Mental Strain, notes from the Rogue

November sky, SBY 11/23.    "It's all about where your mind's at."   -Kelly Slater  

  Been in a funk lately.  Can't surf during the week as the sun has set by the time I'm off work.  Work itself has been a mental strain.  Need a surf.  Need to get wet.  But, flat conditions continued thru the weekend as water temps dropped into the lower fifties. With nights falling below freezing it's no wonder.  Feels like the clock is ticking before my season ends.
   Brother came down Saturday to hang out.  Needed the relax time.  Family is always good. Went to a local brewpub.  Drank some beers.  Did some dinner.  BS'd. Hung out. Watched a movie.  Let go a little.  A nice beer to help was Heavy Seas Great'Er Pumpkin, Imperial Pumpkin Ale.  At 10% ABV this'll mellow you out real quick.  I've oft heard it said about some pumpkin beers that they're like drinkin' a slice of pumpkin pie. Great'Er lives up to that.  Pours a deep cloudy orange-brown with a finger tan head. Fair lacing.  Aged in bourbon barrels so a little boozy, but the aroma and taste are full of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spices that seemed to blend well with a dry vanilla finish.  Not too much of a hop bite with approximately 25 IBUs, however the dry finish made it very smooth going down.  Did this from a 22oz. bomber.  Don't need much more than that.  Definitely a favorite for a crisp autumn evening.  Rated it an A-.

"Perfect beer for burning them 

leaves"    -DsW