I promised a kindler, gentler Playpen today, so check out this news. (h/t Ben)
In 2014 Creature Comforts Brewing Company poured its first pint out of a converted warehouse in downtown Athens, Georgia. The craft beer scene was already dense at the time but the upstart found separation by focusing on a set of quality-driven, true-to-style flagships. It was a recipe for success fervently embraced by the local community. And so it grew—substantially. Over the six years since, sales have skyrocketed some 2675%. That’s enough to distinguish it as one of the fastest-growing breweries in the US. To satisfy swelling demand, Creature Comforts today announces its first ever expansion: the opening of a taproom and production facility in Downtown Los Angeles, expected by summer of 2021. Here’s an exclusive look at how it all came together.
“We grew a love for the city through visiting multiple times for collaborations with local breweries, festivals, and conferences,” recalls CEO and co-owner Chris Herron. “After running some statistical models for potential new markets we were thrilled when LA emerged at the top of that list.”
Way to go, guys. I’m sure you’ll convert plenty of West Coasters to your product.
So, let’s talk about beer today. What have you tried lately that’s tickled your fancy? If you’re in the Atlanta area and you enjoy Belgian-styled beers, let me recommend Bold Monk Brewing Co. I really like their Tripel and White Oak White, in particular. (If you’re really into recreating the Belgian dining experience, they partner well with mussels and frites.)
Anyways, share in the comments. Bottoms up!
Get The Picture 
Nice. Most breweries expand regionally, not across the country, so that’s kind of cool. I’ve turned a lot of people on to their beer, so I wish them the best.
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Opening breweries should be no problem in 2020. Those that drink, drank more. Those that didn’t, started. A beer connoisseur I’m not, so I don’t have much to add as far as recommendations, but here’s to a better second half of 2020. Cheers!
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How ’bout THEM Dawgs! Way to go CCBC.
Since you asked, Senator ….
Since it’s summer and hot as a four-balled tomcat out, afternoon boat rides call for something bright and citrusy. I like Red Hare’s 50/50.
Tropicalia is always a hit.
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I remember my first hit of Tropicalia. August 30, 2014 at the Savannah Beerfest since I couldn’t be in Clemson that day. It was the perfect pre-game beverage. Spent the next two years trying to find it in coastal GA. My first time with 50/50 was September 24, 2016 in Oxford pre-gaming that miserable ass-whoopin’ in the 10,000 degree heat. My tailgate buddy’s daughter brought two cases from ATL with her. That beer went down a hell of a lot smoother than our defensive backfield play that day.
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Atlanta boat show, 2018.
We were sharing $6 Red Hares and free koozies…
Mrs. Cowdog pointed and said “I like that one.”
Now I am a pontoon boat captain.
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I wonder when the So Cal Bulldogs will be having game watching parties at the brewery. I wonder if Creature Comforts West will become the American Whiskey of LA.
The Endgame product placement is awesome. I look for it anytime we watch the movie.
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If it’s good enough for Thor, it’s good enough for me!
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For IPA, Modus Hoperendi by Ska Brewing is far and away my favorite.
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It really irked me when Snow Tire just up and sold the joint. I bought hides there for 20+ years and there was not so much as a “so-long” and my warranties went poof! Plus I don’t drink so there!
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On the other hand I worked with one of the main dude’s dad and they are great folks there!
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Good morning, Sunshine. 😉
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Sorry, at least I said something nice! Waking up at 3:30 and not being able to get back to sleep didn’t help!
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Man I love beer but have resigned myself to light beer. Those heavy IPAs are delicious but feel like I put on a couple pounds for each one I drink
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Modelo does it for me
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Modelo Light… (you mean)?
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Somebody once told me that drinking a craft beer was the caloric equivalent of eating a ham sandwich or a hot dog. That’s certainly stuck in my head and serves as a hand brake on my drinking too much delicious beer.
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Not much of a drinker anymore, but Bold Monk has phenomenal food and ambiance.
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Craft beer is a hobby of mine and I love visiting breweries. Was excited to try Bold Monk when I saw it opened as I love Belgains and finally got to go a couple months ago. I was blown away! One of the best breweries I’ve even been to in Georgia. They did an amazing job with COVID precautions, the facility was beautiful, and the bartenter was very helpful and knowledgeable.
I didn’t eat, but the food looked amazing. As it was Sunday, they had a “breakfast cereal flight” which was milk soaked overnight in different sweet cereals, strained and then mixed with different liquors. Wow. Will definitely be going back.
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I was in the Carolinas over the holidays and tried Westbrook Brewing’s Gose for the first time. DAMN: sour and salty and still nuanced. Can’t get that stuff where I live or I’d have already had the rest of their lineup. https://westbrookbrewing.com/beer/gose/
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Westbrook single handedly brought that style to the US brewing scene and now it’s a HUGELY popular. Pretty amazing.
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Most goses (correct?) I’ve had haven’t been remotely close to the Westbrook interpretation. I didn’t really make much of it until trying theirs, honestly.
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Standard Deluxe by Wild Heaven Beer. Avondale Estates, GA
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I don’t drink beer, but have lots of friends who love some of the local brews. If you ever have a chance, try some of these that are brewed locally (within an hour of where I live in Maryland):
Burley Oak
http://burleyoak.com
Evolution Craft Brewery
https://www.evolutioncraftbrewing.com
Dogfish Head (recently purchased by Sam Adams)
https://www.dogfish.com/
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Didn’t know Dogfish Head had been sold. At least Sam Adams owns them and not one of mega brewery companies. They have been a favorite.
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Yeah Sam Adams acquired about a year ago, I think. I know some folks who work at DFH. They are liking being part of the Sam Adams family so far — say they’ve been given a long leash to keep doing what they’ve been doing — and to keep innovating. That’s good to hear.
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I’ve been drinking Wicked Weed Pernicious by the case lately. CostCo has carried it locally in ATL for a while. You can’t go wrong with that one.
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Love their beer. Not sure why they would choose L.A. since people are fleeing California in droves. Anyway, I homebrew. It is a very rewarding hobby that is fairly cheap to get in to. Most people think that IPA’s, or Browns, or Imperials are the hardest to brew. They are not. The heavy hops or heavily toasted malt hides your mistakes with the mash or the yeast A true sign that a microbrew has a brewmaster who knows what the hell he is doing is a great Czech style pilsner.
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Yeah, nobody wants to live in California anymore. Too crowded.
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Viva la Pilsner Urquell…!
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Heavy BEER and the Summer don’t mix with me…y’all enjoy…I’ll stick to lawnmower BEER.
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Give me a cold Bud or Shiner any day…..but Line Creek Brewery does have some fine IPA’s.
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I really like Shiner.
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“A true sign that a microbrew has a brewmaster who knows what the hell he is doing is a great Czech style pilsner.” True!
Which Creatures certainly does with Bibo.
Nothing is funnier than telling the kids that work there, I once got a set of tires there.
The guys at Creature Comforts did a great thing for breweries in Georgia by getting a lot of regulations dropped, going above and beyond philanthropically with Get Comfortable, and they straight up took care of their employees during the Shelter in Place Order/no breweries open phase of the COVID crisis. I also liked their model of hiring local artists for creating lables and their support of local(ish) farms for ingredients.
I know one of the original brewers came from California so maybe “Mama called” but to the point above, building in LA might be more costly and challenging than one would like. Especially since they seem really suited for a “College Town” model/vibe.
Since I get to live in Athens, I’m not sure how well they distribute but Akademia out by the mall serves food has parking and uses smaller brew tanks so they get a good turnover of different beers and they’re pretty good. Give them a try your next visit to Athens (in 2023, lol). Another fun spot in Athens is Normaltown Brewing of Oneta (and they let you bring in tacos from Talac) it’s run by a couple “Men of a Certain Age” that love the Dawgs. Any brewery that has a picture of Sony winning the Rose Bowl when you walk in, is okay with me.
As for best beer – – find one you like at your local brewery and brag about it. If you like it is there really a wrong answer. Remember, many craft breweries are passion projects and a great environment for their workers to learn the trade and work their way up in the industry.
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Those are good. Don’t forget Southern Brewing either – might be my favorite in Athens.
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We are truly blessed with good suds in Athens.
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Favorites are Jekyll’s Hop Dang Diggity, Sweetwater 420, and Cigar City Jai Alai. CC’s Tropicalia is good too. Getting uncomfortably fat during covid telework so I’ve switched to Terrapin Recreation Session IPA.
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Cigar City’s Florida Cracker lager is my fave. Also like Creature Comforts Bibo pilsner, someone mentioned that above.
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Monday Night Brewing’s Hop Hut Series is sensational. I’m hawking their brewery only sales and loading up whenever it hits. What’s Golden one of their three releases from last week is absolute fire. Friend me on untappd if y’all are out there. Stannis Beeratheon / markcastleberry
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Monday Night is the best brewery in Georgia, in my opinion.
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They’re my current #1, too. Top tier for me is MNB, Variant, Wild Leap, and Cherry Street. I didn’t even mention the MNB: Tears of My Enemies limited Barrel Aged Release. 2019 Scotch Barrel Aged was my favorite beer I’ve had in the last couple of years. Snapped up all three 2020 variants the day they dropped. My beer snobbery came on strong with this topic from the Senator. Definitely agree there’s no wrong answers, but some folks clearly need to venture outside their grocery stores and hit up their local bottle shop. C’mon peeps – broaden those horizons!!!
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I’d say Pretoria Fields in Albany
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I had a really good beer from them not too long ago. Definitely want to check them out whenever I end up down there.
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I mentioned how much I liked their stout in this post.
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I don’t understand and can’t stand America micro breweries who seemingly have this competition to create the most bitter, hoppy beers known to man. You know, real actual British IPA’s are not nearly as gross and bitter as the ones made here in America. Chalk that up to one of the few things the Brits do better than us, I guess.
I don’t know what it is, perhaps my sense of bitter is more sensitive than most, but I hate American IPAs, and that is the majority of what’s being made.
I enjoy pretty much anything else. Lagers. Hefeweizen and Witbier. Sours. Porters and Stouts. Man, I love a good Stout, especially a Milk Stout with chocolate or coffee notes.
Gate City Brewery in Roswell has a good Milk Stout.
From the stuff you can buy at Publix, Lazy Magnolia out of Mississippi makes a brown ale called Southern Pecan that’s a much better version of Newcastle.
I won’t buy the macro brews anymore, and really, am not that big a drinker anymore so if they’re all that’s there, I’ll go without.
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Ahh, a kindred soul, lover of the malty beers. They are, as mentioned in another comment, a bit too heavy for the summer. That being said, come fall and cooler weather Southern Pecan is a good choice. Abita’s Turbodog is an excellent beer. Mellow Mushroom downtown used to keep it on draft.
Newcastle is much better since they quit using the clear bottles (UV is what makes beer taste funky/skunky, I think) and I am a fan of Shiner Bock as well.
Creature Comforts Kiko Buno has a coconut vibe and should not be missed if you can find it. Jekyll’s Erin Go Braugh is good too.
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Yeah, that’s why I love Hefeweizen and Witbier for the summer.
I didn’t know Newcastle stopped using clear bottles. That should make for a huge improvement (and you’re right, it’s light that skunks beer… brown bottles, not green, are best).
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I’ve had the opposite feeling about Newcastle, in that it always tastes skunked to me now that Heineken owns it. used to be my favorite beer. Now I hardly drink it. When I moved to Athens for grad school, the Mellow Mushroom had it on tap for $8 a pitcher. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.
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You know, that often happens. It happened to Rolling Rock when A-B bought it. They closed down the Latrobe, PA brewery and ruined what as a great, regional beer sold across the country.
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Tell me about it —- I’m in Latrobe’s backyard. I’d never EVER buy the stuff now. In fact the bizarre irony is that Iron City used to be brewed hard upon the Allegheny R. in Pittsburgh and is now produced in Latrobe.
Hefeweizen? If you’ve never tried it, find Weihenstephaner. It is the best wheat beer I’ve had and the brewery has been chugging along since 1040…
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I drank so much Rolling Rock back in college. A good beer for a good price back then. I had a friend from early in college that was from Latrobe, and from him I learned that a) Rolling Rock was brewed there, and b) Arnold Palmer was from there.
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A case of RR ponies was the perfect road trip companion.
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RR was the first beer I ever snuck out of the fridge to share with my group of friends when we were 13. It really was a smooth-drinking beer. Then when A-B bought it, it became swill. It really is a shame.
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… and The Arnie Palmer Airport persists still.
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The same thing happened to Bass when it moved to some brewery in NY state…
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Actually, the trend has been to move away from bitter IPAs to “hazy” juice bombs. It’s getting harder and harder to find an old-school “West coast” style bitter one
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Well, if I’m gonna drink an IPA, which isn’t often, I’ll drink a British one. I’m done with American IPAs. They ruined it.
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Aww, man! Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
First and best real IPA I ever drank was a New Belgium “Ranger”. I picked up a sixer on a whim and stuck it in the cooler. I was working at the farm (Hottest place on the face of the earth this time of year) about this time of year and that hoppy, fruity goodness was just the ticket.
In fact, I think my dove field needs a little attention. I’ll catch up with y’all later this afternoon…
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I’m the guy that happily drinks ultra while riding around on the tractor and doing yard work/washing cars, etc…its too hot for “real beer” in the summer for me.
The one “real beer” I do treat myself too is any German Weiss that has grapefruit juice in it. Man, best hot weather beer I have discovered.
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Cosign on the Southern Pecan and the general antipathy towards the ultra-hoppy IPAs. I prefer ambers, browns, lagers, and wheats myself. We’ve a ton of good breweries here in Indy, with Books & Brews being my favorite. Also quite partial to Emergency Drinking Beer from back in Georgia, IIRC.
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Agree with all of this, except I’ll switch Emergency Drinking Beer for a Kolsch. Oconee Brewing in Greensboro has an outstanding Kolsch.
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UpCountry Brewing in Asheville (founded by Terrapin’s John Cochran) has a stellar hazy called the Isoprene. The Highland Daycation Ale is always a good stand-by too.
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I like ’em all. Love to go to breweries. One of the many reasons I like to go to Athens. I like to eat at Akademia.
In Southwest Georgia, we are getting more and more.
Pretoria Fields in Albany makes good beer and a wide variety of trial beers, along with some staples. Much of its beers are made with local farm ingredients made at Pretoria Farms.
Omaha Brewery in Omaha (if you wonder where that is you’re not alone–absolutely in the middle of nowhere) also has good beer.
By the way, I am an occasional poster. I can’t seem to make this WordPress accept a posting name other than my real name. They have my email and name, but I can’t figure out how to make it let me have a posting name. I would prefer to have a posting name. Any instructions would be appreciated.
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When you click to reply what does the site show you?
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It shows my name and says I am commenting using my WordPress account. I can’t figure out how to change that account. All i ever did was put my email in when i first tried. I think it got my name from Google or gmail?
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The easiest thing to do is simply go to WordPress.com and sign in there, so you’re browser will remember the cookie.
Then come here, refresh the page, and you should see your WordPress icon in the top right corner of the page. It means you’ll be signed-on for as long as you keep your browser open / don’t erase your browser history.
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What Corch said.
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Thanks for help.
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Everybody loves Tropicalia, Athena, and, to a lesser degree, Bibo, but I’m more of an Amber Ale guy and I like Creature’s Reclaimed Rye.
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Yes! I love ambers! Reclaimed Rye is the only one of the original four Creature beers that I really like. Athena is pretty good though.
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Tropicalia is still the best IPA. I go and try all these others and end up asking myself why I bothered?
The “Hazy” IPA trend can go die in a fire now, too. Thanks.
CC is doing a series of pilsners with different hops called “Everything Is…” and they’ve been good to a can. Is that the best beer I’ve had this summer? Probably. The Galaxy hops were outstanding.
I also enjoyed some “Satisfied” lagers from Piedmont Brewing in downtown Macon. Their stuff is better on draft, but as far as Macon goes it’s a good deal. The cans are way to expensive, but I was going for novelty.
I rediscovered Icehouse. It’s cheap. Cold, it’s just fine after day drinking the better stuff.
Best summer malted beverages are the Stiegel Radlers (I like the lemon best). Super low ABV, so if you need a kick just add a shot of vodka. Pricey AF.
This recipe has been a household favorite, too. Along with good friends Gin & Tonic and Margarita.
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My daughter makes ends meet tending bar at a local watering hole.Her Mother and I go have a drink and visit once a week or so. Her signature is a Whiskey Sour, which she makes for me with muddled fruit and a sizable portion of Makers Mark, and I reward her with a large tip because she’s very stubborn and independent and won’t let me pay for anything.
Thanks for reminding me it’s time to go see her again. 🙂
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Good man. Icehouse? I drank that swill when I was in my early 20’s and it always gave me a killer hangover.
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Meant to say Good God Man!!! Lol
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I kinda knew something like this would happen with Creature Comforts after Thor was drinking Tropicalia in Avengers: Endgame.
Seriously, who is moving TO Los Angeles right now? It’s like a third world country. I can only imagine this has everything to do with getting their beer into more movies and television shows, but I can’t even see how that would be worth it.
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I forgot to add, if you’re in Athens then you should be following Terrapin on Insta. They’ve had more than a few weekends the last 6 months where you can order $6 six packs or $1/can 6/12 packs. I’ve had a fair amount of Los Bravos, Golden Ale, and RecAle (which they altered and made less good, BTW). You have to pick up at the brewery and there are some limits, but they’ve also had Moo-Hoo and some of their one-offs available on the cheap, too. Those were my beach beers this year and I saved a bundle.
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Terrapin’s Los Bravos Mexican lager is outstanding and sold in tall boys too
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Trop is a pretty standard offering at my house.
I love the drive through now and will basically buy any IPA or pale ale they have. Automatic is great as a pale ale.
Glad that those guys are having great success.
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My best summer beer was from Cigar City (who make the IPA Jai Alai, which I love). It was Wedge Cut, a wheat. So drinkable and refreshing out in the heat. We have become awash with Charlotte and Asheville beers here in NC that it has become so difficult to differentiate all these breweries.
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Macon has a new brewery, Fall Line Brewing Co, that has some outstanding beers. My favorite is the Daily Rind, or the Please Wait Here. I have found myself starting to prefer lagers here lately as well. Like Classic City Lager, Fall Line Lager, Sweet Water Guide Beer, Stone Buenaveza, Terripan Los Bravos.
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Not sure how available it is outside northeast but Mysterious Haze by Smuttynose brewing is very tasty.
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Wild Leap brewery in Lagrange is turning out some great beers. They are only a few years old and are just starting to expand their distribution. I could not get them in Middle GA until recently and had to bring it down when visiting Atlanta.
I love their Chance IPA and the Truck Chaser series has some great Double IPAs inspired by Ice Cream truck offerings. I was hesitant at first with those but the Orange Creamsicle and Lemon Ice releases were excellent. They also make a vodka but I have not had it.
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Good call on Wild Leap – you must get their Alpha Abstraction special releases.
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Yes! Love the Alpha Abstraction series.
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I’ve been wanting to make a road trip to LaGrange just to visit Wild Leap. I think they were voted best new brewery in the country in 2018
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Correct – worth a stop. Been twice. You’re wasting gas if you go to Auburn without stopping. Cool setup near the town square. Almost always a food truck.
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I don’t know about y’all, but this thread is making me thirsty.
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It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
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Lone Star
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Iron City
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I know this is a beer thread… but man, I’m just not much of a drinker anymore. I do like a Hef or Lager on a hot day, but that might be the only beer I drink in the entire month. I do almost my entire year’s worth of drinking in the fall at Georgia tailgates. Even if I can’t get into a game this year, I still plan on visiting Athens even if it’s just to sit in a bar during the game and drink a nice Stout.
Anyways… as passionate as some people are about great beer, I feel that way about great coffee. When I was in school I had a chance to work for Jittery Joes, and I just can’t drink bad coffee anymore. I use the best beans. I have an expensive coffee maker and a good burr grinder. I use an opaque vacuum-sealed canister for my beans and I only grind when I’m ready to brew. I take my coffee seriously. And I drink it black because I like to taste the differences in all the different kinds of coffee I love. Brazilian Peaberry. Ethiopian Durame. Columbian Excelso. Even the blends that Jittery Joes makes are fantastic. Mama’s Boy is particularly amazing. It’s my everyday go-to.
Do any of y’all take something else like beer or coffee seriously? Like, you have a Big Green Egg and make everything, including artisan pizza on it? Or you only grill with propane and propane accessories? Or you like fixing up old cars? You you have a HAM Radio or CB? Or do you collect comics or vintage vinyl records (that’s also something I do… love my vinyl collection).
What do y’all love to do? I love a couple of great cups of coffee a day and listening to albums from my vinyl collection.
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I love to grill/smoke. I have 3 grills and looking to buy a 4th. On Saturdays in the fall I’m usually using all 3 at the same time cooking everything on the grill, smoker or Holland gas grill.
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Do you use the gas grill for certain things and not others? Like, chicken on gas because it’s easier to temperature control, that kind of thing?
I’m not the biggest fan of charcoal just because it’s a pain in the ass. Although I’ll take the time to get a cup of coffee perfectly right, I just don’t like messing around with charcoal. Maybe it’s all the episodes of King of the Hill, but I do prefer the ease of use with propane or natural gas. I’ve become pretty good at using gas to smoke, too. If I can ever save up enough money, my plan is to buy a pellet smoker like a Traeger. I get how some people are in it for there artistry. I’m just in it for the meat. Hah!
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Go see Charlie Mustard at Jittery Joe’s Roastery. He’s way into the bean and his wife’s maiden name is. . . .wait for it. . . . Pickles!
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9673597,-83.386226,3a,75y,273.62h,88.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJcgu1qprjYtCMqKJu14htA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
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I’ve met Charlie a couple of times when I worked for JJ’s when I was in school. It’s been awhile, though. A master roaster, for sure.
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Oh cool! He’s a grandpa now! I remember being in the 5 points store when an officer in his whites came in and the girl said “I love a soldier in uniform”! This is my little guy Raven on the bench out front. He’s been gone for 14 years but he was a DGD! https://live.staticflickr.com/5081/5324226543_29cb69f948_b.jpg
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Aww, cute cocker spaniel!
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The one I have now is the same but littler so her name il Lil Bit. We adopted her when someone dumped her and, for some reason, she has no tear glands. I have sat her on my lap 3 times a day for 12 years and applied 7 different meds. He eye vet (she has a GP, cardiologist and ophthalmologist, says hardly anyone ever takes care of their doggies eyes like we do. My other dog is 16 and limping along. We found him at Big City all those years ago. My wife started the Boolebark Doggie Parade (raises $7000 for pet rescue) and here they are on the cover of the Flagpole a few years back.
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My parents grew up in the Chicago area, and up there, its Weber country. I grew up on charcoal grilling and happily have been a Weber guy all my life. The new grills are insanely easy to light and the new options with different grates/surfaces allow easy variety of cooking styles.
I also have a 36” brookstone griddle on the back porch which I learned over the last couple years. I dont know how I ever lived without it now.
My back porch has the Weber grill, Weber smoker, griddle, and a small deep fryer. Most days, especially this year, I’m out there cooking in the evening and I really enjoy it. I haven’t taken my family out for dinner at all since March and it has been a very nice experience, figuring out how to make “chick fil a” at home was really fun.
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The Blackstone griddle is my next purchase.
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I bought one of the Q5 Weber gas grills 10 years ago and, besides replacing the iron grates, it just keeps humming and I use it all the time. And yes, my first Weber was in Urbana long before Bruce came to town and the kids would come to basketball games with Chef’s outfits!
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I use the Holland gas for things like fries, onion rings, baked beans or reheating something. It cooks like an outdoor oven. I have done boston butts on it but I prefer my smoker for that. I use the charcoal grills/smokers for almost all the meats I cook. Love the smell of wood smoke
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Corch, I recommend Rec Tec for a pellet smoker. Charcoal is my preference for two reasons. Taste is number one but getting to play with fire is a close second. I’m learning to wood fire pizza. Getting a grill up to 800+ degrees is fun. Cooking a pizza in 4 to 5 minutes is a blast too.
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I’ll take a look at Rec Tec. I love smoked meats, and even though I’m getting better smoking on a natural gas grill, I know it’s not the same thing.
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Coffee, yes! I prefer Guatemalan beans (the roaster matters a lot), but will try any. Burr grinder, keep my beans in the fridge, try to use 2 weeks from roasting (per a roaster friend). I use pour over during the week and a press on the weekends. I’d use the press every day but for LDL concerns. I drink from a Yeti mug because it stays hot for an hour or more. I love the ritual of preparation, the smell of the grinder and the first whiff of the cup. This is the foreplay to the sex of consuming the luscious liquid. I really like coffee.
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I haven’t used a French Press in years once I found out the oils on the darker-roasted beans that doesn’t get filtered-out in a French Press are not only what’s making it taste more bitter, but this oil is carcinogenic as well.
I have a drip coffee maker that approximates a pour-over with a cone filter basket and a pre-brew setting that wets the grinds and allows them to bloom for 30 seconds before starting the brew cycle. It’s a Bonavita with a glass carafe, and even though it uses European measurements (5-oz is a “cup” of coffee) and only makes 4 “American” 10-oz cups, I love it more than almost anything else I own.
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Does the Fridgidaire method make an apparent difference to the eventual coffee? Or does it provide mostly a preservative effect?
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I guess it depends on how long it takes to go through a bag/can of coffee. I drink 2-3 cups per day, so I get 7-10 days out of a bag/can.
I do remember someone asked Charlie that question when we did our “new barista” visit to the roaster, and his answer was something like, “Are you putting our beans in the cooler? No? There’s your answer.” We were always told to store the beans in a cool, dark place. So, you know, a pantry or cabinet is fine.
I use a canister that squeezes out the air to keep the beans fresh. The biggest thing though is never grind until you’re ready to brew. And when you do grind, you have about 5-10 minutes to start brewing before taste can be affected.
If you get one, get an opaque one. Like with beer, light can affect freshness. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IWURWVU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Word… and coffee cheers!
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I have a Breville that allows the grounds to bloom. I do use a burr grinder and I love some Guatemalan coffee. When we visited years ago I came home with an entire suitcase full of coffee. At the time it was $2.00 a pound. There were three different security checks at the airport, all manned by armed solders in uniform. Every time they opened up my suitcase full of coffee they just laughed and slammed it shut.
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So off topic also. I just put a new mini-starter in my 66 chevy truck with a 350. It works but is screeching like mad which tells me it needs to be adjusted with the shims. There are all kinds of YouTubes about measuring the gear and flywheel but I can’t see the damn thing. I have the original bell housing and the old starter bolted through it. Any tips?
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Patience and callused knuckles help.
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Yea, I’m pretty beat up just wheeling under the truck a dozen times. If I could see the damn thing I think I could get it! The old starter I took out is cast iron and must weigh 40 lbs. The new one is 12 lbs but I’m still struggling to hold it up and set the bolts.
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Some sort of pulley contraption that you can hang above the engine that you can adjust from underneath the truck would help a lot.
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66 Chevy starter? 3 bolts 3 wires. What am I missing?
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I am more of a whisky guy myself. Beer just takes too long to achieve the desired result. But has anyone ever stopped to think about …
“why have we stopped at seat belts and moderate speed limits? People still die in car accidents. Shouldn’t the goal be zero fatalities? Why not 15 mph speed limits on the interstates and 5 point seat belts, helmets, and 52 air bags in everything from a riding lawn mower on up?”
Sorry Sen. I couldn’t help myself.
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Everyone knows 70 mph leads to maximum fatalities.
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IKR! It’s such a stupid “argument” to make.
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I see a pattern emerge:
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Onward neo-Marxist soldiers!
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Its not like any experts and public servants get together and make decisions about risk assessments and decide that 30 mph will be the speed limit in some areas and that 70 will be the limit in others. Its just totally random. No cost/benefit analysis at all.
If only someone invented something called NHTSA and it made recommendations based on data and stats.
Id bet one thing that federal agency I just invented would do if it existed would be to decide that it should be completely against the law to drive drunk even if almost every driver at .08 made it home perfectly fine.
Traffic laws are THE perfect covid analogy. I don’t understand why its banned except here. All you need to make sense of it is some paint thinner or airplane glue.
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Cost benefit analysis has no place in public health. Our goal is eliminating the curve!
“If everything we do saves just one life, I’ll be happy.” – Andrew Cuomo
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Why don’t they ban airplanes! Do they not know about gravity? Why don’t they make us stay on the ground? Or only fly like 10ft. off the ground in case there is engine failure.
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Covid is like Shark Week.
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More like Finding Bigfoot.
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Even better!!!
Because they are both hoaxes!
Being asked to play football during a pandemic is just like being asked to wrestle the loch ness monster!
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You seem to be saying that we shouldn’t view extremely low risk activities as apocalyptic. Obviously you’re a grandma murderer.
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Or maybe two.
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It’s oddly reassuring to have regained some of that Playpen punacity amid all the dour brewtalk.
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#pugnacity# Hamburgers
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I barely remember watching the 2017 SECCG because I got Hammered, with a capital H, drinking IPAs before and during the game. Embarrassed myself in front of a group of friends and really pissed off Missus Day. So… I’m a Gose and Berliner Weisse drinker now. Coming in at #5 on our countdown is Cherry Gose by Anderson Valley Brewing. Holding on at #4 is Athena Paradiso (cherry, raspberry, cranberry) by Creature Comforts. At #3 this week is Coco Pina Gose by Coastal Empire Beer Co. in Savannah. Knocking on the door at #2 is Cigar City’s Margarita Gose. And… at the top of the charts right now is Lime of the Party by New Realm. Special mention goes out to Second Self Brewing, please bring back the seasonal Margarita in Gose next spring?
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Good stuff there – you try any of the Imperial Fruited Sours from Brewing Projekt? Based on these picks you’d also like Key Lime from Westbrook
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Castleberry, I have drank the Key Lime from Westbrook. It’s good but, New Realm & Cigar City beat them for my tastes. Never heard of Brewing Projekt, I’m at Lake Blackshear, not sure if distributed in SOWEGA?
Another mention, Southern Brewing out of Athens, the Red & Black! Just found a case of it in Warner Robins last weekend. First found it in Athens back in 2017, another good Berliner Weisse.
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This was similar to my condition at admission to the 2017 seccg:
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Oooh brother, I wwwaaayyy overshot that level of inebriation. Belligerence, “passing out”, dry heaving. Then I rallied and opened another! It was ugly brother. U-G-L-Y.
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I blame auburn.
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That’s too easy —-
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aubrun sucks
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It’s a ripped-to-the-tits faithful reproduction of America’s 2nd funniest book.
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I’m blessed to live within biking distance of several (8+) microbreweries. All of whom now have crowlers/cans available for curbside pick up. I know exactly where my 19 covid pounds have come from.
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No one’s mentioned Kalik, a Bahamian beer, but I’ve never found it north of New Smyrna Beach. Also, nobody’s mentioned Bad Frog, which I discovered a long time ago at a GA-Fla weekend, don’t think they even make it any more but what a cool label.
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I still have a Kalik Tshirt from when I was in Freeport. Yet I never drank any of the stuff…
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Cold beer drinks pretty good, IMO.
Lately – I’ve been on a kick with Terrapin Recreation Ale on the weekends. Pre-COVID, the wife and I really enjoyed going to Glover Park Brewery in the Marietta Square. One of the guys involved with them (either owner or brewmaster) was one of the founding brewmasters at Sweetwater so they make a pretty good mix of beers. Their Base Camp Lager is a nice summer beer, but they do both a nice West Coast Style and Hazy IPA, if that’s your speed. Just before the COVID shutdowns began, we discovered Iron Monger Brewing, which is like an exit up I-75 from the Braves stadium. I really like their “It Goes to 11” IPA. We’ve been pretty diligent about going there to pick up to-go beer to help support a local cause.
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Not sure if you know this, Senator, but one of your law school classmates (’80 right?), J. Tom M_____ opened a brew pub in Franklin, NC called the Lazy Hiker in 2015. It’s a bit our of the way for me, but people I’ve talked to rave about the beer there.
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I did not know that. Interesting.
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Love the beer at the Lazy Hiker!
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I wish Creature Comforts was around when I was at UGA (Terrapin for that matter too). I moved away from Atlanta 10 years ago and suddenly the craft beer scene there exploded. I remember when there was only a small brewery called Sweetwater. If you’re ever in Nashville, hit up Bearded Iris and Southern Grist. Pre-covid, I was usually there each weekend. Also, why does California get Creature Comforts before Tennessee does?
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Semi-related question: Has ACC thought of temporarily making all of downtown an entertainment district with no vehicle traffic and NO OPEN CONTAINER restrictions, in an attempt to allow/encourage outdoor social distancing by creating more space for these bars ? Seems like a great solution. Take the entire party outside.
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After many years in the Navy I’ve been to many countries all around the world and sampled beers from each. I can tell you without hesitation the very best beer I’ve ever had is a cold crisp Budweiser. Beer should not taste like fruit.
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Beer should taste like beer!
Yuengling does a good job of that imho. Ignore the funny name.
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I like to sample beer, but prefer whiskey for regular drinking. Did enjoy the -pack of Mexican Empire Lager by Arches Brewing out of Hapeville that I bought a while back.
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If anybody’s interested, I’m capsulizing some of the highlights on my Munson page. Just added some shortened versions of the highlights of the 1980 Tennessee game. Check the Drives and the Plays headings on the site, I’ll be doing more of this in the next few days.
https://www.munsonvault.com/
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Nice work. Bookmarked.
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If you’re a millennial (or even if you’re not) who has bought into the low carb low sugar trend like I am might I suggest forgoing the Mango White Claws for Scofflaw’s new Seltzer line. First of all, they’re tall boy magnums not these skinny little cans that clank around in your yeti koozie. With 4 extra ounces, less than one additional gram of sugar, and only three additional carbs compared to Claws you still maintain the full 5% ABV and the improvement on flavors is a game changer for me. Plus, they’re pretty much the only seltzer that has a peach flavor which is what everyone should have led with imo. The problem is they’re really hard to find, at least for me (I’m in Macon).
Social Club seltzers are also interesting, they’re made to taste like mixed drinks like old fashioneds. Jury is still out, but they’re 7%.
On the bourbon side I was introduced to Angel’s Envy port finished recently. A 5th runs around $50 so it’s a little pricey, but it’s really smooth with a sweet after taste. 43.3% abv
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When I saw this yesterday, I seriously remarked that this is the best news of the year. Super excited for this in 2021. Sippin’ Tropicalia with my toes in the Pacific will be a welcome endeavor.
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Mexican Empire Later and Five Week Sail Porter from Arches Brewing in Hapeville are good. I also liked Red Feather Ale from Pretoria Fields in Albany.
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My family and I have had a lot of fun going to micro breweries around the country when we have been on vacation. Ft. Collins, CO. and Grand Rapids, MI. have been favorites. A new brewery just opened up in Lawrenceville about a month ago. Iron Shield is one of the best I have been to. They specialize in European style beers. Tucker Brewing also has some very good beers.
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