Lord Have Mercy, the “Whalez Bruh” Are Back!

“Whalez, Bruh” that annoying craft beer phrase that makes me cringe every time I hear it. I’ve joked that the next time I hear it I just may take a hostage, but I’m not sure if I’m joking anymore.

As much as I’d love to blame millennials and hipsters, as I’m relatively certain that it was a hipster that coined the phrase, I’ve heard folks my age(50’s) utter this nonsense.

Used to describe a hard to find and/or special release beer, typically pricey and usually high in abv and overused by the pretentious, anyone not full of themselves would never say anything so ridiculous.

These cockroach like creatures usually skulk in pairs or packs, huddling at the end of the bar, pretentiously making fun of non craft beer drinkers and anyone they don’t deem as socially relevant as they are.

Fear not my friends, though they are obnoxious and convinced of their own superiority, they are relatively harmless as they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

But, be vigilant, the sole purpose of their existence is to make your drinking experience a miserable one, so you’ll be as miserable as they are on the inside.

     Don’t Fear The Beer!

Yes friends, don’t let these pathetic creatures stop you from enjoying a special beer any way that you like. They’ll insult your glassware, the way you drink, heck maybe even the way you ordered the beer. Fire back if you like, wit isn’t typically their strong suit, but it’s best to just ignore their ignorance as it’s attention that they crave.

Beer, even craft beer was meant to be accessible, ALL CRAFT BEER, so don’t let these chucklenuts convince you otherwise.

As summer turns to fall, they’ll become more brazen and crawl out from the rocks they’ve been hiding under. So don’t be afraid to go out to your favorite pub, taproom or beer store, but beware, they’ll be skulking around every corner just looking for happy beer drinkers to make miserable.

Just remember, they have no power unless you give it to them. So … choose your brew and order with confidence, raise your glass, smile and nod at the “Bruh’s” at the end of the bar with a self assurance sure to make them cower and mutter to themselves.

   I Am The Beer Whisperer

Beervangelist, Prolific Beer Drinker

 Purveyor of Wisdom and …

 All Around Good Guy!

*No Bruh’s were hurt in the writing of this article

Life is serious, beer shouldn’t be!

   HOT AUGUST NIGHTS!

(A nod to Neil Diamond)

   Beers Of Summer!

(A nod to Don Henley)

Okay, of course you can drink any beer, any time of year, the Beer Police  won’t show up and arrest you for drinking a summer beer after Labor Day. However, your beer snob friends may mock you endlessly.

So … Let’s talk about a few styles that just taste better during the summer.

    The Shandy, Radler, Gose, Berliner Weisse 

It took me a little bit to warm up to the Gose and the Berliner Weisse, but I finally got there. The bright citrus and tart finish make both styles ideal for summer drinking. I will admit however that I’ve had couple that made my sphincter pucker!

The Shandy and Radler are similar, the idea being to cut with fruit juice or pop to lower abv for a low alcohol drink that’s smooth and refreshing. For a bit it seemed like Leinenkugels had cornered the market on the Shandy, but we’re seeing a rise in craft breweries doing either a shandy or Radler. Although traditionally they’re under 4% abv, most craft styles hover between 4 and 4.5%.

  Lager, Pilsner, Kolsch and Hefeweizen

Although “Lager” encompasses many beer styles, here I’m referring to the lighter side, a Helles or American style Lager. These styles are crisp, clean and refreshing when done right. The beer you want after a hard days work, or mowing the lawn or … hell, anytime you’re just damn thirsty!

Many American craft breweries have also brought back the classic Pilsner with some doing German or Czech style and a few just improving on or doing a pre-prohibition American style Pilsner.

I personally have been loving the resurgence of the Pilsner, crisp and clean, big bready malts, herbal, spicy hops, they don’t get more refreshing than a perfectly executed Pilsner.

Ah, the Kolsch, that chameleon lager/ale hybrid of a beer. Typically a little more body than most American style lagers, fruity in the middle, but finishing crisp, clean and refreshing in classic lager fashion.

Banana, Clove, cloudy, yeasty, of course I’m describing the Hefeweizen!

The elder sibling to the American craft wheat, bigger and bolder with the aforementioned notes, yet smooth and approachable.

Now of course there are many more styles for summer drinking, the Saison and Grisette, IPA’s by the dozen, the New England or Hazy, West Coast, session etc …

And if I were write about them all we’d be here through winter, so I picked a handful to write about and post a few pictures.

However, remember that no matter the season or what your town beer snob says, always drink what you like.

Drink craft beer with love, drink with passion and drink with appreciation.

 I AM TOM THE BEER WHISPERER

  BEERVANGELIST, PROLIFIC BEER DRINKER

  PURVEYOR Of WISDOM and …

  ALL AROUND GOOD GUY!

             CHEERS!

   Have A Beer And A Smile!

Howdy Doo Buckaroos and how the heck are you?

    I Am The Beer Whisperer

    Beervangelist, Prolific Beer Drinker, Purveyor of Wisdom

And …

         All Around Good Guy! 

Last year at this time, the July feature was, “Have a Beer and a Smile”.

My wife and I were dealing with losing our house, grieving the loss of our son 4 years prior and just trying to find a way to move forward.

The article was about trying to focus on the positive. Bad things happen, you can use it as an excuse to become bitter or as a reason to become better.

As I pondered what subject to do this months feature on, I happened to re-read the article from last year.

I thought about the changes we’ve went through from last year to now and it seemed like the topic should be revisited.

And … That brings us to this year.

The one bedroom apartment that we had moved into was starting to feel a bit small and it was becoming apparent that her mother, who was just shy of 91 at the time, was going to need to move in with us so …

Yeah, you guessed it! We needed a little bigger place, so we found a 2 bed, 2 bath duplex that would work.

So, we moved that cranky old broad, err, I mean, lovely woman in with us.

For the last 2 years I’d been working for a craft brewery in Springdale Ar. Being down there for the week and returning to Springfield Mo most weekends.

After 2 years, being gone so much was getting tough on my wife who has many health issues and I’d worry about leaving her by herself.

I thought I had another job in the industry lined up, so I gave notice and went back to Springfield.

Long story short, the job fell through, but as I was in the process of finding employment, surgery was scheduled to repair a torn meniscus on my knee.

About 3 weeks after that surgery, another was scheduled to repair a hernia that had progressively gotten worse.

So, I ended up having 2 surgeries in a months time. It’s just over a week since the surgery as I write this and I’ve been unemployed longer than planned, but everything seems to be healing well.

Anyway … Once again, it serves no purpose to dwell on the negative, as my dad used to say,”no use looking up a dead horses ass”!.

You can find excuses to be bitter or reasons to be better.

So …. Have a Beer and a Smile, or as the late, great Warren Zevon said, “Enjoy Every Sandwich”!

I say enjoy every beer, from the selection to the pour, to the aroma, to the taste, the whole process. Enjoy every second, savor every moment!

If you get a bad one, move on and pour the next one knowing that it only gets better.

    Once Again, I Am Tom The Beer Whisperer

Beervangelist, Prolific Beer Drinker, Purveyor of Wisdom and …

      All Around Good Guy! Cheers!

CENTER ICE!

Howdy Doo Buckaroos and how the heck are you?

I recently discovered Center Ice, a relatively new St Louis craft brewery.

I hate to write a puff piece, but by the time I finish this article, it’s probably going to sound like a love letter.

My experience at this brewery was so amazing that I felt that they deserved to be spotlighted.

I’d describe Center Ice as a craft brewery/sports bar hybrid, with both hockey and baseball playing as I walked in.

They don’t serve food but are connected to arguably the best BBQ in St Louis, Pappy’s.

I was greeted immediately and was given a beer menu. I ordered and was promptly served, and here’s the amazing part, the beertender was friendly and even smiled!

I know, really! In a craft brewery no less, a friendly and helpful bartender with no sign of pretentiousness anywhere!

Before I finished my first beer, head brewer Bill came out and greeted me and didn’t seem to mind answering all of my questions.

In between beers, I was offered a few samples of others, it would have been rude of me to decline!

I was given a tour of the joint and was told about future beers on the way, including some barrel-aged specialties.

All the beers I ordered and sampled were darn good, but two of them really stood out for my taste buds.

The “Grim Reaver”, a 7.5% delectable Red IPA.

The other, “Chirp City”, described as a Pale Ale that uses an obscene amount of lemon zest.

Bill liked to describe most of the brews as “approachable” and he’s not wrong, but all have subtleties and nuances that raise them well above just “approachable”.

I don’t think it’s enough anymore for a craft brewery to just be good. While many have chosen to become “Specialty” breweries focusing on the latest trendy style and customer service be damned, Center Ice has chosen to focus on the total package. Understanding the brewing process and making fine beer, yes, but also creating an atmosphere that keeps you coming back.

Center Ice, for me anyway, is the epitome of the neighborhood bar, in this case, the neighborhood craft brewery!

And yes, I will be back!

I Am The Beer Whisperer

Beervangelist, Prolific Beer Drinker

Purveyor of Wisdom and …

All Around Good Guy!

Well, Howdy Doo Buckaroos and how the heck are you? I Am Tom The Beer/Whiskey Whisperer, Bervangelist, Whiskeyvangelist, Prolific Beer/Whiskey Drinker, Purveyor Of Wisdom And All Around Good Guy!

Here at the Beer/Whiskey Whisperer Pub one day isn’t enough to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, so we celebrate all month long.

Pictured are past party favors as we work up to this year’s festivities.

Last year, my wife and I met some friends at Hopper’s Pub in Waynesville, here are a few shots from there.

Casual atmosphere, a surprisingly varied beer list, and the food was done right.

And then my wife and I took a drive to West Plains to visit my friend Phil Wages @ Wages Brewery. Wages is a small brewery in West Plains with limited hours, but if you can find them open, they are craft beer gem.

Yeah Baby, but I wasn’t done yet! After the 2 hour drive back, I had just enough time to visit Andy & John at Show-Me Brewing in Springfield Mo! 

No green beer here, but we do take a few American liberties with the holiday as well. I do tend to revisit a classic Guinness, but do drink mostly American craft and good whiskey, Irish and otherwise.

So throughout the month, I’ll post the haps(Forgive the 80’s slang, sometimes I regress) with thoughts and photos.

St Patrick’s Day has always been a big deal for our family.

When our kids, Kalysta & Seamus, were little, the “Leprechaun” would visit. He’d come in, scatter a few things, roll potatoes around in the living room, but he’d always leave them each a treat, a toy or something that they’ve wanted.

As they got older they’d help plan and prepare the days’ menu. We’d do the Irish/American classic corned beef and cabbage and every year it seemed, Seamus would learn about a new Irish dish, so we gradually added items. Shay and I would typically plan and prepare the meal, while my wife would do the baking, soda bread etc … with Kalysta and Seamus assisting.

And we’d watch 2 movies every year, sometimes more, but always these 2, “Darby O’Gill And The Little People” and “Luck of The Irish”.

The point is that although I certainly enjoy my Irish and American craft beer and whiskey, that’s not all the day can be about.

St Patrick’s Day can and should be as much about family as anything else.

More Past St Patrick’s Day Shots!

Pictured above is Colcannon, one of Shay’s favorites.

 Smoked corned beef!

And a few more …

  An

Okay, that was more than a few!

And now on to this year’s festivities!

I started off with the classic Guinness Extra Stout.

Oh, the classic! This beer is most Americans intro to the stout. With so many American craft versions available, this one gets overlooked. However, after revisiting it, I really don’t understand the disrespect this classic gets. Big roasted malts, creamy, slightly dry and bitter in the finish and a perfect introduction to St Patrick’s Day.

I wanted to have an Irish Car Bomb, but not having any Jameson or Bushmills, I decided to improvise and do an Irish/American Car Bomb. So, I used a classic and distinctive American whiskey, black label Jack Daniels Old No. 7. My chugging skills ain’t what they used to be, but I managed to get ‘er down and she sure was tasty!

From there to a Guinness Draught to a Guinness FES to a … well, you get the point, it’s St Patrick’s after all.

Pictured above is my “Irish” stew. Maybe not 100% traditional, but Irish in spirit. I used pork in place of lamb, whole baby red potatoes, carrots, celery, onions and mushrooms, and it sure was tasty.

I did a corned beef and cabbage as well, but I got so excited I didn’t get any pictures, but I do love corned beef and I’ll add leftover pictures later.

Oh yes, the leftovers are always the best!

I love corned beef hash and homemade hash is just the best. Plated there on the good china is the hash, 2 eggs over medium and a biscuit.

I had good beer, fine whiskey and  homemade food. I felt my son Seamus with me the whole time while I was prepping, cooking and serving the food and it felt good to do again.

Well, that’s the end of St Patrick’s day and the weekend is almost over, but I’ll carry the celebration on the rest of the month.

I hope you all had a good one with a only a minor hangover, thanks for listening …

I Am The Beer/Whiskey Whisperer

Beervangelist/ Whiskeyvangelist

Prolific Beer/ Whiskey Drinker

Purveyor Of Wisdom

And …. All Around Good Guy!

The Ozarks region encompasses Southwest Mo and Northwest Ar. I was asked to compile 10 “Must Try”Ozark’s beers for Ozarks Hills and Hollows Magazine. I chose 5 from SWMO and 5 From NWA Here are those 10 beers/breweries:

 10 “Must Try” Beers Of The Ozarks!

1)  “Ozarks Farmhouse French Style Saison”  Hungry Hollow Brewing, Cassville Mo

I recently stumbled across this new brewery more than just a little off the beaten path. She comes in at 8%, bright & floral on the nose, aromatically stunning. A tad sweet initially with notes of notes of honey accented by the bready pilsner malt, fruity in the middle with hints and pear and sweet apple finishing crisp, clean and dry on the palate.

2)  

That’s The “Sleeping Bear” a 9.8% Imperial India Dark(Black IPA). From Show-Me Brewing, Springfield Mo

A home brew shop with a taproom running up to 12 taps that they’re brewing 10 gallons at a time. This is their fall/winter seasonal Imperial IPA and my absolute favorite of the style.

3)   

“Salted Cherry Sour” Bentonville Brewing, Bentonville(Rogers) Ar

A 4.3% Gose, those that know me know that I’m not a big fan of the style or cherries, but this one is crafted so impeccably that it made a believer out of me. Salty & tart as per style with bold sour cherry notes and wildly refreshing, it does the style and the Ozarks justice.

4)  

“Arkansas Farmhouse” The flagship beer for Saddlebock Brewery in Springdale Ar

In the interest of full disclosure, I am employed by this brewery, however, my first video for this beer was done a little over 2 years before my employment. 9.2%, using grits and rice that are locally milled giving it a uniquely Arkansas twist to the classic style.

5) 

“MILF” from Mother’s Brewing, Springfield Mo

This is a great big 11% multi-barrel aged Imperial Stout that employs raisins and cacao nibs. An annual winter seasonal, this one ain’t for weak, only a true beer lover can handle this MILF!

6) 

“Slaughter Pen” IPA from Bike Rack Brewing, Bentonville Ar

Newly canned for 2017, this IPA feels like an NE/ West Coast hybrid, slightly hazy, bright citrus, a hint of stone fruit accented by tropical fruit notes, good anytime, but perfect for Spring/ Summer drinking.

7)  

“Wet Hop Pilsner” from Springfield BrewCo, Springfield Mo

Served there in my 2018 Mug Club glass. At 6.25% this is a big pilsner, giving you everything you want in the style and so much more!

8) “APA” Ozarks Beer Co, Rogers Ar

They like to keep most of their brews around the session range and this local classic at 4.3% is no exception. It’d be difficult to walk into any bar or restaurant in NWA and not find this one on tap.The locals demand it and one sip and you would too.

9) 

“Java The Kolsch”  4 By 4 Brewing, Springfield Mo

A 5.5% Kolsch that takes it to another level with the addition of coffee, making it approachable and refreshing, yet complex and satisfying.

10) “Citadel” Tripel from New Province Brewing

New Province opened in early spring of 2016 and I proclaimed at the time they were one to watch.

This Tripel @ 9% ABV lives up to any perceived hype, aromatically spectacular and wildly palate pleasing.

Although these are numbered 1 through 10, they aren’t in any particular order of importance, all speak to the Ozarks, and I’m sure this goes without saying, but all pictures are mine, no stock photos, no professional photographer. Just a guy who loves beer and his phone!

I Am The Beer Whisperer

Beervangelist/Prolific Beer Drinker

Purveyor of Wisdom and …

All Around Good Guy!

 Are All Beer Created Equal

I had many darn fine beers in 2017. Some of them hard to find masterpieces, like the Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA.  And some that may have been considered merely “shelf beers”.

Oh yes, the “shelf” beer, the utility infielder of the craft beer world.

Believe it or not, there are some “craft” beer drinkers that think any beer that they don’t have to stand in line for hours to get and spend a ridiculous amount of money on is somehow unworthy.

Hence the derogatory moniker “Shelf Beer”. Or, as us unpretentious just call them, “BEER”!

I mean, why can’t we just enjoy ALL good beer, all quality beer? Why do we need to exalt some over others?

It has limited availability it must be better, right? It costs more, it must be better, right?

WRONG! Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!

Enjoyment need not be a special release. It just has to be the right beer at the right time, regardless of price or availability.

 Judge Not, That Ye Not Be Judged

Why do so many “Beer Geeks” think that every beer should be judged, graded or put on lists?

Why can’t we just enjoy every beer for what it is?

I DON’T KNOW!

And why do so many so-called “Beer Reviewers” feel that they are qualified to judge a beer when they don’t understand style?

Again, I DON’T KNOW!

Many beer reviewers don’t think style is important. Really! As bizarre as that sounds, I’ve had this argument with a few.

So… they feel they are qualified to call themselves a “Beer Reviewer” on one hand, and then admit on the other hand that they don’t understand the style.

It doesn’t make much sense, does it?

 Just Drink, Enjoy, Repeat!

Yep, I think it should be that simple.

Beer was meant to be enjoyed! We don’t need to judge or put on lists, just drink and enjoy. This ain’t complicated folks!

We all have styles we enjoy more than others, it does not mean that one beer is better than another.

QUALITY! It should be about quality! If a beer is of equal quality, one is not better than another. You may prefer one to another, that does not make one better.

A simple concept that the pretentious beer drinker for some reason just does not get.

  For The Love Of Beer …

Yep, just love the beer! Be passionate about the beer, whatever beer you are drinking.

Beer shouldn’t be used as a status symbol.

And if you feel a need to brag about a beer that you have found, you’re drinking craft beer for all of the wrong reasons!

I Am The Beer Whisperer

BeerVangelist

Prolific Beer Drinker

Purveyor Of Wisdom

And …

ALL AROUND GOOD GUY!

Bottom line …

Don’t be a pretentious ass, just enjoy the fact that we have so many great beer choices. Enjoy then all!