Here at The Thirsty Muse, the main goal is to share the culture around our favorite libations. From the food we consume with our favorite wine, to the brilliant bartender pouring the perfect pint, The Thirsty Muse is more than a site about booze. All this leads me to my latest project, “People You Should Know”, and I need your help. Continue reading
Several weeks ago a good friend of mine picked up this great 2012 Stone Collaboration beer for me to try. Being the first 2012 collaboration beer for Stone Brewing Co., and that it was a Stone beer, I was very excited to crack a few open and suffer through the “research” in the name of the Thirsty Muse. The Bear Republic / Fat Head’s / Stone TBA (A Texas Brown Ale), is nothing short of excellence in a 12 ounce brown bottle. Continue reading
© Michael Warth
Bass beer started stamping a big red triangle on their barrels to let people know the beer inside the barrel was Bass beer. They did this because a lot of unscrupulous beer makers in the UK were copying beer to sell and tried to make sales based on the good name of another. The inferior beer was being sold to patrons without their knowledge of the scam.
Many of Bass beer’s competitors simply copied the big red triangle as well. Luckily, the British Trade Marks Registration Act of 1875 was passed giving companies legal action when others stole their brand for profit. It is believed that some poor sole from Bass slept outside the doorstep of the trademark office the night before the act was to be enacted so that Bass would have the first legally filed trademark.
© Michael Warth
The following post is currently being used in the April issue of Alternative Revolt Magazine, in my regular ‘Hopping Mad‘ column (get the entire magazine free HERE). I wanted to share the article here, in this format for those of you who frequent The Thirsty Muse.
“There is an ancient Celtic axiom that says ‘Good people drink good beer.’ Which is true, then as now. Just look around you in any public barroom, and you will quickly see: Bad people drink bad beer. Think about it.” – Hunter S. Thompson
I walked into a liquor store looking for a beer that really stood out from the rest. The name and the label art really plays a part when I choose something new to try. After all, if I am spending money on something to write about and make pictures of, it better be interesting. In the spirit of the magazine, I wanted to find something that appeared to “revolt” the standard other beers follow. Flying Dog Brewery’s, Raging Bitch, jumped out at at me for all of these reasons and then I read the carton. The simple phrase, “Good people drink good beer” printed on that carton drew me in like a moth to a flame. I had to have this beer.
In 1983, Flying Dog founder George Stranahan, after climbing the 28,251 ft. Himalayan mountain K2 (one of the most difficult, & second highest mountain faces on the planet) noticed a painting of an English Bird Dog in his hotel bar, in Pakistan. Did you get that?! The K2 has the second highest mortality rate due to it’s ascent. Yeah, George Stranahan and his friends had balls. Never mind the painting, he climbed an ‘effin mountain! Anyway, he took a liking to the dog with wings in the painting and when Stranahan opened his brewpub in Aspen, Colorado in 1990 and named his beer after that dog, and hence, Flying Dog Brewery.
By 2000, the brewpub closed and then, in 2007, Flying Dog Brewery moved to a state-of-the-art facility in Frederick, Maryland. The part I love about the story of Flying Dog is that the founder, George Stranahan appears to be a revolutionary. He is a rebel, an educated man, and amateur photographer. Who else would have founded such an awesome beer company, right?! There is so much to the Flying Dog story that I couldn’t possibly fit it within this article, nor do I really know everything the “Godfathers” (George Stranahan, Hunter S. Thompson, and Ralph Steadman) of Flying Dog did in their early days of making the brand what it is today. I could only wish.
What I can say is that Raging Bitch is everything a Belgian-Style India Pale Ale should be and more. It is good in a glass and great in a bottle. I know, I know, I have said before that craft brew (any great beer) deserves the proper glass. However, I must admit, I heard that Flying Dog beer is meant to be enjoyed from the bottle. Therefore, I had to bend the rules a little and give it a try. And to be blunt, yes, it is best from the bottle, but I also enjoy it from a tulip glass.
© Michael Warth
The overall taste is hoppy, yet very well balanced. I find the Raging Bitch to be very flavorful, with a bite, yet easy to drink. It’s got an edge. Therefore, don’t think of a whiney, raging bitch kind of a thing. You know, the watered down, complaining, cliche type of raging bitch many of us associate with bands like Nickelback; but a real Raging Bitch. The kind that commands respect! After all, the balance of this beer is not to sweeten the bitterness of the hops, but a way to make the citrusy, grape-fruitiness, and 8.3% alcohol content work together in a hoppy, yet easy drinking way. I believe they nailed it.
I think it is clear if you are looking for a beer with a balanced hoppy bitterness, and above average alcohol content, then Flying Dog’s Raging Bitch is your beer. I trust anyone who likes IPA style beer would find this beer worthy. Furthermore, I believe the overall character of the beer sets it apart from so many others in the IPA style. And from what I have learned while researching the beer and Flying Dog Brewery is that they are a pretty cool company that I would gladly spend my money on to get a great buzz!
- Cheers
Comedian Lori Graves - © Michael Warth
Earlier this year, I spent some quality time with a great comedian/bartender, Lori Graves, at The Crosskeys Tavern in Chillicothe, Ohio. Lori gave me the opportunity to make some portrait photos of her at the bar as we chatted about her double life as a working comedian and full-time bartender.
After the hundred-million two or three necessary photos I shot of Lori that day, we enjoyed a lengthy lunch as she shared some of her experiences as both a comedian and a bartender. I learned a thing or two about babysitting and how it makes great material for a comedian, a little bit about CSI, and the color green.
The lunch was amazing; however, pub food in general is home cooking meets commercial level comfort food in my opinion. Nonetheless, my meatloaf, mash potato and corn dish, paired with a fine snifter glass of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale was above average. The KBBA became my beer of choice to review for Alternative Revolt Magazine based on this very moment being my first taste of the beer. I could go on and on about the lunch, but I’ll end it here by saying, “why would one spend $5-10 on a fast-food-drive-thru-meal, when the ‘Keys serves food like this daily for lunch?” Continue reading
Raging Bitch - © Michael Warth
I recently finished up some “research” on a great beer made by Flying Dog Brewery. For now, I just wanted to introduce you to this great tasting, hoppy, Belgian-style IPA. At 8.3% ABV, this beer reminds us she is a lot to handle.
Early next month, I’ll post the full review and more photos. For now, go get yourself a six-pack of this great beer!
- Cheers
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from The Thirsty Muse!
I just got home from my favorite local tavern, the Crosskeys. I had the best corn beef and cabbage dinner with a side of potatoes and (a no-brainer), a proper pint of Guinness! I hope you all have a safe, fun, and magical St. Patrick’s Day…Sláinte
Saturday night at home with Bell's Hopslam Ale - © Michael Warth
Bell’s Hopslam Ale and pizza! Alright, it may be a bit more “hop heavy” than necessary for pizza night, but this is still a pretty awesome double IPA style beer. I purchased a six-pack last weekend at Ozzy’s in Waverly, in the hopes to review the beer for an upcoming issue of Alternative Revolt Magazine. Not sure if I will do an article of this beer or not, but I wanted to share my first impressions with you all here at The Thirsty Muse first. Continue reading
Hi All,
With a major head cold, and absolute laziness this weekend, the best I could do was make a quick 20 minute drive to a great little carry-out/drive-thru liquor store in the quaint little town of Waverly, Ohio. Yes, I said Waverly, Ohio.
Several friends recommended the little store, so, I decided to jump in the jeep, take a drive, and see what the fuss is all about. Honestly, I expected a lot of Sam Adams, and Yuengling beer as most people who suggest a “hoppy” craft beer actually just mention something quite well-known. Not being mean, and to each their own, but I don’t care too much Sam Adams or Yuengling, though there are a few of their flavors I will drink.
Walking in the front door I was amazed at the generous selection of imported and craft beers. I’m sure they had the yellow fizzy beer we are all used to seeing but I can’t remember seeing a single major brand. Kudos to the folks at Ozzy’s and my kid-in-a-candy-store-blinders!
I am sure you would like to read more about my trip…but it really was a quick trip. I never took my camera, and I didn’t expect too much. With that said, I should have planned better. In future posts, I will definitely let you know what I found at the great Ozzy’s in Waverly. I purchased two 6-packs that looked like good beer to try, as well as two bottles of Young’s Double Chocolate Stout (this was the awesome beer from The Pub, at Polaris) to drink later at home and make a post, and possibly an article for Alternative Revolt Magazine. Again, the major head cold is keeping from going into detail on these beers but I will.
I plan to get to know the owner and the folks working there (the ladies I talked to were very friendly and eager to help out). Maybe I can share some “behind the scenes” type of posts regarding Ozzy’s. At any rate, I know I will be going back regularly for special flavors to write about and enjoy.
If you find your way driving south of Chillicothe, Ohio on Route 23 be sure to stop at Ozzy’s (318 West Emmitt Ave./ Rte 23, Waverly, Ohio 45690). I bet you’ll find something different to drink.
The Pub, with a pint of Smithwick's - © Michael Warth
Have you ever been to one of those “themed” bars and said, “man this is cool”? The Pub, at the Polaris Fashion Place Mall in Columbus, Ohio is just that kind of place.
Apple Store at Polaris in Columbus, Ohio - © Michael Warth
I was there Saturday while shopping, and needed to hang out for about an hour while I waited on the Apple Store to complete a new purchase with upgrades. To kill the hour, my wife and I decided to grab a bite to eat at “The Pub”.
Just a short walk from the Apple Store, The Pub is a British themed restaurant and bar. The staff is great, the decor is great, and the food and beer is awesome! There is a great selection of beer, both on tap and in bottles. The food is typical British pub fare with a twist, but still quite British.
We started with an appetizer (pretzels and cheese), a white chocolate martini (Lisa), and a pint of Smithwick’s (me), while we waited for our main course (we both opted for the Shepard’s Pie) to arrive.
