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  • Frosty 9:07 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Todd Stadelhofer brews beer. 

    Wow, where did the month go? I assure you, that while the site has been quiet as a ghost, there has been no such respite for the livers of the Frosty crew. I myself have a backlog of over 12 reviews to add. So without further ado, I will begin the 2010 review season with that celebrated Frosty Goodness tradition: getting free beer from my co-workers.

    This time around, we welcome a new face into the stable of home-brew heroes: Todd Stadelhofer. When not battling the ravages of bad software code, Todd takes the time to make some ridiculously meticulous beer varieties. Todd has the current distinction of being the only guy in cubicle land who posts his recipe outside his cubicle. Beer geeks are awesome!

    Todd’s inaugural beer was a tasty dry hopped Pale Ale title “Springboard”. I couldn’t tell you more about the varieties of hops or anything, cause that’s not the sort of thing I do. I can tell you however, that despite not generally liking overly hoppy beer, I found Springboard to be wonderful for an all night design session. I was hesitant at first, but man, nothing makes a crap-tastic project go by quickly quite like a 22oz. of refreshing Pale Ale.

    So here’s to you Todd. May your brewing skills live on, and your beer geekery reach new heights. My liver salutes you.

     

  • Frosty 10:30 pm on July 15, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    July Rundown: Ninkasi Summer, Session Black, McGowen Wit 

    Sorry for the delay all. I was busy getting bitten by mosquitos (some call it camping), and not drinking beer. Then when I decided to drink again, I had a fridge full of Haymaker, Mothership Wit and Stumptown Tart to get through. For those worried about my liver, yes, I did spread it out over a few days. Luckily I did manage to sneak in a few extra new beers here and there. Most were good. Some not. Such as…

    Ninkasi Radiant Summer Ale

    hop-field

    I have decided that the Ninkasi Brewery is one that I just don’t “get”. The thing is, they seem to have this unhealthy obsession with hops. With the exception of their respectable Oatmeal Stout, every beer I’ve tasted of theirs has been a cheek smashing hop fandango. Without much effort you can imagine what their Summer seasonal was like then. First sip. Decent, if a little hoppy. The problem was those other sips. I started by thinking to myself, eh, 4 rating maybe 3. But with every sip, the score went down. Until finally the rest was undrinkable. Not to mention the face that SwillJockeys wife made when she tried it. Remember those “bitter beer face” commercials? Yeah that.

    Full Sail Session Black Lager

    sessionI have decided that I just have an affection for “Black” beers. Note the distinction from Porters, Browns and Stouts. Those are awesome too, but there is something special about a 1554, Lompoc Strong Draft or Session Black that just makes them awesome. Perhaps its the manliness of having your beer be more daunting than the wiener with the IPA next to you. Maybe it’s the fact that even though you can’t see through it, its still got that easy drinking feel. Whatever it is, I dig, and Full Sail’s new Session Black is full of it. Its a crisp dark lager, that balances machismo with easy drinking for a nice summer pick. Although I didn’t get to drink it from one of those impy little bottles (a big mention in the Full Sail marketing material), I can report that the draft didn’t disappoint. To use the vernacular of the cool kids, with LTD03 and Session Black, Full Sail is “the hotness” this summer.(do people still say that?)

    Chris McGowen Wheat White Wit

    ChrisWe like Chris McGowen. Why? Well apart from him being a nice guy, he’s one of the stable of local Favorite Amatuer Brewmasters that routinely supply me with tasty concoctions. His latest edition is one I affectionately call Wheat White Wit. Cause although to beer snobs there’s a distinction, when I asked Chris what he made, those three words all made it into the descriptive response. But hey, whose counting? Its free beer! Super duper cloudy (Chris spilled grain in the beer..doh!), it was a nice easy drinking wheat/white/wit beer. Perfect for a summer BBQ. If you can get your hands on some, I highly recommend taking his advice and mowing the lawn while chugging it down. There’s something about controlling a 3ooo rpm spinning blade of death and alcohol that just go together.

     

    • Jon 12:50 pm on July 25, 2009 Permalink

      I just chugged my bottle of Chris’s wheat beer after a visit to the gym. The beer is very dry, and extremely refreshing. Delicious!

  • Frosty 9:18 pm on July 7, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    2nd Best Stout, courtesy of Jonathan Edwards 

    photo-11I both love stouts, and hate stouts. That is, 50% of all the stouts I’ve had taste like someone spilled ash in the fermenter. The other half however, can be be truly awesome. And as luck (or unluck) would have it, I have just had the second best stout I’ve ever had, courtesy of our favorite homebrew champ Jonathan Edwards. I say unluck, because its likely the only one I’ll ever have. Mr. Edwards brews are in high demand these days. Sigh. I suppose the memory of a super smooth, dark and malty brew will have to suffice until I can make it back to SD for the champ Black Seal Stout. Thanks again Jonathan. Jerk. ;)

     

    • Jon 10:28 pm on July 7, 2009 Permalink

      Don’t worry, I’ll bring in some more.

    • Frosty 2:30 pm on July 8, 2009 Permalink

      Thats because you’re awesome.

  • Frosty 1:05 pm on January 12, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    I’m a free beer ‘ho. McGowen and Edwards deliver again. 

    I’m easy, I admit it. When a generous soul walks up to my desk with a fresh free beer to try, they officially become one of my favorite people. So much so that I have decided to come up with a simple acronym, FAB. Favorite Amatuer Brewmasters. These folks, show the appropriate disdain for my liver and deliver to me brewed delights of all flavors.

    Jonathan Edwards: “Herdwick Pale Ale”

    For reasons unknown to me, Jonathan decided to name this beer after sheep. See? Luckily for me, it didn’t taste anything like that seat covers I used to have in my car. This is the third beer by Mr. Edwards I’ve had. And true to FAB form, I have liked every one. But the fun thing about Jonathan’s brews is that they don’t tend to taste anything like I expect them to. Take this one… it wasn’t “baaaaaaaaad” at all. Get it? Baaaaa …like a sheep…. never mind. Sheep references aside, this Pale was among the yeastier beers I’v had since summer. To his credit he warned me ahead of time, but to be honest I imagine I actually enjoyed it more as a result. It had that crisp Pale refreshment, but the yeast seemed to keep it from ever entering into the cheek smash territory that makes IPAs so offensive to me. At least I think that was it. Maybe I’m just getting less picky in my old age. Kudos Jonathan!

    Chris McGowen: “Sweet Brown Holiday”

    Using a recipe nabbed from the internet, Chris decided to try his hand at making a Brown Ale. I’m a huge brown fan, so I was looking forward to this entry particularly. FAB hero Jonathan Edwards tried it ahead of me, and referred to it as “too sweet”. Sweet? In a brown? But there is a reason he is FAB. The pour, and color said brown ale, but the flavor said “I wish I was Stumptown Tart, but I didn’t have any berries handy”. To be honest, I actually liked it though. I love fruity beers, so even if the taste wasn’t intentional, I give it two thumbs up anyway. Look for a revisit of this brew in a month or two to see if Mr Edwards “it needs more bottle time” assessment is correct.

    So there you have it, two true FAB heroes, brewing their way into the Frosty Goodness hall of fame. Liddell, Boyer, Sherwood…time to step up. ;)

     

  • skylark 10:28 pm on July 23, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: jonathan edwards   

    Jonathan Edwards Hit ‘n Run IPA 

    I was lucky enough to have another homebrew delivered to my desk this afternoon. Jonathan Edwards dropped off his latest concoction, Hit ‘n Run IPA. The story goes that on the way home from the brew shop he was actually involved in a hit and run. Something about two meth crazed old ladies who sides-swiped him. Man, the burbs ain’t as same as they used to be!

    First off, as we all know I am a sucker for labels. For a homebrew, this one has got a great one. An oregon license plate “Hit n Run” with the alchohol level (just a guess or the real valu?) and IPA as the registration stickers. Nice. Well done.

    Beyond the label, it proved to be a very easy drinking IPA. Mr. Edwards apologized ahead of time that it was a little weak. But in a world where IPAs and IIPAs seem to overcompensate for art with more hops, I found it enjoyable. I love a hoppy beer, but it can definitely be taken too far. I could say that Hit ‘n Run needs more hops but I won’t. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Just do what the big microbrewers do (ahem, Fat Tire), just name it something different! If it tastes kinda like an IPA but is easy drinking, just call it Easy Rider IPA or something and put something about how you were trying to capture the drinkability of a lager and the hop-roots of an IPA. Viola!

     

    • Frosty 5:48 pm on July 25, 2008 Permalink

      As the other recipient of Mr. Edwards yummy brew concoctions, I would like to extend to him a huge thank you for making this site worth the time.

  • skylark 10:16 pm on July 23, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: coconut, curry, Homebrew   

    Coconut + Curry + Beer? WTF? 

    Writing reviews on Frosty Goodness doesn’t pay well. In fact, it doesn’t pay at all. And when Frosty is on my ass for not writing a post in like, forever, it is hard to get motivated. HOWEVER, a perk has begun to surface. It seems that there are some people who actually read Frosty Goodness. People who are not the same people who write it. We’re not talking thousands or even hundreds, but a couple people have tuned in now and then. These people have also started to BRING US BEER!!

    This is incredible. I mean, they just drop beer by my desk! Sweet! I need to start reviewing video games, exotic cars, and HDTVs! Recently, my friend Ben brought his brother’s homebrew by my desk. I was surprised, and quite frankly a bit scared when I heard this was his brother’s attempt at a coconut curry beer. Yes, coconut curry. What in the hell? I agreed to drink and review the beer on the condition that he be prepared to have it totally lambasted.

    That weekend I had my in-laws over for a BBQ and finally got the courage up to try it. I opened the bottle and took a whiff. Yup… definitely coconut. Definitely curry. He wasn’t joking. Still beer though. I closed my eyes, clenched my stomach and took a swig.

    Hmm. Not too shabby! Although the flavors were unconventional, they blended together for a taste that seemed to fit. Unlike other flavored beers, like Old Market Pub’s Chili Pepper beer, it didn’t taste like some pilsner or IPA that someone haphazardly dumped some Mrs. Dash in to. It tasted complete. I gave my in-laws a sip.

    Sideways glances and skeptically furrowed brows gave way to smiles. My father-in-law thought it would make a great marinade. My mother-in-law and I are big Indian and Thai snobs and both thought it would make a great addition to some Massuman Curry or Pad Prik. We both agreed that an entire 6 pack might be too much, but it would definitely make a great companion to good curry-based cuisine.

    So, Ben’s Brother (sorry, I lost the mail with your name)… keep up the good work! You might even want to consider marketing this as an Indian beer. I would buy it at my favorite local Indian restaurant.

     

    • SwillJockey 10:20 am on July 25, 2008 Permalink

      Hey, as a charter member poster, when does my six pack of that stuff show up?? That sounds awesomely drinkable for those of us who LOVE Thai food.

    • Travis 7:26 am on August 4, 2008 Permalink

      Ben’s brother (and brewer) says “Thanks for the review!”

      Yes, the beer is a bit startling to hear about, to taste for the first time, and even to finish. It was my first attempt at this recipe, taken from Papazians “Joy of Homebrewing”; I admit I have not tried to make it again since, but I am still working through drinking the first batch. Over a year later now, I have just a few left and the flavor is still mellowing out–if you can believe it. I may have used too much chili powder, but as a lover of Indian food, I don’t think that’s possible. Other ingredients included curry leaves, coconut oil (which coagulated on the surface during fermentation), cumin, and black peppercorns.

      I will likely make another batch when I return home; we are now on vacation in India, ironically. I’ll send another bottle down Ben’s way when its fit to drink.

  • Frosty 7:47 pm on June 11, 2008 Permalink | Reply  

    Jonathan Edwards brews beer 

    Whats the only thing better than drinking beer? Drinking beer someone gives you! Ok, so maybe there are a few things better than drinking beer, but its sure nice when a generous coworker comes wandering by with a bottle of home brew for you to try. In this case, the brave soul was our own British expat, Jonathan Edwards. I had the pleasure of sampling one of the last bottles of dear Mr. Edwards Birthday Bitter, named in honor of both his birthday, and the birth of his cute little daughter Elizabeth.

    Now, some of you who know me well may be wondering about me using the words “pleasure” and “Bitter” in the same sentence. I have been know in the past to strictly avoid Bitters, every since Grandpa Goodness had me try one that was the beverage equivalent of being punched in the teeth. So it was with a bit of trepidation and politeness that I geared up and gave Jonathan’s freshman brew a swig.

    And wouldn’t you know it, as it turns out, Mr. Edwards has no idea how to brew a tooth punching Bitter. And I love him for it! This beer was really good. Despite its depressingly low alcohol content (2.6%!), it was a perfect complement to the Disney character shaped pasta the little Frosties and I had were having that evening. Full flavored, with a touch of hoppiness. After finishing it, Mrs. Goodness and I both remarked that it was very close in flavor to some of the Red Ales I enjoy. Kudos Jonathan, for renewing my faith in “Bitter” as a term not indicative of the experience of drinking it.

     

  • Frosty 9:10 pm on May 14, 2008 Permalink | Reply  

    Chris McGowen brews beer 

    This is Chris McGowen. Everyday that you go to work and your computer doesn’t die a horrible death from viruses and botnets (assuming you use McAfee), you should be thanking Chris.

    Personally, every time I’m thirsty and am looking for solid alcoholic beverage to chill with on the patio, I thank Chris. Cause by golly, does this guy brew some tasty beer. Not just tasty, but in a true nod to the comfort in his manliness, a fruity beer. Very fruity, and perfect for a warm evening BBQ, or for boozing up your lady for a night of lovin’.

    Chris’s entry was a tasty ruby ale that we at the Goodness have name “Ruby McGowen”. The name makes me think of one of those waitresses you’d order pie from in a Texas diner. Sweet, but with a hint of sharpness if you push her. In this case, Ruby had a cool, sharp flavor on first sip, then went down with a mellow fruitiness.

    And unlike some fruity beers I’ve had, it had no sugary aftertaste to sicken the palette. (McMenamins!!) All in all a worthy brew that I hope I can con Chris into giving me some more of.

    As an aside, I would like to acknowledge my restraint on not making a joke after I wrote the words “went down with a mellow fruitiness”, as well as give a mild taunt to the one called “Jilot”. Mr Packer, along with Chris himself, claimed that Ruby was overly “heady”. Well my friends, take a look at the picture of this pour. I call it skill. Or perhaps a testament to how much I drink…

     

    • Skylark 8:59 am on May 16, 2008 Permalink

      I also had a chance to sample Mr. McGowen’s Ruby brew. I would have called it Ruby Brewsday or something, but I like e the whole Ruby McGowen sweet and sassy waitress idea.

      As a fan of McMeniman’s Rubinator (Ruby + Terminator) this ruby found a good balance between sweet and stout.

  • Frosty 8:59 pm on May 9, 2008 Permalink | Reply  

    Doug Boyer brews beer 

    Welcome folks to the first installment of a new series here on Frosty Goodness, the “He brews beer” collection. Quite a few of our fellow drunkards have begun brewing beer of their own, and we would be remiss if we didn’t highlight the ups and downs of their foray into garage speakeasies. So without further ado, lets begin.

    This is Doug Boyer. Doug is a great guy, and when not coming up with ways to make our livers swim, is actually in charge of shaping our future as a big wig at a local school. Doug’s submission into the always dangerous hands of Frosty Goodness was a dark and tasty porter that we at the Goodness have officially named “Boyer Bathroom Porter“. (More on the name later)

    Many of you no doubt know that I am no real fan of porters. They tend to have this “gristle” taste to them, as if someone just shoved a bunch of junk in a pot and cooked it until it stopped wiggling. I have had in my day, a few good ones. But until I sat on an empty stomach in Doug’s kitchen and drank 20 or so ounces of this beer, it had been really shaky. Kudos to Doug then for curing my fear of the dark yummy roast. BBB as we’ll call it for short, was super drinkable, had a yummy “toasty” flavor, and gave me a wicked buzz that carried all the way up to me putting my swooning head to bed. Luckily for me, if not for my liver, I walked away with “one for the road”.

    In revisiting from above, why the name “Boyer Bathroom Porter”? Well, I really hope it had it’s brown color before the fermentation process. Because as it turns out, Doug did his fermenting in the downstairs family bathroom. Which as I told him, is a statement that is really a joke in itself.

     

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