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.

*estimated

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.

*estimated

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.

*estimated

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.

*estimated

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.

*estimated

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.

*estimated

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.

*estimated

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.