OK, so this time round, I've ended up with 4 bombers of each of the following:
- Stone Arrogant *******
- Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout
- Rogue Dead Guy Ale
- Allagash Reserve Tripel
- Avery Hog Heaven Barley Wine
- Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
So, maybe a tripel to start with some Belgium-ish goodness, a maibock to malt it up a bit, 2 IPA's to make you fall in love with humulones, a hoppy barley wine (100 IBU!!!) and an oak aged imperial stout to finish. Though not sure we'll be able to taste the "delicate oak" after 100+ IBU (selective use of quotes here, nothing is delicate about US micro's). Maybe we should have it before the IPA's?
Apologies for those who have requested items not on the list - but I'll try to get to them. Some are just not available at all in Texas (Russian River), others only available in 12 oz bottles (ie Fat Tire), some you just have to be in the right place at the right time (ie Bigfoot). And St Arnold don't do bombers.
Am already planning my next lot. Doing a roadtrip next March which will conveniently take me through San Diego (small 500 mile dogleg out of the way), and will ensure I pick up/order Russian River while I'm there, look for some Alesmith Speedway Stout, visit Stone to pick up some RIS, Ruination, etc. Have also lined up an order of Alaskan Smoked Porter, Avery 14th Anniversary, Hair of the Dog Adam, Alesmith Old Numbskull, Ruination for delivery ~Feb 08. Not the cheapest way to do it, but don't know how else to get stuff like Alaskan for example. Maybe keep them for a tasting when I'm back Dec 08 or mid-09? For my next trip back to Perth May 08, I'll have to travel light, so can only bring a case, I thought maybe some 11 oz bottles could be the go:
- Sam Adams Imperial Pilsener
- North Coast Old Rasputin RIS
- Hair of the Dog Adam
- New Belgium Fat Tire Amber
Again - thoughts on these appreciated. If you could only try 4 types in 11 oz bottles, what would they be?
Looking forward to being home and having a beer with you guys... note that all of these beers are heavy; plan for a driver!