Light? . . . Or Dark?

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Posted by Roedapple November 28, 2011 at 10:47 a.m.

I once heard a friend say he doesn't care what beer tastes like, that's not why he drinks it. Although there was a time in my youth I might have subscribed to that mindset, recent years have seen my consumption of the fruit of the grain reduced to the point of wanting to enjoy the occasional canned, bottled or on tap beverage. Here's the kicker. Most beers I have any experience with have been delivered in semi-trucks with the brand name emblazoned across the trailer in bold blue and white lettering and are "light" of nature. No dark beers for me, I've never developed a taste for them. Most micro-breweries make a lighter wheat beer I enjoy but the darker beers tend to taste bitter, thick or both. Just not my cup of tea, so to speak.

With at least half a dozen popular micro-breweries in the Lawrence/Topeka/Kansas City area I'm sure there is no shortage of beer connoisseurs quite willing to voice their opinions. So what will it be for you? A lighter beer, or a darker ale? Care to add your reasons why?

(image from web source)

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snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…

Generally speaking I'll favor wheat beers in the summer, darker beers the rest of the year.
November 28, 2011 at 2:43 p.m.
RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…

Light pollution is a serious problem, and a major cause of global warming and automobile accidents. It also contributes to poor health and disrupts our ecosystems.

End light pollution, Let there be dark!
November 28, 2011 at 2:59 p.m.
1. hitme (anonymous) replies…
  
  reminds me posts from yesteryear from someone in your neighborhood.
  December 1, 2011 at 1:38 a.m.
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The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…

RI -

I thought about you as I pulled off at the Tongi exit on Saturday.

And the answer is dark meat.
November 28, 2011 at 3:11 p.m.
bad_dog (anonymous) says…

Good question, Roe.

India pale ales w/BBQ. I really like their "hoppyness". Modus Hoperandi is a good example.
Boulevard Wheat on tap is pretty good with a wedge of lemon.
Dos Equis lager/lime with Chipotle burritos.

I'm with TOB on the "other" dark issue.
November 28, 2011 at 3:45 p.m.
1. bad_dog (anonymous) replies…
  
  Avalanche or Jed Fest Stout from Breckinridge Brewing Company are good stuff too.
  
  BTW, there's nothing wrong with fruit in some types of beer. Lighten up folks! Not in IPA or stouts, though.
  
  Free State makes their Cyclist with lemonade blended in it. Very refreshing in the summer without the heaviness some beers can impart. For you tomato beer advocates, don't forget tomatoes are fruit!
  November 29, 2011 at 11:42 a.m.
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GUMnNUTS (anonymous) says…

IPA all the way. Except when I need a hearty Russian Imperial Stout or when it's hotter and more humid than hell I'll have a pilsner or four. Down with fruit in a beer!
November 28, 2011 at 3:58 p.m.
GUMnNUTS (anonymous) says…

Here is a great way to start the day.
http://www.mikkeller.dk/index.php?id=...
November 28, 2011 at 4:05 p.m.
tange (anonymous) says…

I do drink for taste, and therein lies the problem.
As much as I like Free State's assortment, by the time I've finished off a growler, I'm done.
For the longest time, I'd pick up Guinness' Stout (NOT the Foreign Extra), or I'd mix Stout and Draught ("stout and drought"), but I've outgrown the former, as well.
So, that leaves me with the standard, Draught.
I see from their website that they now have a Black Lager; maybe I'll grab a "growler."
November 28, 2011 at 4:36 p.m.
rockchalker52 (anonymous) says…

That's a beautiful picture, Roe. I'd prolly enjoy the the second from the right the most, but they all look yummy.
I just picked up a few cases crafted by Depot Street Brewing out of Jonesborough, TN. It's called Loose Caboose Lager & it's delicious. Reminds me of Free State's Copperhead a little bit with a slightly more scrumptious aftertaste.
Don't appreciate the lighter stuff like Wheat State Golden as much as Copperhead or Ad Astra, but I'm not too keen on heavier than that. Don't like drinking stuff I can;t see through unless it's milk, coffee, or orange juice.

Here's what helps to keep me chubby:
Becks Light
Stella Artois
Loose Caboose Lager
Amstel Light
Corona ( when sis comes to town, she likes it)

A great budget beer is Miller High Life in the clear bottles . I like to drink a Pacifico at Mexican restaurants.
November 28, 2011 at 4:42 p.m.
autie (anonymous) says…

My favorite beer is from Scotland. It is that peat smoked, malted barley beer that is distilled and not "brewed".....wait. I got that question wrong. My favorite beer???oh you meant like with bubbles and stuff. Most all of it. Copperhead would be an early choice however. I do really like that Lophraig (sic)..it taste like it has been filtered through socks I wore for an entire weekend....that earthy, peaty aroma is great.
November 28, 2011 at 6:46 p.m.
beatrice (anonymous) says…

Although I don't drink beer that often, when I do I prefer a dark beer. Guinness on tap is always good. Big fan of Young's from England as well. Chimay is also excellent -- has interesting floaty chunks in it -- but a bit pricey. Basically, if it will hold a spoon up, I'll give it a shot. However, an ice cold Corona in the heat of the summer is mighty satisfying, too -- just don't go putting a lime in it. If I'd wanted a fruit drink, I'd have ordered one.

I miss Copperhead.
November 28, 2011 at 7:43 p.m.
Cappy (anonymous) says…

Like Anakin Skywalker...I tend a little toward the Dark Side.
Especially Freestate Ad Astra Ale.
November 28, 2011 at 7:45 p.m.
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…

'net trouble today . . . in and out of contact . . . need a beer . . .
November 28, 2011 at 8:01 p.m.
The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…

"Although I don't drink beer that often, when I do I prefer a dark beer"

Beatrice. The world's most interesting woman.

Bea - There was a place in Flagstaff that had quality stuff. Can't remember the name and I haven't been back in four years. Of course, while traveling, all breweries have the best beer. I had the best time at Smuggler's in Teluride and it went out of business shortly after I returned home.
November 28, 2011 at 8:04 p.m.
riverdrifter (anonymous) says…

I agree with Snap's opener completely. Of late, the Copperhead has been mighty good.

Autie: http://www.thebalvenie.com/en-us/ourR...
A little Balvenie is good for your...
November 28, 2011 at 8:24 p.m.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…

If I wanted lemonade, I'd order lemonade. Please keep the fruit slices out of my beer, if you'd be so good.
(from a source)
November 28, 2011 at 9:16 p.m.
1. beatrice (anonymous) replies…
  
  I'm the source! I said it just above.
  November 29, 2011 at 11:17 a.m.
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RoeDapple (anonymous) says…

Am I a heathen if I admit to occasionally pouring a touch of salt on a cold draft beer?
November 28, 2011 at 9:33 p.m.
rockchalker52 (anonymous) says…

Nah, the salt thing is great in a cold draft Bud. Tomato beer is also the bomb.
November 28, 2011 at 9:39 p.m.
blue73harley (anonymous) says…

Does bourbon count as a dark beer?
November 28, 2011 at 11:41 p.m.
Did_I_say_that (DIST) says…

A cold Shock Top after soft ball. A Blue Moon with an orange slice to relax at Great Wolf. That was my two beers this calendar year.
November 29, 2011 at 6:18 a.m.
oldvet (anonymous) says…

A good stout all the time... favorite is Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout. But they only make it in the winter and in small enough quantities that I don't think you can find it around here. Second is Beemish Irish Stout, another great one that is hard to find. Murphy's Irish comes in third and it is available everywhere. Finally, since Guiness is available everywhere, even on draught, it comes in fourth.

The real bummer - We went to the Irish Festival a couple of years ago and since Boulevard is one of their major sponsors, that is the only brand available. An Irish Festival without a real Irish stout available... what a revolting predicament that was...
November 29, 2011 at 7:48 a.m.
somedude20 (anonymous) says…

Many moons ago a young lady was on the porch of FS talking about this great "black snake" she had the other night. Always enjoying a good dirty story out of the mouth of babes I tuned in to what she was talking about. Needless to say I did not hear the story I thought I would but I did discover the black snake and I swallowed it down...yum yum. A few of those (5 or 6)will transform you into a scientist who tests the laws of gravity
November 29, 2011 at 8:37 a.m.
H_Lecter (anonymous) says…

I've killed a few. It took a few years and some serious practice for me to really enjoy the slaughter. Lagers/Pils are a preferred over ales and I'd rather drink water than an IPA.
I make exceptions for stouts. My second favorite beer is Guinness Extra Stout. I also make exceptions for wheats; wheat seems to cancel out the bitterness/sourness inherent to ales.
It's hard to go wrong with a lager/pils brewed in a country that was either a once an axis power or conquered by them. Perhaps subconsciously, that is why I enjoy putting my hands around their necks. I once wondered why anyone would have a second St. Pauli Girl since it is so skunky and socially inappropriate. But now, I look forward to that skunkiness. Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Spain, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and France all have appreciable products. The Trappists, dubbels, & tripels. are fine for monks...and for killing slugs. England, Australia, & Canada have tolerable beer, but nothing compelling enough to bring home. Mexico & South America have quite a few, praise Jesus, all lagers. No fruit in my beer please. Asian imports have only a few misses. The smaller U.S. breweries have more ales than lagers, but some appealing fare. Free State has done an excellent job with the transition to bottling. I especially look forward to both Boulevard's and Free State's seasonal offerings. But, the major drawback to beer is the calories. "Beer run" has a totally different meaning now than it did in college. I try to maintain enough runs per week to more than cover the hour or so of weekly beer consumption. "I don't always drink beer, but when I do"... I want the calories to count for flavor. If only Coors or Bud are available, I'll take wine or spirits.
The trend of selling single beers at liquor stores has been a bonus for the beer connoisseur. The best selection of singles in town is a store on Mass. and theirs are cold.
So, light or dark? Both.
December 1, 2011 at 4:16 a.m.