Got The Fever, notes from the ROguE

Feel the fever, 3/14.

   Met a buddy of mine for some grub and brews in West OC the other night.  Got down a bit early and did an initial surf check.  With 15-20 knot offshore winds doin' clean up, and Daylight Savings Time going on, I got the fever.  A lingering early spring chill had nothing to do with it.  The sun, like a periodic strobe, glints off the spray of a wave's crest as the lip swings down into it's curl.  The rolling A-frames left and right. Inviting.  The bright white foam crashing towards shore and resulting salty smell of the ocean.  Those are the inducements of said feverish plight.  But, and this is huge for me, the water temps are still hovering around 40F.  Gonna have to have the sun continue it's extended daily massage of warming rays and some milder nights to edge the Atlantic's waters up into a more hospitable range.  Got to get into the upper 40's to cure my symptoms.  Dinner was good.  Beer was cold.  Night got windier...colder. Need to bring an end to this winter slump.

Ready for the awakening.

    A couple of Stones have been in my fridge that are perfect for removing any chill.  Stone Brewing outta Escondido, Cali has been unleashing big beers since 1996.  The first is one of their biggest mainlines...  Ruination IPA, an Imperial so named for it's "ruinous effect on your palate." 7.7% ABV and over One F#*king Hundred IBUs!  Pours a honey-gold with a light finger and a half head.  Good carbonation.  Distinct lacing.  Scent of sweet citrus - cross between grapefruit and orange.  Tastes of sweet malt up front but a butt-slappin' bold hop effect on the backside.  Very prominent hop bitterness that'll really rock ya... a good thang. One of the best IPA's I've ever had.  A+ Brah!

"A liquid poem to the glory of the

hop."  

-Steve Wagner, Stone Brewmaster

   The next was (that's right- not no more left), Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.  Damn...these guys know how to get it right!  A Black IPA or Ale as some refer to, that pours an opaque black with a finger plus light brown head.  The herbal/floral hops come out in the first whiff and the creaminess of the first taste is fantastic.  Roasted coffee/mocha flavors combined with hop bitterness will appeal to brewed dark chocolate lovers (me) everywhere. Brewed dark chocolate...Damn Son! 90 IBUs give this a nice hop zip in the finish. Careful on the next couple... 8.7% ABV. Another rock hard A.

"Live life to the fullest- fill another 
glass!"             -Rueben Garcia

Gotta check this "break" out come summer!