Gone Down Fighting, the Rogue's notes.

Anger Management.  10th Street break.  11/1/2014

   The weekend marked the end of 2014 Daylight Savings Time (DST). Surf reports boasted semi-clean overhead swell. Weather called for heavy rains and strong 25 to 30 mph winds out of the northeast. I can honestly say surf was not in my plans, although that didn't stop me from getting in a surf check. Crossing the Rt 50. bridge into town, the bay was an expanse of white caps. Crosswinds became noticeable as soon as I hit Baltimore Ave. Turning up 10th street the empty parking spaces and bag covered card machines gave way to symptoms of an offseason in full swing. An empty boardwalk opened up to a panorama of gale force winds and a sea that dared me to enter. Looked as if DST had gone down fighting and wanted someone...anyone to join in. I declined. Took the extra hour's sleep instead.

Join the fight.  10th Street Backshore, 11/1/2014

   What I accepted however, was the next two Marzans. Terrapin Beer Company's Pumpkinfest, a Pumpkin Marzan loaded with the usual cinnamon, clove, and pie spices. Poured a dark copper-brown with a finger plus white head. Fair lacing. Low hop bitterness (23 IBUs) with a pretty strong malt backbone. Not overly sweet which was good.  And the 6.1 ABV gave it some umph.  Rated a B+.

"I am a firm believer in the people. 

If given the truth, they can be dep-

pended upon to meet any national

crisis. The great point is to bring

them the real facts, and beer."

-Abraham Lincoln

Flying Dog's Dogtoberfest is Maryland's backdoor German import...all ingredients brought in from Munich und Vienna.  Also dark copper with a two-finger light tan head. Aromas of toffee with a slight caramel taste. Just enough hops at 30 IBU to lend a crisp finish. Not quite as strong at 5.6 ABV, so I had a couple or so. This one was also a B grader.

"Red sky at morning, sailors take warning."  All Hallows Eve sunrise, Snow Hill Road. Salisbury, MD 10/31/2014.