Prediction: lagering will be the new sour (like sours became the new imperial stouts and imperial stouts were the new barleywines). I can't wait for pilsners to be overpriced and frantically sought after.

Lets see in a year or so if I was correct (maybe 2 years).

The Death of a Ratebeerian

Symptoms:

1. Have not traded in over 6 months

2. Average less than 10 ratings a month for the past 12 months

3. Have no idea what is or who makes Chocolate Rain

4. Often go days without checking an online beer site

5. No beers purchased "to age" over the past 12 months

I have not met these criteria but I almost did a few months ago. Once I think I'm out they pull me back in.

Are there too many good beers?

It seems I can no longer keep up with all the special released beers and even the non-special releases that seem to be interesting or awesome brews. The beer scene is advancing so much that few brewers are just making the regular old light ale or lager through stout lineup but instead are making so many older styles, imperial styles, and experimental brews. Part of me feels said that I cannot try them all but a bigger part of me just loves the fact that everyone is taking chances. Since I can no longer try them all I am still satisfied with believing when I go somewhere new there is a good chance my choices wont be limited to just a Blonde, Amber, IPA, or Stout.

More tasting glasses, here are some pics.

The nip obsession continues, I have been able to come across a few more nips recently.

I have also been enjoying nips in small glasses.


This is a Little Kings Ale, I was hesitant to add this to my collection since I have a no macro policy, but this does not fall into that category. Little Kings was made by Schoenling Brewing Company who took over Hudepohl Brewing cmopany. Hudepohl -Schoenling operated in Cincinnati as an independent brewer until 1997 when the brewery itself was sold to Boston Brewing Company (makers of Sam Adams). Little Kings Ale continues to be contract brewed at other regional breweries. At the moment it is brewed at the Lion Brewery in Wilkes Barre, PA.

And yes "Little" Kings Ale has been available in much larger sizes.

Some more pics

Outside of my affinity for nips I seem to now have an affinity for smaller (or tasting) versions of glassware. As with numerous hobbies the tool that provides the hobby is almost as important as the substance and beer is no different. There are beer geeks with a large collection of glassware. This obviously takes up a lot of room. So for me, it seems, smaller versions of glassware is a new "little" hobby. As pictured above there are 4 glasses that are smaller versions of the regular glasses.

There are more out there that I will hunt down as well. Smaller version of La Trappe, Moinette and Val Dieu goblets, as well as La Chouffe and Duvel tulips are out there and I will be looking for them as well. These versions hold between 3-6oz whereas the regular sized glasses hold over 12oz. For comparison the picture above show a regular sized glass from New Belgium as well as a 750mL bottle with the smaller/tasting glasses up front.