Fly By, the Rogue's notes.

 

Crowd pleaser. Navy's Blue Angels fly by...everyone waited for this one. Annapolis, MD 5/27/2016

   Our second day in, and a primary reason for our return...my nephew, and surf partner Ben, or should I say Ensign. Naval Acadamy Graduate. Sweet. And hot. Like the Blue Angels fly-by, temps were souring in the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Four years in Annapolis, MD are done and gone. Flight school next. We are all very proud. Celebrated with margaritas and crabs. How much more proud can you get?!

Naval Academy Graduation. Annapolis, MD. 5/27/2016

Ensign BenJammin.  Hooyah!
GO NAVY!

Eat More Crabs.

   So. Like I said, margaritas and crabs. But don't think we didn't have beer too. I brought the brew of choice. Flying Dog's Numero Uno. An Agave Blonde Ale. Their interpretation of a Mexican Lager. More or less. Brewed with flaked maze and lime zest. Poured a straw yellow with a thin finger white head. Light lace. Aromas of lime and dry corn. Light lager taste, a lot like a Corona; with a hint of citrus and lime, but no actual lime. Crisp. Refreshing. Not what I would call original. But...very drinkable, AND perfect with crabs. Rated a B-/C+.

"If you're having a bad day, catch a wave."  -Frosty Hesson.  Sluggish break, 65th Street. 5/28/2016

   Managed to get down to the OC 3x this week. Got into the water 3x this week. Not too bad. By the time the water started warming up enough to strip away some rubber, we had to leave. This session marked Day 2 in the water; Day 3 of our return. Our Right Coast fly by. Thigh-high semi-slop with 10 knot southeast winds. Water just about 60F. No power in the break, but still felt tension. Could not let go. Clock was ticking. Called for more browsin', drinkin', and good eatin' than surfin'. Conditions favored the former. Carved up the wood (versus the riding the chop) in pursuit of some of the Boardwalk's best chow, beer, and maybe a little swag. More pics, less talk. 

Best burgers on the 'Shore.

Boardwalk staple.

Tru dat!

   As part of our board quest we did a brewery and beer re-assessment. Backshore (formerly Shorebilly) Brewing Company on 10th and the boards. They had a six, we did a six. A flight of six. 

To add perspective, we had been here a few years back when they had first opened and you go a flight of different colored beers that all tasted the same. Bland. I thik they were trying too hard to be "boardwalk sessionable." Low ABV so patrons order several. Now they focus on the beer. They've changed brewers. Tightened up their game. Even added some Moonshine. This evening we got six decent offerings. Even some "Hoop-Tea" 'shine.

The best of, in my opinion, was Warrior Come Out and Play, a heavy hitting IPA at 7% ABV. Only session here is one that will knock you on yo ass! Took back a Crowler across state lines. Surprisingly it had a strong malt backbone that did not overpower the 58 IBU hop punch. Okay, enough with the puns. Poured a light haze amber with a finger and half head. Fair lacing. Light aroma of grapefruit, but not strong. More biscuit and malt in the taste than expected, some apricot and citrus. The bitter finish lent to the impression of a half-way English IPA. Rated a B/B- (great movie though). Much improved, but more improvement is always good. I look forward to the next Backshore visit.

"Warriors, come out to play-aayy..."
-Luther (David Patrick Kelly)