Huge disappointment...

Well, I live in the western part of N.D. and grew up on bmc stuff. The craft scene on this side of the state is growing steadily though. Every time I walk into my favorite store there is ALWAYS a few people looking at craft brew, and it's crickets over in the mope zone. Some of you may consider stuff like Green Flash, or Bell's, old hat...Founder's just now arrived on the shelves and I was in a pretty damn good mood that week. I've tried a few that I wouldn't buy again like G.F. Imperial IPA, (too oniony) but, for the most part I'm just happy to get a little taste of quality, it's a nice change of pace.

 

Reality Czech from Moonlight Brewing has a 4.3 on BA. I really enjoy pilsners (mainly from Germany and Czech) so it's not a style issue. But I've had this beer a handful of times (fresh, I presume -- I live in Norcal) and I don't enjoy it AT ALL. To me, it gets a C or C-minus at best. I have no idea what other people see in it. Very confused!

 

I've heard of folks talk about onion in Enjoy By. I still can't find it! Hey, different palates. Its quite interesting to me though. Been a great beer for me every time.

Ah, the plight of the Pliny. You'd be surprised to know that Pliny is actually a pain in the ass to get even here in the Bay Area. I hear you on the other IPA's - in fact, I can say I shared that thinking for a while. However, I just had a buddy bring me some 9 day old Pliny. It puts many, many other IPA's i've had to shame. At optimal conditions - transported cold, served fresh (I'd say at least within 21 days of bottling), it really is a thing of beauty. Creamy mouthfeel, sharp and perfectly rounded hop profile, absolutely perfect malt balance. I know for sure I can't pick up something like that at my local store 9 times out of 10. Easily rivals Heady Topper.

Also, I think Pliny is kind of fragile - transported via trade, in trucks, where it gets hot inside....really kills the Pliny experience I would think.

 

Mexican Cake. No lie ended up being a drainpour for me. Maybe I just dont like the style. Only chile stout I've had to date.

 

I was at Russian River this past summer and was buying some Pliny to take back to the UK. The guy in front of me bought the rest of what they had in the fridge in the sales area, and the worker was going to go get more to restock. I knew it was fresh within a couple days, and I knew the beer would warm up on my travels, so I told the guy it was okay to grab me some that weren't refrigerated for my purchase. His reply was "doesn't exist" and I thought to myself...that's the correct answer, Sir. F-ing great beer and brewery.

 

+1 on Oskar Blues and Samuel Smiths. And add St. Peter's Brewery, too.

 

Maybe you don't like beer as much as you think. For me probably Sculpin.

 

I've had Alpines, GF kegs, and GF bottles. GF kegs were the most disappointing version. Alpine bottles the best, obvi. GF bottles of Nelson I had recently (last week?) were pretty great actually.

 

Your very first chile stout was Mexican Cake? haha. I've had maybe 10 chile stouts, actually enjoy the style, and STILL can't get my hands on a Mex Cake. Was it too spicy for you? Some can be poorly integrated and have way too much burn.

 

Every SS beer I've had has been the blandest, most watery representation of whichever style I was drinking.

 

MC is my least favorite chile stout I've had--just much hotter than I want a beer to be. You may like others more. Or not.

 

This was my first impression of Enjoy By... soooo savory. But then I've had other batches that are so unbelievably soft and juicy and delicious. Maybe worth another shot?

 

Ballast Point Sculpin Grapefruit IPA - just didn't jive with me, was from a fairly fresh can but tasted like fake grapefruit. I love the regular Sculpin IPA.

AleSmith IPA - nice beer, don't understand its #3 IPA in the world rating on that other rating site. Pretty basic...

Westy 12 - just kidding, that was awesome and totally lived up to the hype!

 

I've tried maybe 5 different versions. Can't get into it.

 

Honestly I don't remember why I didn't like it. It was 2 or 3 years ago, and I didn't review it or take any notes. I doubt spice was the issue, as I enjoy spicy foods (not sure how that translates though).

 

Next on my list is Hunahpu. Live near by, so if I can get tickets to next release I'll be there. Might as well stick to the top.

 

You can send it to me instead. The HUGE disappointment would be if it never shows up in the mail

 

Lol. I was thinking "yeah, I hate both types of people."

And then I saw your mention of Two Heart. I'm sure this is a great beer. Maybe I just don't love centennial hops? I can drink it with no problem, but the love isn't there like it is for others.

I chalk it up to individual tastes, and that its just my loss...."I don't love a great beer."

But more often than not, I'm meeting people from both columns A and B you listed above, and not too many from the "eh its just not for me" crowd.

 

Maple Bacon Coffee Porter. Just an average beer, not sure what the hype is all about.

 

I know people will disagree, but I don't think Mex Cake can hold a candle to Hunah. IMO...totally different leagues. Good luck getting tickets...you'll won't regret it.

On topic...I find most Bruery stouts to be be way too sweet and cloying...i.e. Black Tuesday, Grey Monday, etc.