Done With Q1 - Pt.1, notes from the Rogue

 

Done with Q1- Pres. Day Snow.
 February, 2012

 









   Hit the Delaware Shore over the weekend.  Sighted the new Indian River Inlet Bridge in North Bethany.  Nice job regardless of the delays.  Not completely open yet, but by the time the tourons start flocking in all lanes should be clear.  I understand the old bridge, literally crumbling down despite past attempts to renovate, will be completely wiped by demolition by then.  Sometimes, change is good.

Summer crowd pleaser to be

   Saturday's surf was looking chest to head with semi-clean rights and a few lefts on the south side of the inlet jetty.  Fuc#ing jonesin' bad.  Some of those rides would be seriously spot on.  Proof provded by a local Stickman who was rattlin' some serious chain out there.

IR Inlet, early March facelift, 

Local rattle 'n roll

Atlantic waters vary from low to mid 40's up and down the MD/DE coast.  Really need that 50 degree mark.  Really really do. No $hittin'dude.  This mild winter offers a level of hope that could put me in by mid April.  Not much more than a month.  I need this. Seriously.  I can do the wait.  Really.

 Okay, okay, okay...a 2fer.  From 21st Amendment Brewing we've got two winners here.  Both of these units came in a can (supposedly fresher longer...hmmmm).  For serious Hop Heads only:

Bitter Monk

Bitter American Session Ale, an American Pale Ale that measures 4.4% ABV and 42 IBUs which is on the high side for a pale ale.  Named for the first chimps in space ("If you were rocketed into space against your will, you might be a little bitter too!").  Poured an orange-amber hue with a 1.5 finger frothy head.   A citrus-pine nose with a malt start and crisp hop finish that provided a nice well carbonated taste.  Slightly metallic aftertaste...(the can...maybe?).  Still want more.  I give this one an A-.

Back In Black (I hit the sack. I've been too long I'm glad to be back), a Black IPA dropping in at 6.8% ABV and exploding with 65 IBUs.  This is a big black brew pouring a dark dark brown (for those who can see past the black) with a 2 finger chocolate head and ample lacing.  Nice in a snifter as it has an aroma of strong fruit hops and herbal pine.  Creamy caramel malt taste with robust bittersweet finish.  I did a six...graded an A like it's namesake's effort on that fateful black night in April of 1775...Paul Revere...Patriot.

"I would give all of my
fame for a pot of ale...
and safety."  Ride on!