Carton, 312 & Politics

It's been a while now and a good deal has been consumed for your reading pleasure. I have had a few good things come about. First is the growing love of Carton Brewing in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. It is only 3 miles door-to-door from my home. Their 077XX is an awesome, hoppy, aromatic, malty Double IPA. It is bold and refreshing. They have many other Beers, Ales & Lagers...Boat Beer...delicious. So, if you are at a bar and see a tap that looks like a stack of boxes, try some Carton Brewing. http://cartonbrewing.com/#!/077xx

Next, I have discovered many new brews on tap all over the Highlands, NJ strip. One brew I found particularly tasty, came out of a tap shaped like an old style telephone cradle. From Chicago, 312 Urban Wheat tops my pick for an English style Summer Ale. It is fruity, light & refreshing. Great with the Baked Flounder I had paired it with. http://www.gooseisland.com/pages/312_urban_wheat/16.php

In politics, I am really starting to not care about GOP or Democrats fighting over whose ball it is and that you can’t play with it, I’m going home! [STOMP! STOMP! STOMP!] Maybe it is time we vote for someone like Jon Stewart. Watch some actual news. It is really disheartening that the only news I trust these days is on Comedy Central.

A great summer beer. Flying Fish Farmhouse Summer Ale

Sitting in my one of my favorite watering holes, I asked my local barkeeper for a suggestion of a beverage to go with my Tilapia lunch. He suggested this fresh summer ale; brewed by our friends in Cherry Hill, NJ, Flying Fish. The Flying Fish Farmhouse Summer Ale has a crisp hops/wheat blend. I have to admit, the squeeze of lemon on my fish, really made the wheat stand out in this Ale. Find it, try it, let me know what you think.

Should we Run for Mayor under the ABD Party Flag? It beats TEA!!!

I asked the Bartender, from the bar across the street from me, to run for Mayor of our little town, under the American Beer Drinkers Party. I added, that he should make his new local Tap House, the campaign headquaters. You see, he just took over the bar and needs publicity. I can't think of a better way to get it. The newspapers would eat it up. Twin Light Tap House is located in Highlands, NJ if you are ever in the area. It has: Great food, Nice people, Casual atmosphere and an ever growing selection of beer...my kind of place. http://www.twinlighttaphouse.com/

Comment on this blog: After you go out with friends, describe your beer and any political conversation you may have had.

I was out at Off the Hook in Highlands, NJ with my wife the other day. I decided on a Flying Fish HopFish India Pale Ale from Cherry Hill, NJ. I paired it with Scallop over a fresh garden salad and a hot bacon balsalmic vinegarette. The beer had a citrus hint, probably from the hops. We spoke of the local government and school situation in NJ. We didn't debate because we usually side the same way.

What is your favorite American Beer and why?

There are thousands of breweries in the United States, both micro and major brands. Each having not just one, but many types of brew. Since I am but one man in a quest for the perfect beer; I am going to need help in finding the right one. D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., the oldest brewery in America, makes a Black & Tan that is a fantastic combination of thier Premium Beer and Dark Porter. Samuel Adams has Noble Pils that stands up to any Bohemian Pilsner. I want to know your opinion, your favorite style, brand, how it tastes compared to other beers you've enjoyed. (Include: Where you are from, Name of Beer Brewer, City & State, Type of beer, flavor, what you liked most about it. etc.)

This is a great list to find brewers you may have never heard of: http://www.highwayhome.com/foodanddrink/beer/beercompaniesunitedstates.html

Reference-From lightest to darkest: Pale Lager, German Pilsner, Pilsner Urquell, Weissbier, Bass Pale Ale, Dark Lager, Porter, Stout, Imperial Stout.

I'm tired of political rhetoric

What can I say? Republican vs Democrats; it is getting to be like those 5 year olds on the playground fighting over the ball. The problem is, everyone can tell the other they are wrong, and not offer a solution. If you think something won't work, without testing it, would be like building a plane and not trying to fly. Here is my answer...chill out. Sit down with your friends over a beer and hash it out. Health Care, The War, Budget Cuts, who's pockets are being filled...it can all be resolved at the corner pub. Who is with me?