Listen to The 40cast- Episode 147 Of The 40cast - Double Eric Weekend May 20, 2013
- Episode 146 Of The 40cast - Unlock the GloveBox May 5, 2013
- Episode 145 Of The 40cast - Talk Dirty to Me April 28, 2013
- Episode 144 Of The 40cast - NW Roadshow April 21, 2013
- Episode 143 Of The 40cast - Marketing 101 40cast Style April 12, 2013
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my weekly podcasts #ff @GamerHusbands @The40cast @GameHounds @PostGameReport @GamesRadar @NerdistChannel @TitusNation - posted on 05/24/2013 20:32
@GloveBox @The40cast is this game similar to Red Dead? - posted on 05/24/2013 09:33
@sha_near @The40cast cool let me know if I'm crazy or is this game AwesomeSauce!!! LOL - posted on 05/24/2013 09:11
@GloveBox @The40cast Lol, oh I will be talking about it! I'm downloading it now, I will be all over this when I get home from work - posted on 05/24/2013 09:06- @sha_near @The40cast I need you to review it on your show LOL hurry up load it up LOL - posted on 05/24/2013 09:04
- @sha_near @The40cast Check your steam!! LOL - posted on 05/24/2013 09:03
- @GloveBox @The40cast Wow man! You are amazing, thank you so much! - posted on 05/24/2013 09:03
@GloveBox @The40cast LOL - posted on 05/24/2013 09:02- @DeviousMrMatt @The40cast YES YES YES YES DO IT NOW!!! - posted on 05/24/2013 08:59
- @GloveBox @The40cast damn, I'm a sucker for Westerns. I was going to pick up Max Payne for $20. Should I look at this instead? - posted on 05/24/2013 08:59
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Beer Review – Samuel Adams Infinium
Samuel Adams Infinium
So it’s New Year’s Eve and I need a beer to help bring in the new year. Traditionally people celebrate with champagne or sparkling wine, but what about the beer drinkers out there who don’t want to give up their malt beverage preference? Well Samuel Adams (Boston, MA) and Weihenstephan Brewing (Freising, Bavaria) have collaborated on a global level to produce a beer perfect for welcoming in the New Year called Infinium.
History Behind Infinium
I am sure everyone has heard of Samuel Adams and his famous Boston Lager, but did you know this brewery also produces unique high-end specialty beers? Well I am going to talk about the latest creation, Infinium, which is a champagne-like beer style created by the beer scientists from Samuel Adams and Weihenstephan Brewing. When I say beer scientists, I really mean scientists. The Weihenstephan Science Center, part of the Technical University of Munich, is a world renowned brewing school and played an important role in the development and creation of Infinium.
Another remarkable element of the creation of this beer is how it was made and the ingredients used. Only four ingredients were used in the making of this beer; malt, hops, water and yeast. This beer was created following the old German beer purity laws known as Reinheitsgebot, which states only those four materials may be used. This is the first beer in over 100 years to follow this rigorous standard.
Presentation
So I was lucky enough to find a bottle of Infinium in my area. I knew I wanted to save it for New Years, so I put it right into the refrigerator. This is one of the beers that is better served colder, due to the champagne-like presentation and body. I thought about pouring it into a fluted glass, but instead decided to use my 22 oz Samuel Adams Perfect Pint glass (wanted to really enjoy those bubbles). The beer opens just like a champagne bottle, cork and all. It had a nice pop when I removed the cork. It poured a pale-to-light golden color with lots of bubbles. The clarity was mostly clear on the first glass, but the second glass was a little hazy from some sediment getting stirred up (this is a bottle conditioned beer).
Tasting Notes
I took a strong sniff and the aroma was fairly mellow. I could smell slight hints of fruit or citrus aromas that must of been from the dry hopping. The aroma really did remind me of a sparkling wine, but with malt and yeast aromas replacing the heavy wine overtones. The initial taste was very light on the palette and had no bitterness at all. I could taste the malts, but there was also a slight tartness that made this beer feel like I was drinking a semi-dry champagne. It may have been my imagination, but I think I could taste a little fruitiness in the finish (apples?). What I did not taste was any hint of the 10.3% ABV or bitterness of the hops used to get it to that level. This is truly a remarkable feat. I believe this is a beer for both the beer enthusiast and for the non-beer drinker because it does not have any of the detractors most non-beer drinkers complain about.
Final Thoughts
So did I like it? Yes, I did enjoy it. I liked the uniqueness, a style of beer I had never experienced and that actually didn’t taste bad. Is it a beer I will be purchasing every year? No, I do not think I will continue to spend that kind of bank on this specialty beer. The value only warrants this as a one-time purchase. The $20 price point is far too high. This beer is at most a $10 brew, but I will only purchase again if below $7.
- Style: Unique, champagne-style beer
- ABV: 10.3%
- IBU: 10
- Coloring: Light Golden
- Container: 750mL bottle
- Value: Fair, only because it is very limited release, $20 a bottle is too much
Rating by LuceScrew: stars
Beer Review – Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale
Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale
Every winter season I look forward to the release of Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ Ale. But this year with the huge expansion going on at their brewery, the company said there was no capacity to brew Brown Shugga’ Ale. I was devastated at the news, but was quickly consoled when they came back and said a new holiday ale would be released in it’s place. This new release is Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale, a fitting name since I am sure a lot of fans were thinking the exact same thing after hearing the news.
Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale Label
I am a big fan of Lagunitas Brewing Company out of Petaluma, CA. In fact, I have never tasted a bad beer from this brewery, and I have sampled them all except for their PILS (I’m not a big pilsner fan, but I will eventually try it because I know it will be tasty). So here are my tasting notes from this fine craft Double IPA.
Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale Light Golden Coloring
First off, this is not a typically winter seasonal ale. The name is deceiving because a holiday ale might be mistaken as a Christmas Ale, and this is far from that! The first thing I noticed when I poured the beer into my glass was how light the coloring was, almost pilsner light. This had me worried, because I usually am not a huge fan of lighter beers. After I took a deep sniff my worries were whisked away, because this beer had great hop aroma. I knew I was in for a treat.
The initial upfront taste is of a traditional American IPA…very strong hop presence with a nice malt balance. But the underlying subtle flavors are very unique indeed. It wasn’t until I visited the website that I realized what I was tasting. This beer is made with multiple types of grains they call the “Cereal Medley” and consists of barley, rye, wheat and oats. A four grain mixture that takes this IPA to a different level. The finish is wonderful because the bitterness mellows out to a rich almost pineapple-like sugar sweetness (not too sweet, just enough) with a warming feeling as it goes down. A very nice change this winter from my normal winter warmers.
I am actually kind of glad Lagunitas substituted this beer for their normal Brown Shugga’ Ale because I believe they have another huge hit on their hands. I hope this beer becomes a regular seasonal brew. My ranking is based on excellent value and the unique flavor for my favorite beer style.
- Style: Double IPA
- ABV: 7.85%
- IBU: 63+
- Coloring: Light Golden
- Container: 6-pack, 12oz bottles
- Value: Excellent, about $10.50 a 6-pack
NOTE: Lagunitas announced they are extending the release of Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale, but under the label of Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Leftover Ale. I have already drank two cases of the Holiday Ale, now for two more of the Leftover Ale! 
Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Leftover Ale Label
Rating by LuceScrew: stars
Beer Review – Widmer Brothers Brrr Seasonal Ale
Widmer Brothers Brrr Seasonal Ale
If you have listened to the 40cast at all this fall, then you know how much I enjoy Widmer Brothers Brrr Seasonal Ale, which is only offered from late October until January when stock runs out. For this reason, it is my go-to brew for fall and winter and I usually drink far too much of it.
Widmer Brothers Brrr Seasonal Ale
The Widmer Brothers Brewing Company is another fine craft brewery located in Portland, Oregon. They have a number of great beers and I enjoy drinking them all. They release seasonal beers throughout the year, and this is their late fall/early winter release. I have been drinking this beer ever since the release in 2008 (I believe this is the correct release date, but my memory can fail me sometimes). It is a true winter warmer in my books because I do not place spiced ales in this category, and this is no spiced brew!
The beer pours nicely with a filtered, deep reddish amber coloring. The head is as close to white as you can get with beer and sticks nicely to the side of the glass. The aroma dispersing from the glass is hardy, filled with caramel malts and plenty of citrus flavored hops. As you take your first sip you instantly taste the malts and the wonderful hops, but then the real surprise hits with the middle and finish. The transition is almost magical as the citrus and floral bitterness of the hops blend into a warm, sweet and rich finish. Imagine the feeling of sucking on a peppermint candy, but without the peppermint flavor. Instead you have a unique flavor that warms your bones and hides any hint of the 7.2% ABV. That is about the best I can explain it. You truly have to experience it for yourself to understand.
If you can not tell, I absolutely love this beer. I am not even joking when I say I drink AT LEAST six cases of this stuff each season it is released. One thing I can say about Widmer Brothers Brewing Company is they produce great beer for the average craft beer drinker. What I mean by this is they provide an excellent product at a reasonable price for the everyday craft beer enthusiast. I applaud them for this and is why I rank them high on value and overall rating. So go out and drink some Brrr before it’s all gone for the season!
- Style: Winter Warmer
- ABV: 7.2%
- IBU: 50
- Coloring: Deep Reddish Amber
- Container: 6 & 12 packs, 12oz bottles
- Value: Excellent, about $8.50 a 6-pack, $16 a 12-pack
Rating by LuceScrew: stars
Beer Review – Rogue Double Chocolate Stout
Rogue Double Chocolate Stout
In Episode 77 of the 40cast, Keith asked about the flavoring of double chocolate stouts and I did not have any experience to share. I have had plenty of regular chocolate stouts, but never a double. So in the back of my beer frig I found a Rogue Double Chocolate Stout and thought it was a perfect time to try it.
Rogue Double Chocolate Stout
This beer is labeled “Double Chocolate Stout” but really should be labeled Double Stout with chocolate essence. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the beer, but I was let down over the relatively weak chocolate flavors. This beer uses imported Dutch bittersweet chocolate and in 2010 won a gold medal at the World Beer Championship.
The beer pours very dark, almost black, and has a very rich and creamy looking mocha frothed head. The beer head looked awesome from the top and sides, but really did not stick to the glass as I would have suspected it should (NOTE: Sampled from a room temperature snifter glass). The aroma was only hinting of chocolate. The initial upfront taste is also only of minor chocolate as well as the finish, tasting much like you might find in the center of a Tootsie roll pop. In my opinion this is a good tasting stout with a very smooth finish. The beer is well brewed with well balanced dark roasted malt flavors and slight bittering from the hops.
My final thoughts…it was a good tasting stout, but I felt somewhat cheated in the advertising and in the overall value for my money. As mentioned in the review, I was very disappointed in the chocolate flavoring. Also, Rogue Ales has been increasing their prices on beers over the past couple years and I feel I can get more value from other breweries at half the cost. This beer is not worth the $12 price tag. So my rating is based on those factors.
- Style: Double Stout
- ABV: 9%
- IBU: 50
- Coloring: Very dark, almost black
- Container: 750ml bottle
- Value: Paid $12, but really should have been a $6 beer
Rating by LuceScrew: stars
Beer Review – Stone 13th Anniversary Ale (Aged 2.5 yrs)
Stone 13th Anniversary Ale
My experience tasting, and consuming fully, a 2.5 year aged bottle of Stone 13th Anniversary Ale. I have a few comparisons to my recollections of my initial tastes in 2009, but my memory sucks so don’t count on them being spot on.
Stone 13th Anniversary Ale
This beer was released in June 2009 to celebrate the 13th anniversary of Stone Brewing Company in Escondido, CA. I have been lucky enough to have tasted several anniversary ales from Stone over the years, and with this one I had purchased two bottles.
The first bottle I drank in the fall of 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was super hopped up the way I like my beer and carried a formidable kick in the ABV. It even used aromatic hops (Chinook, Simcoe and Centennial) to provide a nice finish to the bitterness.
The second bottle I put aside in my cellar and forgot about it until this week. I was digging through my collection and found this treasure. I was a little nervous tasting this 2.5 year aged brew because right on the bottle it says “Do not cellar. Enjoy in 2009.” I believe this is because of the dry hopping and use of aromatic hops. Typically you want to drink these types of hopped beers right away because the aging process tends to reduce the tastes of the hops.
The beer poured just like the un-aged version…a deep red with a nice light tan head that stuck well to the glass. In the nose it smelt of deep malty aromas and almost none of the hop aromas found in the un-aged version. I liken the smell to that of their Arrogant Bastard Ale or the Old Guardian Ale. The initial taste on my palette was caramel malts blending into almost a hint of licorice (only the initial taste, after that I did not taste this) which may have been a mistaken identity on my taste buds. The finish was smooth and not overly bitter. There was a distinct warmth at the end telling me this brew was definitely packing an alcohol punch. It has none of the citrus or piney hop flavors found in the un-aged version, and thus why the bottle says to drink it in 2009 and not to cellar.
Now I have to confess something. I am a well experienced craft beer drinker. On average I would say the majority of the beer I drink is 6% and above, and most the time 7-8%. It usually takes me a few of these high octane brews before I start feeling the affects of a buzz. Well I barely got through half this bottle before my lips started tingling and my head became light. By time I finished the bottle I was full on loopy. I believe the fermenation process must have continued as it aged and increased the overall ABV. True I had not eaten dinner yet, but it is normal for me to drink a beer or two prior to eating dinner. This was a welcome surprise and a bonus gained in the aging.
- Style: Imperial Red Ale / Double Red Ale
- ABV: 9.5%
- IBU: 90+
- Coloring: Deep Red
- Container: 22oz bottle
Rating by LuceScrew: stars
Beer Review – Rogue Ales Santa’s Private Reserve Ale
Rogue Ales Santa’s Private Reserve Ale
Being an Oregon raised man, I have had a lot of experience with Rogue Ales and I have yet to drink a bad beer from this brewery. I have been drinking Santa’s Private Reserve during the fall months over the last 3 years and it is one I look forward to while it lasts.
Rogue Ales Santa's Private Reserve Ale
The brew is a double-hopped red ale and has pronounced roasty malt flavors upfront and a solid hop finish. Rogue uses a number of home-grown hops and barley that add their own unique twist to the flavor. I believe these specialized hops and grains are what allows Rogue Ales to stand above other craft brewers across their entire line beers.
In past years I have only been able to get this brew in a nice glow-in-the-dark 22oz bottle. This year I was surprised to find the ale also available in standard labeled 12oz 6-packs.
I rate this beer above average for drink-ability and flavor, but have to drop it a star for the premium pricing that keeps it out of the hands of the masses.
- Style: Double-hopped Red Ale
- ABV: 6%
- IBU: 65
- Coloring: Reddish-Copper
Rating by LuceScrew: stars
Beer Review – Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale
Stone Brewing 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale
This is a beer series released annually from one of my favorite brewers, Stone Brewing. This series is known for it’s unique flavors and styles for each new release. This is my 3rd or 4th dive into this uniquely flavored brew series.
Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale
This years offering is a rich amber colored ale brewed with Anaheim Chilies and Cinnamon and a hefty 9.4% ABV and 65 IBUs. The flavor upfront shows off the malts and almost tastes like an oddly flavored Christmas cookie, while the finish has a distinct chili taste and heat. In the middle the hops are pronounced, but not so much to take away from the finish. The flavors do not overtake one another and blend remarkably well together.
When I heard this was a chili and cinnamon flavored beer I was hesitant to give it a try, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well the flavors came together and satisfied my palette. I am rating this brew slightly above average because although it was a unique and enjoyable experience, it is not a beer I would want to drink routinely. Give it a try though because it is a good beer. If you are new to craft beer drinking, then I do not recommend you try it.
- Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
- ABV: 9.4%
- IBU: 65
- Coloring: Rich Amber
Rating by LuceScrew: stars
DeviousMrMatt Drinks Yuengling
Yuengling claims to be the nations oldest brewery. Started in 1829 in Pennsylvania this brew has stood the test of time. It has gained a cult following and has become popular in all the places that it has been introduced to. Yuengling brews about 2.3 million barrels a year which places it 6th in the nation for brewing.
It is a good beer and I suggest you give it a try if you can!
