TOO strong maybe not TOO good?

Interesting opinion.

 

Yes it does

 

Wow, that escalated quickly.

 

All depends on the mindset, man. I frequently jump between styles. but I always go from least flavorful to most.

I am always interested in a lager if its done well.

 

We are getting into the time of year for low ABV. Sitting on the patio with a bunch of friends drinking beers for an afternoon. Who would want to sit in heat and drink 8%+ for hours? For me, I naturally move to pales, browns, and ambers as the weather heats up. Then when the leaves start falling off the trees it's time to break out last year's homebrew Imp Stouts and Barleywines that have been cellaring all summer and are just what the doctor ordered.

 

I used to be all about the big stuff. Barleywines, Imperial Stouts, DIPAs and the like. Though lately I've really gotten into drinking sessions. Fremont Organic Pale and Deschutes River Ale are awesome, especially on a nice sunny afternoon. So maybe I'm developing a season specific palate.

 

all pilsners are lagers, but not all lagers are pilsners.

 

It's a phase. Next, you'll discover Saisons, Sours and Brett-infused beers and realize you can get that KICK in flavor even if it's not from the alcohol.

 

I absolutely agree with you. It happened to me too. I seem to pass over the lighter beers in favor of stouts, porters, imperials etc. I just can't shy from the boldness and settle for something just, well, tasteless. I will say however I wish some were not so high in ABV.

 

I feel like this thread is a good place for this story. Within the last two weeks I became aware of a retail establishment that had some aged beers for sale. I bought an 08 Avery mephistopheles and cracked it open the next night. I emailed my friend halfway though and described drinking it as being repeatedly punched in the dick. It had a great initial taste and the finish was just all 16%. I did not enjoy. Also I've been thinking about brewing some Brown Ales. It is most assuredly that time of year to switch to lower ABV.

 

Nonsense.

 

I had a Dark Saison by Jolly Pumpkin that clocked at 4.5 % abv and would drink that over many 8%+ abv beers any day. Anyone that filters out low abv beers is missing out on a lot of great stuff.

 

I used to only want big beers for a bit myself. Then I chilled out a bit and got into the sessionable stuff. Now, truthfully, I have little interest in the big beers. 8% is a big beer to me now. Sessionable pilsners, Kolsch, Steam beers, Pale Ales, Porters, ESB's etc. are where it's at.

 

You've never had a baltic porter.

 

Please somebody send this BA some Jack`s Abby as I don`t have quick access to their awesome stuff.

 

Personally, I don't like the "kick" (i.e-alcohol) of beer. I like the taste. I drink all different styles, but it definitely takes more brewing finesse to pull off a well-balanced clean and flavorful low ABV brew than it does to brew a high ABV brew.

 

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style