Why beer taste so much better at a Concert

Flogging Molly and Good Beer

I drove my buddy Damion and I to the show at War Memorial Nashville TN. The weather was wet and shitty but already getting major pumped in the car jamming all albums, laughs begin as we get to the parking lot which of course was an event in itself but up to the venue we go. The line is INSANE; so wait we must, conversations after conversations, meeting one night friends and sharing favorite songs and what in hopes they will play.

So, finally after many handshakes, “Oh, you went to FullSail”? A couple business cards which made their way to the ground and several drunken hugs we enter. Beers are a must and for this amazing event the vender doesn’t disappoint. A delicious Hoppy IPA or a Dark Stout is in hands everywhere! The IPA having a great bitter, malty slash citric aroma with a clean head and the Stout just tickling your taste buds from the roasted barley and oversea like taste from what might have been wood chips screaming loudly “It’s been a good travel dear friend”. Big grins are the only thing you can do. We obtain the needed wrist bands and double fisting another set of IPA's we enter the open floor while the opening band which was "ok" was playing. Some head nods followed by a spillage on isle 3 back outside we went. More conversations and a cigarette to get the nerves to calm from the energy charged booze they are forcing upon us this, evening has already started off with a bang I tell ya.

After heading back in we meet a young patron (Blah… Blah was his name) and he’s asking to get him beers due to his age, a good guy he was so why not? I remember those days very well and everyone needs to enjoy a beer at a concert, it just tastes so different. Finally Flogging enters the stage- the rest of this is a huge blur from the constant moshing, cheer sing, hugging, singing and hundreds of high fives. Wow!  The band plays every track that I was hoping for and ends on a perfect note with lead guitarist handing me his pick from the show. I record everything I could while allowing other fans to say hi to my elbows. Where is everyone going I ask? We decide to stick around and yes… I knew it!  At the stage several band members come out and conversations begin to just pour out of me. Autographed guitar pick and my ticket stub signed, picture with the drummer (George Schwindt) which seemed like someone I would offer to buy a beer at a random whole in the wall for exchange of a good story. Walking back to the ride was just as exciting as the show filled with singing, laughter and bums- the night is still young and I’m to pumped/drunk to leave so east Nashville it is. My old stomping ground where we are running into more peeps that attended the show, more conversations, more drinking and my boy highlighting the after party with a little bit of throw up. Safely and slowly I drive home thinking damn, why do beers taste so much better at a concert?



Almost 21



Stoudts Pilsner

What a day and what a beer Stoudts Pilsner J Brewed by Stoudts Brewing Company located in Pennsylvania                                                                                                      http://www.stoudtsbeer.com/

As I pour into a clear glass, I couldn’t help but notice the vibrant golden beam of light shoot into the air from this happy juice. Following this pleasant color was a quickly dissipating white head that would spit wonderful smells of earthy grains, malt and a noble hop profile. After several sips you should get this sharp carbonated tingle that will hit your tongue from the light body followed by a dry citric bite from the Saaz Hops.

This beverage was perfect for the sunny almost 70 degree weather day. One that will be added to the fridge more often and offered to all guests that looks like someone just shitted all over their parade. Classing this one under the “up lifter category”, packaging doesn’t look like much. Hell, from the first impression you might even think WTF? Thanks dude, here I’m a guest in your home, sharing a sad story and the support I get is a beer that looks like it’s going to be a skunky disappointment. Why don’t you kick me in the balls and get it over with! Until that vibrant pour I have a feeling that this beer will be over looked, not considered or disregarded as… yay-beer (low pathetic voice). I’m here to say that it’s actually decent and comes with a thirst quenching hand shake. (<- hand shake?) I would definitely recommend this and if unable to find at your local market then don’t look so glum. Still wanting to test my theory but I would say that “Stoudts Pilsner” does have a very similar profile to the “Noble Pilsner” by Sam Adams so this could be a Plan B.

SnapperHead IPA brewed by: Butternuts Beer and Ale out of New York

www.butternutsbeerandale.com/

This beer had all the expectations of a good IPA but lacking a full profile. It has a very nice orange, rich color with a light head which is leaning towards a thin carbonation due to the quick dissipation. The taste was sweet almost butterscotch like followed by a strong malty flavor. So far so good right, and here comes the disappointment: very low in hops all around which destroyed what I thought this beer could have been. It’s there however I felt like Dr. Jones hunting for it. You will find it in the back of the bitter taste giving a hint of citrus. Hardly no aroma due to the over power of the malt, think I went into this expecting the lost ark or a hidden gem due to the outstanding package/marketing.

Being a graphic designer I’m now noticing that when exploring new brews I can get quickly distracted by the marketing and labels. Butternuts Beer and Ale’s website is a wonderful adventure filled with many hidden easter eggs and proving how cool you can make a product seem by some simple flash. (check out the link above) Now this beer wasn’t a complete loss and for it being a 6.8% IPA sold in cans it could be a real winner for a hot day of chugging. I’m actually thinking of adding this to my Bonnaroo variety pack since there is a strict rule on No Bottles. If someone was standing next to me in an aisle and asked what I thought about SnapperHead’s IPA? I would follow up with- Are you wanting to drink an IPA or a Pale Ale because this is what I consider this beer leaning towards.