin a 5. However, these are YOUR reviews so don't change the scores based on what other people think. Score them how you see fit.

Welcome, cheers.

 

flower power from Ithaca

 

Definitely Flower Power, now that it is flowing again.

Also- if you are close enough to CT you should try to get some beers by New England Brewing Co, like Gandhi Bot.

 

Welcome aboard! Your scores seem to be on the high side to me, but I haven't had most of the beers on your had list. There's plenty of grade inflation on here though, so you're not alone. Cheers!

 

Second the flower power, you seem to like the hoppy offerings so far. That said don't be afraid to branch out and try many styles, it's hard to get stuck on just one early on. Then again nothing is wrong with that either, drink what you like and try new styles whenever you want there's no right or wrong.

 

You're doing very well so far! Welcome to BA!

When I first got into craft, my college roommate and I would get mixpacks of everything we could, be it Sam Adams mix 12 or 6ers, Magic hat mixers, or make your own sixpacks- even Michelob craft beer mixpacks. Most of these beers don't stand out in my mind anymore and I've mostly moved on from that, but it was a good way for me to figure out what I liked, and most beers are at least faithful interpretations of their style so it's a good way to train your palate to define beers in their respective styles.

I also agree that most of your scores seem a bit high, but that's okay especially starting off. Once again, try to stick to the basics at first and train yourself on the styles of beer. Again, it will demonstrate to you what you like and don't like with minimal monetary impact, and will train you to discern the various styles of beer out there.

As far as specific beers, definitely buy the hell out of Ithaca Flower Power. Other than that, most of the breweries you've reviewed are pretty damn good to stick with. I have noticed, though, that you haven't had many foreign brews. Try things like Pilsner Urquell, Chimay, Duvel, Spaten Optimator, Samuel Smith, and Paulaner Hefeweizen, among many, many others.

 

Welcome to BA! Before you ask what beers you should be looking for, you should first figure out what style (or styles) you like best. Talk to people in your local bottle shops about what's good, what's not, etc. Try as many different styles as you can. Most importantly, do a little research first (this site's encyclopedia of beer styles or BJCP (LINK) ) so you know what to look for in each style. If you don't like a particular style, that's okay. Stay away from it. Just make sure you come back to it at some point and give it another chance. Your palate will develop and things you detest now may really please you later.

One more thing - find as many good Belgian beers as you can and drink them. 'nuff said.

 

I notice you havent had much from Southern Tier or Sixpoint, which seem to be the prevailing breweries from New York. I would just grab what you can from them.

 

Nice list for six months. I agree with the comment to look for some good Belgian or, since in NY, go for Ommegang. Don't worry too much about the high ratings. All my early ratings were high because I started out rating all the beers I liked the most.

 

For Belgians (and Belgian-style) definitely try Rochefort, St. Bernardus, Unibroue and La Trappe beers- anything they make, really. They should all be easy to find, and the quality is top notch.

You should also post on the Mid Atlantic board for more local suggestions. For example- if you venture across the river to Rockland County, Cable Beverages had Troegs Flying Mouflan (barleywine) on tap for growlers last week (and probably still do), so that's a really nice opportunity to get something in the style that you enjoy. And they fill small containers as well as large ones.

Also- Defiant, in Pearl River, makes really good Belgian and English style beers that are best enjoyed right there at the brewery, unfiltered and dispensed right from the bright beer tanks. Bring a DD, though.

Welcome to BA, and enjoy the ride!

 

The tough part about rating/reviewing beers at the beginning is that you dont really have a frame of reference to rate them. As you drink more beers, you'll notice that some of your current ratings will appear to be too high. But that's ok, you can always adjust them if you really want to. Otherwise just leave them how they are. And remember, its all about the journey, not the destination.

 

It's always best to learn about beer at local brewpubs, particularly when they don't have a lot of patrons. It looks like you've already found Captain Lawrence. Most of the stuff I've had from them is great. I'm sure there are plenty more in the area - take a look at the places page on BA. Meet the bartenders and brewers - most of them love to talk about their beer when they aren't busy.

 

Get yourself over to DeCicco's in Ardsley. You won't be disappointed and it's real close to Dobbs Ferry.

 

This is how the course of most craft beer drinkers goes:

IPAs > Imperial Stouts > Barrel-Aged Stouts > Sours

 

Swing by the Lazy Boy Saloon in White Plains. I travel to Rye Brooke from Cali every quarter and always stop there. Last time I ordered FBS and the guy asked me if I said KBS or FBS and I was like, holy shit you have KBS! and gobbled down a bunch.

They have BCBS 12 there and a fantastic draft list, there bottle list is no joke as well. Great food and location.

 

Welcome! It's always interesting to see people from my area on here (I grew up in Katonah.) If you can make the short trip, go to DeCicco's in Brewster and ask to talk to Vinny. He's the one who really panned out my horizons with beer, and I'm sure he can do the same for you. They have over 1000 bottle selection as well as a craft beer bar in the store. Go to the bar and try some free samples and see what you like!