What will happen with Parkerization?

 Robert Parker has decided to step down after three decades of service at Wine Advocate magazine.  who will be the person to take his place, after all these years of service to the wine industry. I for one, look forward to seeing who will be the one that steps up, and becomes the leader in rating the world's finest wines.  Parkerization is a term used  of the influence that Robert Parker has had over Bordeaux wines. Robert Parker helped create 100 point rating scale that is used today to rate winds around the  world. This scale, although slightly flawed, is used by all wine critics around the world. Major wine producers around the world, paying close attention to this rating scale, and try and craft their wines to reach the highest number they possibly can.

I don't want this to be about Robert Parker, I want this to be about who will be the next wine critic that stands out and helps influence the wine world. There are many wine critics out there today. Some are more influential than others. The jockeying to see who will be the front runner has begun. I for one, I'm going to sit back and watch how the game is played out. I will use the 100 point rating scale, for all the ones I taste from now on.  

A Hiatus for gathering information... and that's my story.

So, I know, it's been a while. But I needed to take a break and stockpile more information so I can continue on this journey of discovery. This time I will put snippets of video in with the blog (got a new go pro hero) to give it a more realistic point of view. Sort of like catching the drunk at a party doing something stupid and putting it on youtube. You know what I mean.

Retirement sucks
First thing I want to say about this is that I am way to young to retire. I need to be busy all day and there is so much golf you can play and so much beer you can brew to stay busy. So, I went back to work for a major liquor store chain and feel like I'm in my element. Plus, I know when all of the good shit is coming out and can be the first one to get it. My next batch of beer will be a Barleywine and I'll video the process to give you an idea on how the process works. So on to some pictures.

 1st ANNUAL WEST PALM BEACH BEER FESTIVAL!

This is probably one of the best beer festivals I have been to in a long time. I am really looking forward to next year to see how they are going to top this pat one.Here's a few photos from the festival.

And this is how you serve beer to a crowd!

Due South Brewery

Tents, Tents and more tents full of beer and stuff!

In the VIP tent with Air Conditioning!

Here is a few of the Dogfish head beers that I tried along the way also.

Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron

Dogfish Head Burton Barton

This was a great time and an enormous amount of beers were served. Many of the local brewers were there and had a chance to strut their beers for the crowd. I encourage you to visit your local craft brewers to support them and get some of the best and the freshest beer around! Cheers and go have a beer!

So It's been a While....

Well I know its been a while but there has been lots of things that has been going on. Back to work and brewing lots of beer. I have a crap load of reviews of Octoberfest and Pumpkin beers to review and look forward to the winter beers. And for my wine friends, I have been tasting the wines of the Rhone Valley and will post my favorites for you. For the Whiskey folks, there are a few new whiskies on the market and some old friends that will be revisited over the holidays so back to blogging and get some good stuff out there!

LIFE IS AWESOME!

Summer is Here!!!

I think it's time to review the summer beer out there so you know what your choices are for the hot, sweaty, brutal summer. You need a beer thats not heavy, not filling and that will quench your thirst. So let's get started!

SHINER RUBY REDBIRD

This is a wonderful beer with ginger and ruby red grapefruit. It has a clean and crisp flavor that leaves you wanting more. Brewed by Shiner out of Texas, this is a great seasonal beer. When you are by the pool or at the beach, don't forget the Ruby Redbird in your cooler!








VICTORY SUMMER OF LOVE

 This is a light crisp ale with a nice hoppy flavor to satisfy your thirst on a warm summer day. Great for picnics, Bar B Ques, and of course beach days! The hops are light and floral and just the right amount of bitterness to balance this ale.










BLUE POINT SUMMER ALE

Another fine brew from Blue Point which is a great ale that has a smooth flavor. They have added a bit of wheat to the mixture to give it that smooth flavor and I can tell you that it is a bit different that other summer ales. A six-pack or two on a summer day should do the trick!








SAMUEL ADAMS SUMMER ALE

 This is a wheat ale with a hint of citrus and a light floral hop finish. I usually keep a six pack of this in the fridge just to break up the monotony of drinking the same beer. I like it because of the different flavor and I think it's because of the grains of paradise that they use. Keep this beer on hand for the guest thats not sure what they want to drink. Give them a Sam Adams!







LEFT HAND GOOD JUJU

Known for one of the finest milk stouts around, Left Hand now gives you one of the finest summer beers around. Good Juju is a fine malty pale ale with ginger added to smooth out and balance the hops. Grass and floral on the nose you can't help but taste the ginger in this beer. I put this on my summer list because it has that clean crisp flavor with that little something extra. I raise my left hand to the brewers on this one well basically because I'm left handed. The ladies will love this beer because of the ginger and the guys will love it because of the pale ale hops.





Well I have two or three more to review to round out my summer beer list. these are my "gotta have" beers for the summer. So it's back to the pool for me with beers in hand and I'll give you my tale on the next batch!