Beer Review - Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale

B-Daddy here. Yesterday we had a little barbecue and Dean brought by one of my favorite beers, Bear Republic's Red Rocket Ale. Someday I'll get around to a top 10 beer list, like Max, but this ale would certainly be on it. (Off the top of my head, I would also include Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Avery Salvation Golden Ale, Delirium Tremens, Alpine Ale, Shiner Bock and Highway 78 Scotch Ale.) Bear Republic also makes an excellent IPA, Racer 5.

As you can see from the picture, Red Rocket pours a dark amber-brown, with a head that is full but disappears quickly. But don't let that fool you, it's full of flavor. It has just a hint of sweetness to balance much more hoppiness than expected from an amber ale. Red Rocket is fairly complex, and always takes me a few sips to absorb all of the different flavors embedded. At 6.8% ABV, its not too boozy so its a nice companion to a bbq meal especially steak. Although not a San Diego beer, it is from California, Healdsburg to be specific. Craft beer is one of the few growing industries in our state, and also the least regulated, figure that.

Song For Columbus Day

Thank you for this song Jesse.

Men Bond With Fists

Dave and Mike were great friends, they'd been buds for years. Dave loved a martial arts video game and practically lived it at times. Mike would occasionally rib him about it, but played the game with gusto because he enjoyed Dave's enthusiasm.

One night, drinking beer at a party, Dave went ninja on Mike. He was steely eyed as he sized up Mike and started throwing some kicks and punches. They weren't connecting as yet, but soon started to as Mike got into the mood of the play acting.

Soon everyone was watching as Dave and Mike fought and tussled. Finally, after they both had drawn blood, they landed on the ground laughing and whooping in a primal way. They got up, dusted off and got another beer feeling more like brothers than ever. Why do men bond with fists?

Women would most likely never speak to each other again if there was any kind of physical violence. I wonder at this seemingly strange rite of passage and encourage any comments to enlighten me.

Beer Review - Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock

B-Daddy here, with a beer review to go with yesterday's restaurant review of Gordon Biersch. Since I have been drinking pale ales of late (Alpine Ale and Mirror Pond), I thought I would go with a lager with my steak at Gordon Biersch restaurant. I am not the biggest fan of GB, but since they brew on premise, I thought the freshness would help.

This beer poured a little darker than the blonde it is advertised to be. (An aside about "blondes" the beers, not the women. I have noticed that they seem too be used to confuse. For instance, Shiner Blonde is actually a Pilsner.) The beer poured a nice medium golden color, with a decent head. It was both maltier and hoppier than anticipated, since my main bock is Shiner Bock. It had a bit of "biscuit" flavor, which was fine under the circumstance, although I am normally not a fan. It was very drinkable, and I didn't really notice its slightly above average 7% ABV. I ended up having two pints and having a great evening out with the family.

Restaurant Review - Gordon Biersch

Gordon Biersch is a fine restaurant. Our favorite location for Gordon Biersch is in convenient Mission Valley.  The atmosphere is excellent, with it's dark wood and leather like booths. It has private dining as well as two patios. The kitchen is off to the side, fully visible, with competent chefs cooking your meal in a clean environment. I noticed the chef's cooking pizza in a wood fired oven. The food is of high quality with a nice variety, ranging from delicious pizza to steak or seafood. It is a brewery/restaurant so it has excellent fresh beer on tap. The waitresses are friendly, attractive and attentive. Treat yourself and a friend or two to some fine food and brew, at Gordon Biersch.

Music for today

This is a great song by an awesome lady.

Tip - Sliding glass doors

If the sliding glass doors are hard to push, try and adjust the rollers. The adjustments are either on the sides of the door or on the bottom rail of the door. You may have to remove the door and clean the track. Use silicone spray to lubricate the tracks.

Nurses Station - Eggs

While eggs contain cholesterol, they also contain lecithin which may provide enough good cholesterol (HDL's) to counteract the bad cholesterol (LDL's).

On a Preachy Note

The emergency rooms, and police stations get busy every weekend, with a plethora of young men. They have imbibed too much alcohol, or overdosed on some new party drug. Why do so many young dudes feel compelled to over drink, over drug, or both?

Many of the guys face peer pressure to get drunk. Quantity becomes more important than quality. Instead of enjoying a nice local brew, they down as much cheap beer as possible with the intention of passing out or puking everywhere.  It's not manly to get slithered. Most people find a drunk obnoxious and distasteful to be around. Trouble has a way of finding those who are drunk. It is a known phenomenon. Don't be influenced by inebriated friends to over drink. Stay with your convictions. Always have someone who is not drinking do the driving, or eat and drink over a period of time, before getting behind the wheel.

Doing drugs is a no brainer. Just don't do it. They may make you feel good for a short time, but are lethal on your young buff bode. You are usually taking something that is mixed with, God knows what other chemicals. Contrary to what your friends tell you, most drugs are highly addictive. They are also illegal and not worth the price you will pay. Many of the drugs out there cause impotence if taken long enough. Not very manly, is it? Illegal drug taking is a lose, lose situation. Real men are in control and aware of their surroundings, be that kind of guy.
 

This is a classic

The Doors had so many hits, but this is one of my favorites! Excellent video also.