Beer 43 - Mighty Arrow, New Belgium Brewing

I stopped by the Firehouse to take one of the "Relentless Hefes" to James the owner for a taste test. He liked it. His opinion matters too. He's pretty knowledgeable about beer, and he's always trying to bring in new great beers. Some great Dogfish Head is coming soon, and everyone needs to go have some!!

Tim and I have gotten nothing but good feedback on our first home brew "Relentless Hefe." Feedback from a bar owner/beer aficionado, a home brew store owner, and a brewmaster from a Texas brewery. I'm not bragging, I'm just glad the first attempt was a success!

Scene Setting: At the Firehouse, enjoying a beer with James. He just got the Mighty Arrow on tap and I had to give it a shot. James mentioned they have a poker night that is about to move to Tuesday, and I plan to take part soon.

Verdict: I saw a documentary on New Belgium once and I love the brewery. It only makes it better that they make excellent beer. I enjoy pales a lot and this one is a favorite. Good aroma leads into an excellent use of hops. Light fruitiness with a mild finish.

Beer 33 - Piranaha Pale Ale, BJ's Brewhouse

With a few errands to run and a car load of boys we decided to go let them get rid of some of their energy at the mall playground. After an hour of chasing them around we worked up quite an appetite so off we went for some pizza and beer. Good opportunity for me to catch up on one of the days I missed when I was sick.

Scene Setting: BJs Brewhouse in Arlington, having a great lunch with my wife. It's been a while since I've had the Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza. Delicious! Fantastic waitstaff and managers too. The experience here is always good.

Verdict: I love pales and this one is near the top of my list. Great floral aroma with a good bite from the hops and a crisp finish. It's one of my favorites from BJ's

Day 18 - 2010 Annual Grand Cru, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Kareah and I just left the pediatrician with Ezra and were both famished. She wanted pizza and I wanted beer (out of necessity) so what better place in the area than BJs in Arlington. Their pizza is increadible and they brew their own beer. Quality dinning right here in Arlington. The atmosphere is enjoyable too with many TVs showing the current goings on. Unfortunately I was facing the replays from the Cowboy's loss to the Vikings.

Scene Setting: Sitting in BJs spacious booth with Kareah and my youngest Ezra. Enjoying everything but the Cowboys replay. Sister Hazel playing "All for you" in the background.

Verdict: First, great alcohol content (10% ABV). Great maltiness and use of fruit & spice. It took silver for Belgian-style Strong Specialty Ale at the Great American Beer Festival in 2002, and World Beer Cup in 2000.

Day 14 - Magic Hat #9, Magic Hat Brewery

I'm always looking for a great new beer. I think I found one tonight. Our soccer team is now sponsored by Firehouse Grill and Brewery in Mansfield, TX. The owner James puts a lot of effort into bringing good beer to Mansfield. Anyone looking for a great place to get a quality beer selection on tap try this place. They also have a cigar room. So come on down

Back to the point. James suggested Magic Hat #9 from the Magic Hat Brewery in Vermont. It's a Pale Ale. Pales are on the top of my list, so I went with it.

Scene Setting: Firehouse Grill and Brewery with the team enjoying some beer and appetizers. Katy (our regular) serving up the beer like a champ. The sweet sounds of "You sexy thing" playing on the karaoke machine.

Verdict: Thanks James I'll never doubt you!! This is a great pale. Not as hopped as I'm used to pales being. I usually prefer strong hops, but the uniqueness of this one was fantastic. I enjoyed the light citrus flavor it yielded. I will revisit this beer soon.