I stopped in at High Cotton Brewing Company in Memphis, Tennessee and enjoyed the Scottish Ale. This beer was malty but not too sweet, nor was it too bitter, it was just right! The bartender was really helpful and we chatted quite a bit about the beer scene in Memphis and High Cotton’s beers. I went on to try several others which were also very good, Doppelbock, Mexican Lager, and Czar IPA.
I stopped in at Wiseacre Brewing Company in Memphis, Tennessee. Admiral Benbow Extra Special Strong Bitter was my favorite beer i enjoyed there. Philbert Baltic Porter with Hazelnuts and Gotta Get Up To Get Down Sweet Milk Stout were also delicious. The tap room is very cool inside and outside. Also loved the great swag; picked up a pair of cool brewery socks.
I stopped in at Crosstown Brewing Company in Memphis, Tennessee. Unfortunately, I got there right after the bar had closed. Fortunately, the bartender was able to sell me a four-pack of Tator Doppelbock Lager. Unfortunately, while I was enjoying one in the picnic area the brewery staff informed me that I could not consume take-away beer on premises. Fortunately, I was able to bring the remaining cans to my hotel for later consumption – like now.
I stopped in at Meddlesome Brewing Company in Cordova, Tennessee (near Memphis). I decided to go with the Dirty Dova New England Style Double IPA. This was the bartender’s recommendation. Solid. Strong beer. Great hop taste and aroma. Delightful to drink. Glad I stopped in.
I stopped in at Helio Basin Brewing Company in Phoenix, Arizona. Taco Tuesday. Two tacos and a core beer for $10. Yes! I love Taco Tuesday! Blackberry Blonde is a delicious blonde ale with enough blackberry flavor to distinguish it but its not fruity. The tacos were OUTSTANDING! I went on to sample a few more of their beers – all wonderful. And also enjoyed nachos. The beers and food here are wonderful and if I could pick one place in Phoenix to have a beer and a meal this would be the place. Also is very comfortable. Has a great vibe. And the bartenders were very attentive and helpful. Great experience. I look forward to returning the next time I’m in Phoenix.
My only regret is I didn’t get one of their cool t-shirts.
I stopped in at Helton Brewing Company in Phoenix, Arizona. After scanning the tap list I decided to go with the Scotch Style. I’d call it Scotch Ale. With all of the attention on sours these days and the countless IPAs out there I often like to go with another style to enjoy. This beer did not disappoint! Ths has got to be one of the best Scotch Ales I’ve had. And, after visiting over 600 breweries I’ve had quite a few. I wouldn’t have thought Phoenix would be the place I’d be having such a great Scotch Ale. I think of Phoenix with lighter beers geared toward the hot weather. I love being surprised. And I fully enjoyed this beer!
I stopped in at Guinness Open Gate and Brewery and Barrel House with my son for a beer. This was the first beer with my youngest son since he turned 21 and could order in public. We enjoyed the drive to the Baltimore suburbs near BWI airport. The brewery was quite busy on Saturday afternoon. This was our first visit, having recommendations from close family friends. Although we had not planned in advance and were unable to take a guided tour we did walk through a number of the exhibits self-guided. We enjoyed sharing a burger and a flatbread in the restaurant and each had a flight of beers. There’s nothing like Guinness draft and that was clearly my favorite. Velvety smooth, easy to drink and easy to pair with any food. Having one at the only US Guinness brewery was a delight. Hopefully some day I’ll have one in Ireland.
I stopped in at Brouwerij de Prael in Amsterdam, Netherlands for a beer after a tour of the Keukenhof gardens. The beer was a welcome refreshment after several hours of walking. I enjoyed their Bitterblond a hopped German blonde style that was very crisp and enjoyable. It was also rich and full bodied. A great beer after a chilly afternoon of walking.
Great stop in my trip to Amsterdam, Brouwerij Troost. I stopped in with my wife and enjoyed the Honingblond (honey blonde) and my wife actually enjoyed a few sips with me and said she liked it. That NEVER happens. She doesn’t like beer. I attribute it to the lovely honey sweetness that comes through in the beer. This beer was sweet and strong and a great way to bridge from lunch until dinner. It fueled us for a walk through Vondelpark.
I stopped in at Brouwerij ‘t IJ in Aamsterdam, Netherlands. This is the first brewery I’ve visited in Europe in over 30 years. What a great time walking around Amsterdam. And what a beautiful brewery with a windmill right on the river. The ZATTE tripel was the beer I had to try, being the brewery’s first and flagship beer. It was delicious and renewed my enthusiasm to better appreciate Belgian styles. Sweet and strong.
I Stop For Hops 