Nothing like a big beer like Smuttynose’s Big “A” IPA to get the weekend started. Light golden pour, pale head with heavy lacing. Sweet, citrusy but not overpoweringly hoppy aroma. Crisp at first, but then buttery with a big hop finish. I would almost call this beer “tangy.”

Grade: B+

Wow. Has it really been 4+ months since I’ve been to Pony Bar? Shame on me.

Seriously, Pony Bar? All these other great beers, and you throw in something from Heartland Brewery?

muppetpants:

Last night I finally made it to the much-heralded Churchkey. 50+ beers on tap, hundreds of bottles, but the star attraction is that they serve tasting portions.  4oz. snifters or old-fashioneds of a beer for just a few bucks.  Order three at a time, take your time with them, try everything.

It’s packed—three deep at the bar.  Mandie’s hawk eyes snagged us a table that we were able to squeeze all six of us into and qualify for a waiter.  I think I’ll keep her around.  A really great time.  If the crowds thin out a bit as the hype dies down it’ll be a real competitor to the Brickskeller.

Good to hear. Brickskeller is overrated and seemingly the only place for real beer geeks like me in DC. The snifters are good, too - quite often, “sample trays” are brought out in such small glassware that you can’t really experience them. I’ll have to stop in next time I’m in town.

fatmanatee:

Cold season means time for Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. Hey Brooklynites! Your brewery produces some very tasty beer and you don’t talk about it enough. Let’s change that. This is 10% ABV and ridiculously smooth.

Seriously, Beer Advocate LOVES it, and they’re total beer snobs. COME ON.

The approach of winter also means it’s almost time for Brooklyn Monster Ale. Hooray Barleywine!

BLIND ITEM: Which Colorado brewery will begin distributing in New York and along much of the East Coast in the first quarter of 2010?