Beer Review Wednesday ~ Laughing Skull

Another Wednesday, another beer to review! This is another beer from the South but I picked this one mainly for the label. As I told you before, I love creative names and labels and this beer had both. The bottle cap says "BEER FROM AROUND HERE". {LOVE IT} My boyfriend has tried the Red Brick Brown Ale from Red Brick Brewing Company and he really enjoyed it so I thought I would give the Laughing Skull Amber Ale a try.

I promise to expand outside of my comfort zone in the next couple of reviews. I'm working on locating some tasty beverages in the coming weeks.

Red Brick Brewing Company, Georgia - Laughing Skull Amber Ale

Serving type:  Bottle poured into a pint glass.

Appearance: Pours a light amber color, clear with very little head.

Smell:  The smell isn't very prominent, a faint smell of fruit maybe?

Taste: The first word that comes to mind is boring. It has a malty flavor with a bitter after taste and honestly that's all the taste it has.

Mouthfeel: Light carbonation, light to medium body.

Overall: Yawn. If I had a choice between this and Coors Light, I'd choose Laughing Skull but I'd have to think about it for a second. {note: I don't like Coors Light}. I'm sorely disappointed in this beer but it will not keep me from trying what else Red Brick Brewing Company has to offer.

I bought my Laughing Skull at Hammerknockers package store in Athens. Their website doesn't have a beer locator so if you're searching for this one you can probably e-mail them. http://www.redbrickbrewing.com/

Happy Wednesday!

Beer Review Wednesday ~ Naked Pig

This week I'm keepin' it local and giving an Alabama beer a try. Well, actually a second try. I tasted this beer 2 years ago at the Rocket City Brewfest in Huntsville and I remembered loving it but forgot all about it because I couldn't find it easily. Apparently they've expanded their distribution because I can find it more readily now. (YIPEE!)

Back Forty Beer Co. is out of Gadsden, AL which is about 1 1/2 hour southeast of Huntsville. I instantly was drawn to this beer for 2 reasons: 1) the name {LOVE} and 2) the label {LOVE LOVE}. If I'm looking into a cooler at my local package store and I don't know what I want,  I will pick based on the label. I know, I'm a marketers dream but in my opinion, packaging is kinda a big deal. You know, first impressions and all...

So any who, here we go... hope it's as good as I remember! I apologize for the pictures. Lighting is something I'm working on :)

 Back Forty Beer Company, Alabama - Naked Pig Pale Ale

Serving type:  Bottle poured into a pint glass

Appearance: Golden/orange, clear with decent head but it didn't really stick around for long.

Smell:  Faint smell of hops and citrus/lemon. The smell isn't very prominent.

Taste: Bitter hops taste with citrus flavor. It's very refreshing but it tastes more like an IPA (not that I'm complaining...YUM!)

Mouthfeel: Medium carbonation, light to medium body.

Overall: This is a very refreshing beer, great for summer. I seem to be picking a lot of those lately (I guess I'm just not ready for a chocolate stout this time of year). This beer did taste more like an IPA to me but since I LOVE IPA's it's not a big deal. Overall, not too bad for a new(er) local brew. Thumbs up Back Forty!

I bought my Naked Pig at Hammerknockers package store in Athens but here's where you can get one in your neck of the woods. http://www.backfortybeer.com

What's your favorite "local" brew?

Happy Wednesday!

BACON!!! (kinda)

My health conscious and food curious friend, Miranda, just introduced me to the most contradictory food product I've ever heard of. Veggie Bacon. Yup, Veggie. Bacon.

pic via morningstarfarms.com

Morning Star Farms, the same peeps that brought you the Veggie Burger, have now brought you Veggie Bacon. Hmmm... I just don't know what to think. If it tastes and looks like bacon, why not just eat BACON? Sure it's fatty and not good for you in large portions but neither are a lot of things. If you have a huge aversion to eating real meat then why eat colored soy beans, pressed into the shape of meat that tastes like meat? Just stick to your veggies, right?!

So I tried it the other day and it tasted pretty decent. It actually tastes a lot like turkey bacon. It's not something I would rush to the store to buy but again if you have an aversion to real meat, this bacon is for you.

If you visit the Morning Star Farms website (click here) there's a $1 off coupon. Let me know what you think about "impostor" bacon.

Happy Monday!

11 more Saturdays without College Football!

I am so ready for some College Football! I know...I'm wishing away the summer but I am really looking forward to cooler weather, tailgating, cheering on the Tide and keeping up with all the College Football drama! {It's almost as good as Grey's Anatomy!}

Actually the drama has already started...Ohio State player Terrelle Pryor getting in trouble of trading tattoos for autographs and then leaving Ohio State, the resignation of Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, Spurrier (my favorite drama queen) wanting to pay players out of his own pocket, Stephen Garcia being suspended for the 100th time and the list goes on and on.

Probably some of my best memories revolve around College Football. Reconnecting with friends at a football game while tailgating or gathering at some one's house to watch the game, either way I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday.

So the countdown begins. What's your favorite thing about College Football?

Happy Friday!

Beer Review Wednesday ~ Purple Haze

Oh Abita...how I love thee! If I knew it wouldn't bore the pants off everyone I would review Abita Beers EVERY Wednesday! But I know that it might get monotonous so I will just sprinkle my reviews with Abita occasionally.

This week's beer comes from the "make your own " six pack I got at Kroger last week. Purple Haze is a beer I've always wanted to try but I didn't want to buy a whole six pack. I ADORE Raspberries so let's take this beer for a test drive.

Abita Brewing Company, Louisiana - Purple Haze

Serving type:  Bottle poured into a pint glass

Appearance: Dark Orange with Red/Pink tint, I'm taking that comes from the raspberries. Small head.

Smell: There's a slight sweet smell but this beer doesn't have the overwhelming "beer" smell that I'm used to.

Taste: Light and refreshing. Definitely a raspberry flavor but not overwhelming. There's not a lot of wheat taste to this beer.

Mouthfeel: Very carbonated, light body.

Overall: This is a refreshing light beer great for summer. Raspberries are my favorite fruit so I'm partial to the flavor but it might not be for everyone. This would be a great beer for those newbies out there wanting to give beer a try. Overall, I'm glad I gave this one a try. Another thumbs up for Abita!

I bought my Purple Haze at Kroger on Oakwood in Huntsville but here's where you can get one in your neck of the woods. http://www.abita.com/

What's your favorite flavored beer? I'd love to hear your comments!

Happy Wednesday!

Beer and Bacon Pancakes!

Yup, you read that correctly. Beer and Bacon Pancakes! I stumbled across this recipe thanks to my Mom. The second I laid my eyes on this amazing combination I could not wait to give it a try and I am happy to say it did not disappoint.

The recipe came from the Betty Crocker website and on their site they are called MANcakes. So if you read this blog you've come to realize that beer, bacon and football aren't just for men! So in that case I'll just called them what they are...PANCAKES!

There's a great how-to video on the Betty Crocker website that shows the whole process but honestly it's super easy, especially with the Bisquick mix.

First things first, the Bacon! This is probably what takes the longest but for me it makes the pancakes. Take about 8 or so strips of bacon, place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with brown sugar. I know, it's {DELICIOUS!} The bacon cooks for a total of about 30 minutes and it brings the most amazing aroma to the kitchen! What a great way to wake up in the morning.

Next you mix together the Bisquick mix, 2 eggs and a cup of your favorite beer. I used a light beer because it's what I had on hand but I think a lager like Yuengling or Abita Amber would be super yummy!

Then crumble up the candied bacon and add it to your pancake mix.

Then make your pancakes!

It's just that simple! Aaahhh...beer and bacon heaven!

Happy Monday!

Beer Review Wednesday - Noble Pils

I LOVE a good Pilsner. It reminds me of Germany. I can just imagine myself drinking out of a Pilsner glass with the little paper wrap on the stem of the glass, sitting in a Biergarten with some Deutscher Volksmusik playing in the background. Aaahh...PARADISE!

I hope this Pilsner doesn't disappoint.

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams), Massachusetts- Noble Pils

Serving type:  Bottle poured into a pint glass

Appearance: Golden, bright and clear when poured, good head. This beer looks like a perfect Pilsner when poured, so excited to try it!

Smell: Sweet, citrus and hops. It smells good, so ready to taste this beer!

Taste: YUM! Smooth, light body. Very refreshing.

Mouthfeel: Good carbonation with a little bit of an after taste.

Overall: GREAT beer, perfect for summer. It's amazing how food and drink can bring up some great memories. This one is definitely worth a try especially if a lighter beer is your thing.



I bought this beer at the Kroger on Oakwood in Huntsville. They have a "build your own six pack" section that is pretty good for a grocery store. Here's where you can get this beer near you http://www.samueladams.com/find-a-sam.aspx?zip=35801&x=0&y=0

Beer Review Wednesday ~ Pranqster

The BP gas station by my house has a really great beer selection. I picked up a couple of beers to review and honestly, I just pick purely on looks (I know...I'm shallow but I LOVE cool looking labels).  The label on this beer caught my eye because all these guys look like they're having a good time. Hope I look this happy after I give this beer a try.

North Coast Brewing Company, California - Pranqster Belgian Style Golden Ale

Serving type:  Bottle poured into a pint glass

Appearance: Dark amber/orange color, very cloudy when poured, small head. I really am not a fan of cloudy beer so I'm already a little apprehensive.

Smell: Sweet, yeasty, spicy and a little citrusy. It smells good, maybe a little to spicy but I'm up for it.

Taste: Bitter, orange, spicy. I'm not overly loving this beer.

Mouthfeel: Good carbonation, bitter after taste, creamy, medium body. Nope still not excited about it.

Overall: This type beer is not for me. It's a little too bitter and spicy for me. It might be good served with something sweet like Mango glazed fish. I definitely would only have one with dinner.

Pranqster has all the qualities of a great beer but for me it's just a matter of preference. This beer has definitely been rated pretty highly. Try it out for yourself.

I bought this beer at the BP in Five Points in Huntsville. Here's where you can get this beer near you. http://www.northcoastbrewing.com/

Happy Wednesday!