Blind Tiger. Brunch. Brand new Guy.

Artsy Guy here. I'm new. Jimmy and Mark tossed me on board at the Pony All American party last week, and if that isn't a way to join the party I don't know what is. Howdy!

What better way is there to spend a beautiful (if breezy) Sunday afternoon than brunch? Brunch with beer you say? I'll agree with you. Thanks for the segue!

I'm occupying a sidewalk-view stool at Blind Tiger Ale House in NYC's West Village. They've got a killer breakfast sandwich (and more on their improved menu), and those who know me will attest to the fact that I'm a happy camper with a pint of West Coast IPA from Green Flash in lovely Vista, CA.

Great place, this Blind Tiger! And the people watching is lively too. And that's what's HOPpenin'. (Man, did I just attempt a catch phrase?) Cheers, y'all!

(Photo note: Not all pints come with minivans.)

Beers at UCLA... or Bruin Brews...

 

Sup Homies.  Stat Guy back atcha.  So I stopped into Westwood Brewing this afternoon to check it out.  It's a Brew/Pub located just south of the UCLA Campus here in Westwood.  Maybe it's where John Wooden used to tip a few back with Bill Walton!... (but, probably not.)  The place is pretty low-key at the moment but sure to be jumping later with hundreds of 21 year-olds... or under-grads with fake id's (ugh... I'll be waaaaay out of here by then :)  

Anyway, they have about 40 taps in rotation including SIX that come straight from some 381 gallon tanks!  Not bad on that front.  To switch things up I tried one of their Reds, the Ruby Red Ale... mm, Not bad.  But after that I reverted to my first love (I always revert!) and tried a Full Sail Amber Ale from Oregon.  Yea, that's better... Is it just me or is everything from Oregon cool???  

Overall the place is okay... kinda drab and maybe a little too college-y for my taste (my girlfriend Kisha would be shocked to hear me say such a thing (Pic from UCLA basketball game in December, below... so sorry for the UCLA shirt Florida peeps)... but you know what I mean right?

Somehow this place kinda lacks the good college bar vibe/style/charm... like a grog-spot you'd find in Ann Arbor or Gainesville.)  Plus the bartender on today is about as personable as a still-life painting (of a pile of tree branches)... buuut maybe he's just having a bad day.  General consensus:  If you're in the neighborhood, check it out, but don't go out of your way.  There are lots of other places to check out in the area, after all.  At the very least least though it might be a pretty cool place to get a fresh Ale and a Burger to watch the NBA Playoffs. Starting tomorrow folks!  Speaking of that, if you're into Sports as Culture check out my blog the Under Dogs.  I'm already sorry for the shameless plug :)  Thanks for reading.  Mahalo!  J

If its not Scottish, its Tract!

Hey HHG -- Happy Guy Joe in MI here. Stopped in to The Blue Tractor in Ann Arbor yesterday night, just in time for 10pm Happy Hour. Half off all of their homemade brews, which takes a pint down to 3 bucks! 

I started with the Scottish Ale, and man, that made my head spin. Licorice and honey notes, with a slap-yo-face start and a sweet finish. Good stuff, but too hard core for me. I switched over to the Java Stout for my second pint. Half off means I get two, right?

For the macro-fans, they have a decent craft pilsner, and if that still scares them off, you can buy cans of PBR, Black Label (my dad's favorite), Stroh's, Blatz and Schlitz for $2.50. 

Pony All American party!

The line begins.

Mirjana - why so happy?  Because you're pouring cask ale?

Love the headgear.  And the beer.

Happy Happy Hour Guys.

... with the owner of the Pony Bar, Dan McLaughlin.  Way to go Dan!

Mark, Jimmy, Scott and Sqiggs are at Lansdowne Road tonight, celebrating the 2 year anniversary of The Pony Bar. Lookit all them All Americans!

There are sure to be some very special and rare brews on tonight, in honor if this great Local and the drove of dedicated drinkers that love it. 

Highlights:

Founders KBS
Avery Meph Addict
Allahash Vrienden
Ithaca Excelsior 13
Nectar Black Xantus
Dogfish World Wide Stout...
And about 14 more all on tap.

God help us.

Wolverines!

Hey HHG! Joe, Michigan Guy-at-Large here. Many members of the Sheep Hockey Team spent Friday and Saturday night at the Wolverine State Brewing Taproom this weekend. Friday was after our 5-3 loss to Carpen; Saturday was to watch the UM Wolverines take on UMD in the NCAA national championship game. Although the good team lost in both cases, the beer and atmosphere a WSB was outstanding!

WSB is doing AMAZING things with Lagers. Until Friday, I was still stuck in the mindset of "ales are good, lagers are bad". Wow - these guys changed my mind, and quick. The Helles was outstanding; their Winter Lager mayb have been the best winter beer I've ever had, and their Porter isn't bad either. In fact, those who drank their way through the menu (and you know who you are, PETE and IAN!) had absolutely no complaints.

 

 

Matt Roy, founder, president, lagerhead, and former UM Glee Club member, took the Sheep on a tour of the brewing facilities. Did I mention that they are doing AWESOME things with lagers? Man - I had it all wrong.  It's not all about the ales. It's all about good craft beer made by passionate people!

By the way - the WSB tap room doesn't have a kitchen, but have Pilar's Tamales in on Friday nights, and on Saturday they had Ray's Red Hots in the parking log. Or you can bring in your own food (the chinese place across the street is a good choice, and all pizza joints in the area will deliver right to to your table).

Ballgame Beer

Hey HHGs. Jeff here. I came out to a California League game between the Lake Elsinore Storm and the San Jose Giants (Single A affiliates of the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants) along with the great Don York. They have a local brew on tap here from nearby Redlands, CA called Hanger 24 Orange Wheat. It's an orange infused Hefeweizen and soooo tasty. Cheers to Craft Beer at the BallPark!  And a Perfect day for a Ballgame!!!  Life is Good.