Final Day 242 - Unibroue 17

Unibroue - Unibroue 17
Chambly, Québec (CANADA)
ABV 10.0% Calories 280*

I visited mom today, it is her birthday and I sat there with her having a nice long conversation. We discussed a variety of topics from Taiwan's typhoon tragedy, to selling my house in Horseheads, NY. I let her know that she is going to be a grandmother again and that it is going to be another grandson! She was very excited and it was just nice to sit there under the sun and breath in all of her words of wisdom. She told me how lucky I am to have such a loving wife who supports me in whatever endeavour I choose. Like usual she suggested that I take initiative and prepare for the future with all my mind, body, and soul. I told her about my career, my life in general, and all my worries but she reassured me that all I needed to do, was to prepare now to ensure the I continue on the right path. She did laugh at me, unnecessarily, for still partaking in such immature games such as drinking a beer every day for 365-days. 'How is this suppose to prepare you to be a father', 'how does this bring you health, happiness, and growth'? I told her that sometime, the happiest part of my day is to relax and drink my beer (especially if it is one I know I will like); but after some contemplation she is right, the only growth I see is around my waist and on the scale. She tells me to stop playing stupid games and to focus on what is important. She tells me that I have become complacent in life and that I should break out of this cycle and try something new - the beer may make you happy and it may be fun, but it doesn't help you in preparing for the future. My mom is right as usual.

I don't know who follows this blog but I have mustered up the courage and will take my mom's advice and quit my quest for One-A-Day. I would still love to drink 365 beers and I will continue this blog until I do so, but it may take more than the original 365 days, it may take twice as long. I may miss my beers but I need to switch gears and try some new things. I want to go back to my mom next year and wow her with all my improvements, accomplishments, and growth. I can't be wallowing in mediocrity anymore. Next year mom, I'll have much more to tell you.

My last official beer in my One-A-Day run; I'm cracking open Unibroue's 17th Anniversary Ale to celebrate my mom's birthday. It is actually a very strong Dark Belgian beer - much too strong for my liking but still a very good beer if you can get your hands on one. I do have more beers in stock but I will take my time to enjoy them, love you mom.

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Day 241 - Danny's Irish Style Red Ale

Moylan's Brewery - Danny's Irish Style Red Ale
Novato, CA (USA)
ABV 6.5 Calories 200*

Not nearly as flavorful and interesting as Moylan's IPA but a decent brew. At $1 less, it may be worth the purchase. However, I'd rather go with the Bear Republic and/or Blue Frog beers. Its nice that I'm drinking all of these CA microbrews relatively close to one another and can easily distinguish between the breweries that I like more over the breweries that plain suck. Moylan's has a bunch of beers including a Double IPA that I would love to drink; so they are in limbo until I gather more information.

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Day 240 - Moylan's IPA

Moylan's Brewery - Moylan's IPA
Novato, CA (USA)
ABV 6.5 Calories 200*

A solid IPA; wouldn't expect anything less from another California micro-brew. I'm wondering if all the IPA's I enjoy have the same ingredients. The only drawback to this beer is the $4.99 I had to pay for a 22 oz. Much more than one should expect from a local brewery. Regardless, this is a great beer. If you can find it, have one.

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Day 239 - Fischer Amber

Brasserie Fischer - Fischer Amber
Schiltigheim, France (FRANCE)
ABV 6.0 Calories 180*

My first beer from France after 239 days. Nothing memorable here; a very bland amber ale - nothing interest to note. The French should stick with fine cuisine (which, I'm not very interested in) and fine wine (also, not very interested in). I guess the only thing I really like out of France is french fries.

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Day 238 - Fire Rock Pale Ale

Kona Brewing Co. - Fire Rock Pale Ale
Kona, HI (USA)
ABV 5.8% Calories 188

Another one from Kona; this Fire Rock is solid. Crisp and refreshing like it says on Kona's website. I would love to be sitting on the beach in Kona, with my feet up, watching the waves sipping on this Fire Rock. One of these days...

Day 237 - Longboard Island Lager

Kona Brewing Co. - Longboard Island Lager
Kona, HI (USA)
ABV 5.5% Calories 100

My first beer from Hawaii. On my spreadsheet I just added a column for state so now I know that I've had beers from 16 states and to no surprise 70-80% of these domestic brews have been from California. I know there must be so many more awesome micro brews out there that aren't even found/sold in the CA market; only traveling to those areas could I get my hands on them. This Island Lager from Kona is decent - fairly plain in taste. The Red Rocket from Bear Republic blows the Kona out of the water. Maybe it is a good thing to live in CA.

Day 236 - Pyramid Haywire Hefeweizen

Pyramid Brewery - Pyramid Haywire Hefeweizen
Seattle, WA (USA)
ABV 5.2% Calories 145

This is actually the same beer as the Pyramid Hefeweizen from Day 124 - however, since they tricked me with this new label and name, I'm counting it as another beer. Here is what I had to say the first time around (my sentiments hold true):

Decent Hefeweizen; a nice amber-ish color with little head. Simple flavor with nothing too spectacular. Light citrus taste; probably better from tap.

Day 235 - Dos Equis Lager

Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery - Dos Equis Amber
Monterrey, Nuevo León (MEXICO)
ABV 5.0% Calories 130

Love the commercials, not so much the beer. Had an interesting day today - went to the San Diego Zoo for the first time (I believe I went to the Wild Animal Park several years ago). The weather was mild, not too hot, but many of the animals were sleeping - i.e the giant pandas. Its also interesting that they sell beer at the zoo, I guess it is pretty normal but it just felt out of place. Nice dinner at Roy's to celebrate my mother-in-laws birthday.

Day 234 - Oregon Honey Beer

MacTarnahan Brewery - Oregon Honey Beer
Portaland, OR (USA)
ABV 5.0%* Calories 160*

Glad it is Friday - found out we are having a boy today. Excited. Ecstatic. Should celebrate with more than one beer, instead we get pizza at BJ's and my favorite dessert - Pazooooooooki. This Oregon Honey Beer is sub-par. Look forward to drinking this and many more beers when my son turns 21 in 2031; man I will be old by then.

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Day 233 - Taddy Porter

Samuel Smith Brewery - Taddy Porter
Tadcaster, Yorkshire (ENGLAND)
ABV 5.0% Calories 180*

I don't get it, this beer is also very highly rated. Maybe it is the epitome of English Porter, but I guess if you don't like English Porter it's like telling someone who's a vegetarian that this is the best steak in the world. I guess in this scenario, I'm the vegetarian.

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Day 232 - Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

North Coast Brewing - Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Fort Bragg, CA (USA)
ABV 9.0% Calories 369

Sweet dark beer. Nice over the hump beer, just wish the heat would leave us and I'd be riding home like a nice spring day in Moscow. This is a very dark and strong beer. Very good reviews; people who go out and purchase Imperial Stouts... generally like Imperial Stouts. If you've been following me, I much prefer the citrusy, hoppy, IPA. This North Coast beer is highly rated and I'm sure if you like a nice solid Imperial Stout, this would be on the top of your list. I just think it is far too heavy for a hot summer's night. Should drink this in the winter time.

Day 231 - Ruederich's Red Seal Ale

North Coast Brewing - Ruederich's Red Seal Ale
Fort Bragg, CA (USA)
ABV 5.5% Calories 177

Man is it hot out here in our Inland Oasis. I got home from the sauna and decided to take the two dogs out to enjoy the sauna. Both dogs were pooped out of their minds when we got home. It's great to live in such a natural and perfect sauna-like environment. I had the Red Seal Ale today; not bad, had some interesting characteristics - I almost thought I had a lychee infused beer after the first few gulps. The beer is fairly hoppy, nice color but overall I enjoyed the Bear Republic and Blue Frog 'Red's' better. Not to knock North Coast because this is a good bear. Have one.

Day 230 - Karlovacko

Karlovaċka Pivovara - Karlovacko
Karlovac, Croatia (CROATIA)
ABV 5.2% Calories 120*

Reminds me of Heineken. Don't think I could tell the difference in a blind taste test. This is the Croatian Heineken. No more for me.

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Day 229 - Shock Top Belgian White

Anheuser-Busch - Shock Top Belgian White
Saint Louis, MO (USA)
ABV 5.2% Calories 168

Had a fun time getting up this morning; long night with the open bar, Heineken's, shots, wine, champagne, the works. This Shock Top was pretty bland, nothing compared to the Hoegaarden. Nice try. Going to go sleep now.

Day 228 - Heineken

Heineken BV - Heineken
Zoeterwoude, Netherlands (NETHERLANDS)
ABV 5.0% Calories 110

It has taken me 228 days to drink one of the most proliferated beers in the world - Heineken is brewed in close to 40 countries and you'll find it in all parts of the world - about 170 countries to be exact. Since there is so much of this beer everywhere, I did my share and drank a good 6 or 9 of these; it was at a wedding, it was an open bar, what do you expect? Congrats to Jack and Michelle on beginning a beautiful life together. For the time being... no more Heineken for me.

Day 227 - Red Frog Ale

Blue Frog Grog & Grill - Red Frog Ale
Fairfield, CA (USA)
ABV 6.5% Calories 170*

Another yummy beer from this microbrew up in the Bay Area. Nice and hoppy with plenty of subtle sweetness. Smells good, looks good. I like the frogs on both the Red and the Blonde. Definitely get your hands on one of these beers.

The ant wars have not ended. The floor steamer arrived and I did a bit of cleaning to get rid of any possible sweet trails, but now they are oozing out of the walls along the cupboards and onto our counter tops where even the slightest bread crumbs draw them out. I would gladly kill all the ants in this world if I could.

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Day 226 - Blonde Frog Ale

Blue Frog Grog & Grill - Blonde Frog Ale
Fairfield, CA (USA)
ABV 6.75% Calories 180*

When you go to the movies without any expectations and come out like 'wow, that was Oscar worthy' - that is how I feel about this beer. Blue Frog? Who's ever heard of Blue Frog? Sadly, other than Stone Brewery (an hour from where I live) a lot of these magnificent micro-brews are in Northern California. How come I never knew about these breweries during my Cal days. It was always MDG's and Corona's (or whatever was on sale at Safeway). This Blonde Flog Ale is very hoppy and has intense flavors; almost like an IPA (maybe that is why I like it so much) as opposed to a regular blonde. If you can find one of these, you should definitely try one.

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Day 225 - Sol

Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery - Sol
Monterrey, Nuevo León (MEXICO)
ABV 4.5% Calories 143

Its great that I'm keeping all my beer information on a spread sheet, it is so easy to look up all the Mexican beer's I've had so far and even find out when the last time it was that I had a Mexican beer. Sol was my drink of choice when wife and I were vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. I counted 44 drinks in 3 nights (4 days) at our all inclusive resort; I'd say a good 1/3 of them were Sol. Eat breakfast. Drink Sol. Lay at pool. Drink Sol. Sit in Jacuzzi. Drink Sol. Make babies. Drink Sol. Lunch. Sol. Dinner. Sol. It was great. Here in the US, in the comforts of my home, Sol is not so good - just another pissy cerveza; but I will never forget what you did for me in Mexico.

Day 224 - Fireman's Brew Brewnette Beer

Fireman's Brew - Fireman's Brew Brewnette Beer
Woodland Hills, CA (USA)
ABV 10.8% Calories 200*

Its kind of funny, Fireman's Brew brews 3 different beers - this Brewnette is the only one that shows the alcohol content on the label. I wonder if it is the righteous thing to do, to warn would be drinkers of a 10.8% beer. Actually out of the 3, I like the Redhead Ale the most - but even that is mediocre compared to Bear Republic. Go Bears. The ant war continues.

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Day 222 - Fireman's Brew Redhead Ale

Fireman's Brew - Fireman's Brew Redhead Ale
Woodland Hills, CA (USA)
ABV 5.5% Calories 160*

Much better than yesterday's blonde; go firefighters. I feel like I'm a firefighter in my kitchen these days - we've been having ant wars for the better part of two weeks. We've used two different sprays (Hot Shots being the better one), baits, mass stompings, and vacuuming, etc. but the ants keep finding a way in. Our vacuum is just one big mass grave. I was actually waiting for the Eureka Steamer I ordered from Amazon to give the kitchen floor a good cleaning but it looks like it won't be here until tomorrow.

Back to the beer. Since this is similar to the Red Rocket and Genesis Ale, I would give this Redhead the bronze. Gold medal goes to the Red Rocket.

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Day 222 - Fireman's Brew Blonde Beer

Fireman's Brew - Fireman's Brew Blonde Beer
Woodland Hills, CA (USA)
ABV 5.0% Calories 140*

What a great story; this beer was started in 2000 by two fire figthers trying to brew the best beer for their fire fighting bretheren. It has grown to include coffee and other 'on-duty' drinks. The beer itself is 'ok'; not a big fan of blonde but it was smooth and easy to drink. They actually have a 'Brewnette' and 'Redhead' which I'll be trying tomorrow.

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Day 221 - He'Brew Messiah Bold

Schmaltz Brewing Company - He'Brew Genesis Ale
Saratoga Springs, NY (USA)
ABV 5.6% Calories 160*

I ate an an Asian Buffet earlier this evening and am still up to the throat in fullness. Almost wanted to skip my beer but decided to pound one down and head to bed; should have chosen something lighter. This Messiah Bold has 'bold' flavors, it says it is a dark brown ale but it almost tastes like Red Rocket Ale from a few days earlier; a little less hoppy but similar tastes. Now I'm super bloated, no wonder I'm gaining the pounds... buffet and beer doesn't spell weight loss.

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Day 220 - Stiegl Weizen Gold (Hefeweizen)

Stiegl Brewery - Stiegl Weizen Gold (Hefeweizen)
Salzburg, Austria (AUSTRIA)
ABV 5.0* Calories 150*

220; only 145 more to go :). This is a decent hefe; a fairly solid taste an an interesting smokey after tone. Great for a hot summer evening. I'm excited that it is Friday and that I don't have to do anything all weekend long. Will be nice to relax and have some more beers.

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Day 219 - Beck's

Brauerei Beck & Co. - Beck's
Bremen, Germany (GERMANY)
ABV 4.9% Calories 143

Beck's is a very common beer here in the US, one of the more marketed German beers. Don't have anything good to say so I'll talk about the weather. It has been blazing here in SoCal, Corona is hot - doesn't seem to have much airflow in this region during the summer, just a conventional oven baking. And commuting on the motorcycle has been straight up nasty. It's like sitting in a sauna for an hour, I come home and need to change out of my clothes, but life goes on and hopefully I can get my hands on better beers to make me happy.

Day 218 - Red Rocket Ale

Bear Republic Brewing - Red Rocket Ale
Healdsburg, CA (USA)
ABV 6.8% Calories 180*

Go Bears! Go Bears! This Red Rocket rocks. 3 for 3. Winner winner chicken dinner. Bear Republic rises in stature and blows other breweries behind. I would rather drink the 3 Bear Republic beers I've had so far over the top 3 best beers of any other brewery (outside of Chimay...). Beat it.

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Day 217 - Hop Rod Rye

Bear Republic Brewing - Hop Rod Rye
Healdsburg, CA (USA)
ABV 8.0% Calories 200*

Wow, this is a good beer. Why haven't I drank any Bear Republic beers until this week? On the website they call this 'essentially a bold American IPA made with 20% rye malt.' I don't care what they call it, its great. This is 2 for 2 for Bear Republic, I have one more lined up for tomorrow, if BR goes 3 for 3, this brewery will catapult itself into my top 5. I know there are more BR beers at the local BevMo and I will be sure to stock up on others next time I visit.

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Day 216 - Racer 5 IPA

Bear Republic Brewing - Racer 5 IPA
Healdsburg, CA (USA)
ABV 7.0% Calories 200*

I wonder if the owner/brewer of Bear Repbulic is a Cal alum; the brewery is north of San Francisco, almost near Mendocino County were all the pot heads are - sounds like a Cal grad to me. This Racer 5 is pretty darn good; one of the better beers I've had in a long time. Very hoppy with strong, bold flavors that tingle your taste buds. I've had beers from almost every part of the world but it all comes back to the West Coast IPA's; something about these new age brews that make me smile and want more. Can't wait until these 365 days are over; so I can just go out and buy the beers that I like. This will definitely be on my list.

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Day 215 - Żywiec Porter

Żywiec Brewery - Żywiec
Żywiec, Poland (POLAND)
ABV 9.5% Calories 220*

This is eerily similar to the Baltika Porter I had a few days ago and just as bad. Not sure why anybody would like a beer like this - like drinking concentrated sugar water with alchol mixed in - in a formula gone bad. Polish beer really sucks.

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Day 214 - Erdinger HefeWeizen Dark

Erdinger Weissbrau - Erdinger HefeWeizen Dark
Erding, Germany (GERMANY)
ABV 5.6% Calories 170

A German dark hefe; malty, rich, with the 'German' twinge, which I not a big fan of - drinking all these beers I realized that a lot of these older European brewers (German brewers to be exact) brew beers that may have been well liked 300-400 years ago but it just doesn't mesh with my Taiwanese American taste buds. I'm enjoying it only because its Saturday night but wish I had popped opened another Unibroue.

Day 213 - Éphémère

Unibroue - Éphémère
Chambly, Québec (CANADA)
ABV 5.5% Calories 150*

Chalk up another one for one of my favorite breweries from up north beyond our borders. The Éphémère is a very light sweet beer with apple cider-ish taste - essentially a spiked apple-cider. Beer was easy to drink, bubbly but really not one of my favorites from Unibroue and with so many good beers, I probably wouldn't buy this again unless it was for guests who like sweet beer.

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