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Beer of the Week/Month

Barry's picture
Submitted by Barry
on March 17, 2009 - 4:41pm

Well hello all!
Today it begins. Beer of the week/month or whenever I get a free moment to write to all of you fellow beer connoisseurs. As promised to my good friend Gwyther, I will start this blog with one of our favorite beers. It is known as the illustrious Abita Restoration Ale. Now, Gwyther may not agree with my choice from Abita, as they have many wonderful beers, but this is one of my favorites from this brewery. By the way, let me preference this by saying I am slightly biased due to my love of Louisiana and New Orleans to be more specific. You see, a little known fact is that I, Barry, have roots in Louisiana, and have a special place in my heart for the people, culture, and cuisine of LA. Abita brewery is 30 miles from New Orleans and has had its fair share of struggles and successes. However, this isn't about the place as much as it is the beer. (However Louisiana has not recovered from the hurricane damage and still needs your help. I have not forgotten.)

ABITA RESTORATION PALE ALE:
A great everyday beer that is not overly alcoholic or heavy. It is well paired with spicy or tomato based foods. Citrusy without being wheat beer or 'unfiltered'. It is a smooth beer that allows a little bit of over indulgence without the painful after effects. Abita knows their stuff and does it well. This beer is just enough to cut through about any dish without being overly hoppy or painful on the palate. You see, hops may be the trend right now, but it is not always the most pleasant ingredient in beer. It can be a great additive, but it is just that. Unfortunately, a trend here in the States is more hops = better beer. Really this is not the case. Let me give you a quick hops lesson.....

Initially hops were included in beer by accident, just like the creation of beer itself. Hops help balance the sweetness of the malt sugars used in the creation of beer, but more importantly they help keep bacteria out of the brewing process. Hops are a natural analgesic. Over time we have learned to accept and even enjoy the taste of hops. It can be amazing, but my personal tastes lead me to a less hoppy beer. Remember friends.... the hoppier the beer the bigger the headache. Analgesic = headache/hangover. Though some disagree with me, trust me on this. I have had more experience than needed. If you plan on drinking IPAs, keep it to one or two. After that it is your own fault. Oh, and by the way, a lot of IPA's have a higher alcohol content which of course is the main reason of a hangover. DRINK SOME WATER!!!!!

Enough of my tangent. Grab an Abita, cook up a fine gumbo, sit back and enjoy your day. It's good, real good. Love it and enjoy life. Until next time....I give Abita Restoration Pale Ale a 4 Solo Cups out of 5. Long live Abita. Peace, Love and Cold Beer.

B

Comments

Shinedown Fan_6's picture

April 14, 2009 - 7:54am — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Shannon\n\nJust checking in on what you've been cooking up. A book and a man I know you will appreciate. Thirsty Traveler- Road trips by Kevin Brauch. Kevin is a great guy if you have a facebook account send him note. Very generous with his knowledge. Gotta check out the Stout mayo simple and great to have on hand. To good eats drinks and friends.
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April 3, 2009 - 8:01pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Big Foamy Head\n\nBarry, After the Meet and Greet at the Peabody on April 9, how about some of the best Belgians in Memphis? We work with the local distributor, plus have beers shipped in for our podcast, http://www.bigfoamyhead.com. Would love to hook you up with some fine Belgians and get your take on them. Also have a rare Alaskan Smoked Porter if you're interested. We'll be at the rooftop party, let us know.
Shinedown Fan_6's picture

March 30, 2009 - 7:16pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Naomi\n\nWing Ding in Rockford! Hey, they just announced the bands that will be coming to Rockford Illinois 16th WingDing on Mary 24th!! SHINEDOWN IS HEADLINING!! AWESOME!! I replied to you back on 3/17 regarding our local brewery, Carlyle, and how it would be nice if you were ever in Rockford to take you there! I look forward to seeing you at WingDing and maybe at Carlyle too! Powerman 5000 going to be there also - I can't wait!!
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March 29, 2009 - 2:08am — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Diane\n\nBarry, I honestly don't normally do this but I just caught your show at The House of Blues in Boston & have to tell you it was the best sex I've ever had with my clothes on! I'm still quivering. You're amazing! Being my first show, I need to see you guys again now so I can catch the rest of the band! I couldn't take my eyes off of you. You completely blew me away. Peace. D.
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March 28, 2009 - 12:58pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: J\n\nHave you tried The Reverend (Avery Brewing Co.) it's a belgian quadrupel ale. It's excellent! Also Petrus Oud Bruin (Bavik Brewing Co.)
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March 26, 2009 - 11:34am — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Brittany\n\nHey Barry! It's Brittany from Pittsburgh (My Mom Suzanne says hello to you!). I wanted to thank you so much for the drumstick. That was so cool of you. I remember when you handed me one way back at a small show with Silvertide. There weren't as many people at the show back then.... but now i think people have opened their ears & eyes and have realized what an amazing band you are and what talent you have. We can't wait to see you guys again. And next time hopefully get to talk to you! It's been a long time! Don't wait another 4 years to come back to Pittsburgh! We love you!
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March 25, 2009 - 12:50am — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Bret Bell\n\nIt's been a while. I'm not a big beer drinker, but I figured that this would be a good way to say what's up. I'm glad things are going well, and I hope it continues. If you're ever in Nashville, then holla.
Shinedown Fan_6's picture

March 24, 2009 - 3:40pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Kevin\n\nSerious about Rock and Craft Beer. You're a man after my own heart. Should I bring some local Kentucky beers to share when I see you guys at Rock on the Range- Columbus? Think you can get your venues to offer better beers at your shows? We are paying $8 for swill. I'd rather pay for craft beers instead!
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March 23, 2009 - 2:07pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Russ\n\nI will see you guys at the Wedge at about 6PM or later.....I would love to drink a beer with ya! I'm helping out for Sammy. You guys are in Pittsburgh tomorrow, make sure you try Yuengling Lager out of PA if you haven't already! Very popular and not sold outside of PA. America's oldest brewery since 1829 out of Pottstown, PA. I can't wait to rock out later!!!!Peace out! Griswold
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March 20, 2009 - 4:32pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Rich\n\nBarry, This is Rich, Brent's friend from Knoxville!!! I will have to try the Abita. I am always looking for good tasting beers to try. Just saw you guy's in Asheville it was my 10th Shinedown show and I can't wait for the 11th. You guy's put on a killer show!!! Try this beer. It is delicious DUCK RABBIT MILK STOUT Pours dark, dark brown with a surprisingly big head from a cask that showed very good retention and bits of lacing. Dark roasted malts dominate the aroma with a balanced and non-overpowering bourbon presence. Some milk chocolate and oak as well. The taste has the whiskey up front before giving way to the milk chocolate and dark malts underneath. The bourbon comes back with a vengeance in the finish with a solid bourbon warmth going down. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and a little thinner than I expected with decent carbonation for a cask pour. I love this one and, surprisingly, thought the bourbon really did this one some favors. Very nice.
Shinedown Fan_6's picture

March 19, 2009 - 9:55pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Rebecca/Keith\n\nHey Barry! Don't know too much about the brew -- but happy to see your web site...We miss you so! Hope to see you soon in Florida :-}
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March 19, 2009 - 3:11pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Jed The Fish / KROQ\n\nI'm one of the guys who plays Second Chance ad nauseum on the radio. I don't think we have met. But I would be glad to ship you a microbrew from the local BevMo (which has loads of N.California selections). Just email me your management team's contact info and I'll have it shipped to a tour location. Cheers!
Shinedown Fan_6's picture

March 17, 2009 - 10:34pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Jesse Coleman\n\ndude whatever beer u drink is all good with kc u tore it up on fri. have a cold one 4 me i'm simple ice cold bud lite
Shinedown Fan_6's picture

March 17, 2009 - 6:42pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Eric Hagen\n\nStick to the beer and practice your shuffle board... perhaps if i meet you folks again in the future your skills will have improved... maybe we can invite some P* so its more entertaining. Have to be honest when i was playing shuffle board with you guys i had no clue as to who you were... until someone said "bet you weren't expecting to be playing shuffle board with Shinedown tonight"... I don't listen to your style of music so that explains why i wouldn't know your music...So when i got home i jumped on Itunes and downloaded one of your songs... Not to bad, actually very impressed. Nice to meet you guys, very down to earth and Eric thanks for the beer. Next ones on me.
Shinedown Fan_6's picture

March 17, 2009 - 5:16pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Alyssa\n\ngreat choice, myself living only about 30 minutes from New Orleans, i have tried all of the "local" stuff! Louisiana IS a great place with wonderful food, beer, music, anything, and i think that we are pulling through since Katrina. cant wait to see you again! hopefully soon.
Shinedown Fan_6's picture

March 17, 2009 - 4:41pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Jeff\n\nSounds a good beer as A master brewer it is good to see good beer choices. I found some good beers when in America. Especially in Hawaii. IPA is good. Couple of beer fact Hops is the closet plant to canabis but I would suggest to some or eating it is very bitter! Beer saved thee human race . Water in the 16th century ish was so polluted in London that people drunk beer instead of water even kids were given a week beer! If in the West Country in England I can do brewery tours!!!
Shinedown Fan_6's picture

March 17, 2009 - 12:05pm — Shinedown Fan_6
Submitted By: Naomi\n\nHello Barry! I would like to try an Abita Restoration Pale Ale - I will check with my local liquor store (ahh! right across the street from me)and see if they can hook me up with some. I do enjoy an IPA every now and then, but sometimes don't like "too hoppy" of a taste. I prefer a Bock or Heffeweizen. If you are ever in the Rockford, Illinois area, we have an excellent brewery, Carlyle, and he always has 11-12 brews on tap - so there is bound to be something you will enjoy!! Check your schedule, 'cause we have a couple of music fests going on, Wing Ding on May 24th and On the Waterfront September 4,5 and 6th. I would like to invite Shinedown to come out to Rockford . . . you will have a great time . . . and I would love to treat you to some beers at Carlyle!! Also, I see you will be at the Brat Stop in Kenosha, WI on the 21st (I procrastinated on getting my tickets and now the show is sold out). That should be an awesome venue, the place isn't all that big, from what I remember. Used to watch football games and get a couple of brats there 'back in the day' - 25 years ago. Well, this will be all for now . . . Keep on Rockin'!! Hope to see you in Rockford sometime soon . . . .

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  • Barry's picture
    Beer of the Week/Month
    March 17, 2009
    Posted by :
    Barry

    Well hello all!
    Today it begins. Beer of the week/month or whenever I get a free moment to write to all of you fellow beer connoisseurs. As promised to my good friend Gwyther, I will start this blog with one of our favorite beers. It is known as the illustrious Abita Restoration Ale. Now, Gwyther may not agree with my choice from Abita, as they have many wonderful beers, but this is one of my favorites from this brewery. By the way, let me preference this by saying I am slightly biased due to my love of Louisiana and New Orleans to be more specific. You see, a little known fact is that I, Barry, have roots in Louisiana, and have a special place in my heart for the people, culture, and cuisine of LA. Abita brewery is 30 miles from New Orleans and has had its fair share of struggles and successes. However, this isn't about the place as much as it is the beer. (However Louisiana has not recovered from the hurricane damage and still needs your help. I have not forgotten.)

    ABITA RESTORATION PALE ALE:
    A great everyday beer that is not overly alcoholic or heavy. It is well paired with spicy or tomato based foods. Citrusy without being wheat beer or 'unfiltered'. It is a smooth beer that allows a little bit of over indulgence without the painful after effects. Abita knows their stuff and does it well. This beer is just enough to cut through about any dish without being overly hoppy or painful on the palate. You see, hops may be the trend right now, but it is not always the most pleasant ingredient in beer. It can be a great additive, but it is just that. Unfortunately, a trend here in the States is more hops = better beer. Really this is not the case. Let me give you a quick hops lesson.....

    Initially hops were included in beer by accident, just like the creation of beer itself. Hops help balance the sweetness of the malt sugars used in the creation of beer, but more importantly they help keep bacteria out of the brewing process. Hops are a natural analgesic. Over time we have learned to accept and even enjoy the taste of hops. It can be amazing, but my personal tastes lead me to a less hoppy beer. Remember friends.... the hoppier the beer the bigger the headache. Analgesic = headache/hangover. Though some disagree with me, trust me on this. I have had more experience than needed. If you plan on drinking IPAs, keep it to one or two. After that it is your own fault. Oh, and by the way, a lot of IPA's have a higher alcohol content which of course is the main reason of a hangover. DRINK SOME WATER!!!!!

    Enough of my tangent. Grab an Abita, cook up a fine gumbo, sit back and enjoy your day. It's good, real good. Love it and enjoy life. Until next time....I give Abita Restoration Pale Ale a 4 Solo Cups out of 5. Long live Abita. Peace, Love and Cold Beer.

    B

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