Triangle Brewery Black Friday Event

Money benefits went to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Drinker benefits went to me and about 200 other beer mongers at the Triangle Brewery in Durham, NC. A friend from work PTap and I went to this mini beer fest right at the brewery in a warehouse district in Durham. Food was donated from everywhere and other local breweries were there to share their stuff along side the Triangle venue. Triangle's spread included a spicy Golden Belgian, a Tasty Seasonal, and a solid Pale Ale. Visitors included Foothills(Winston-Salem), Liberty Steakhouse (High Point), French Road Brewery (Asheville), Top of the Hill (Chapel Hill), Natty Green's Brewing Co. (Greensboro), Carolina Brewery ((not to be confused with Carolina Beer Company and Carolina Brewing Company)) (Pitsboro), The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery (Farmville), Rock Bottom Brewery (Charlotte), and Carolina Brewing Co. (Holly Springs).

The opportunity to taste all this local stuff was great. I'm pretty confident I enjoyed every 2 oz sample I could get my hands on with only a couple suspects. But given the beer enthusiastic environment, surrounded by those who respect this stuff as much as I do, even the suspects are appreciated for what was attempted. items in the sample list are highlighted with ^ after the score.

Thank you Triangle. It was chill
http://trianglebrewingcompany.blogspot.com/

Victory is Mine!

Victory Brewing Company continues to put out really great stuff at really great prices. Victory is the compromise between the $6 pack and the $9 pack. However, I don't think it lacks the greatness that some $9 packers achieve or HOPe to achieve. When I find a company I like I will try the brewery spread.
First up... Hop Devil. No surprises here. I have sessioned this Satan of hops many times past and of course it is featured in my favorites.
Then the Prima Pils. "A refined pilsner beer for natural enjoyment." It tastes just like a beer. Aren't I a great judge? Prima has a great clean and crisp finish inspiring the next gulp without the beer grin.
Whirlwind Witbier: was a surprise, not quite what I thought, a little different that the over popular and growing blue moon. The spicy burst is what got me at the start and I think I followed that experience with "ummm I don't really like it..." But sometimes you don't "get it" until later. by the time I finished this whirlwind of flavor I wanted to start over again. Reluctantly recommended.
Storm King Imperial Stout. In times past I have typically stayed away from stouts and porters. I guess I thought they are too malty for me. Top Down this season has been a great session with the King.

Victory is Yours!
http://www.victorybeer.com/