Remi Andre

Here I muse about the finer things in life. The kind of things any Better Taster should enjoy.

Those who know me probably already know I enjoy beer. I’m not talking about getting wasted on swill like Bud or whatever, but to sip on a couple of craft brews, and really enjoy the flavor of them.

And over the last year or so it has taken over. (I kind of “blame” this on my Lady Friend’s homebrewed goodness which kickstarted it.) I will not shy away from getting a bomber (22 oz bottle) the price of a six pack anymore. If it’s new or fun or intriguing or awesome, I want to try it.

Hey, it’s a hobby.

And for your convenience here are a few of my favorite beer web sites…

• 97 Bottles: Not the largest beer site by any stretch, but the one that’s most fun, and in some ways, most useful. No snobby reviews, just fun ones, as well as a good selection of recommended beers based on your reviews.
• Beer Advocate: Alongside RateBeer, this is definitely the largest beer site, and the reviews are worth reading. Tons of good info to be found, but a bit too scientific as opposed to fun.
• RateBeer: Gigantic beer database. Kind of like the Wine Spectator for beer.

And a few of my favorite breweries…

• Deschutes: The Bend brewery’s “standard” beers hold a baseline higher than most, be it their Black Butte Porter or Obsidian Stout. It is their “reserve” releases, however, that really hold a class by themselves. Check out a bottle of the limited Abyss or Black Butte XXI — they usually run around $10 a bottle — to experience greatness.
• Nøgne Ø: I like to say they’re the best thing to come out of Norway since me, and I am, of course, correct about that.
• Dogfish Head: The oddest brewery out there. Sometimes their beers are a success, sometimes they fail pretty badly. But when they hit, they hit well. Be prepared to pay a bit more than a standard six-pack price for their 12 ozs and bombers.
• Rogue: Again, they have their hits and misses, but who doesn’t love their Chocolate Stout or Brutal Bitter?

And last but not least, a few locals:

• Northern Lights: Their Crystal Bitter is a staple around town, as it should be. But check out their seasonals too. They’re often awesome.
• Laughing Dog: The excellent Idaho brewery has some good year rounds, like their cream ale, but are increasingly becoming a player in the limited bomber market.
• Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company: They have some misfires, but their Bourbon Stout is awesome. Can be found on (sometimes nitro-) tap at Steam Plant.