:beer: BEER! :beer:

there is enough talk of beer on these boards, it is about time we got a thread going exclusively about beer. what's the best beer you've tasted? whats the worst? whats the most outrageous thing you've done while drinking beer? what country is responsible for the most good beers? do you have any local brews you like? ever tried home brewing? what is you favorite thing to eat after drinking lots of beers on a saturday night? i don't care what we talk about, as long as it has something to do with beer!

(please forgive me if this is a duplicate of any threads started before my registering on this site.)

i'd imagine that after a heavy night of drinking, scrapple would be really good. is this true? who are some of the good local brews in baltimore? do you have yuengling down that far?

I'd hesitate to say any beer is "bad", as just about anything tastes good after a few sips. The ones that I like, however, are easier to list:

Bud Coors Light Killian's Corona

Originally posted by WenOrder the annual maryland microbrew fest.

when is this? i've been meaning to drag my fiance across to the atlantic, (i've got loads of distant family scattered from boston to baltimore, though mostly around Connecticut) and this would be a must for the both of us.

Originally posted by WenOrder the brewer's art.

near the inner harbor, or am i thinking of someplace else?

i don't know about you, but it sounds like i am more of a "downstairs" type. well, depending on how downstairs we are talkin'.

me neither.

but before this thread turns into a means of bashing baltimorian yuppies, back to beer talk:

does anyone know the secret to pooring guiness well? i've been trying to figure it out for 4 years now. i think it has something to do with the angle of the glass, and the temp the keg is kept at?

Originally posted by Sean Taugher i'd imagine that after a heavy night of drinking, scrapple would be really good. is this true? who are some of the good local brews in baltimore? do you have yuengling down that far?

Don't ever eat scrapple. It's the most disgusting meat product produced currently. Unless, of course, you actually like eating pig scraps.

Ack. Why am I even posting in this thread? I don't even drink beer.

Best beer tasted - Stella Artois, especially bottled. (Actually, a local supermarket chain runs a special offer every couple of months or so: 24 bottles of Stella for €24.99, normal price €45. How could one even contemplate NOT indulging?) Worst beer tasted - Guinness. Tried it a few times but just cannot take to it. Most outrageous thing as a result of beer - probably too numerous to go into, and that's the ones I remember! Which country has the best - can't really say as I don't take much notice of country of origin etc., but I'll give credit to Belgium 'cos of Stella. Local brews - would be Guinness (see above) or Bulmers cider. A nice drink, but loony juice for me. Home brewing - haven't tried it, don't think I'd have the patience. Or if I did, maybe I'd enjoy it TOO much.;) Best food after drinking - there's not really too much that's not suitable for a post-bender snack, but hot & greasy is a good guideline.

Originally posted by Sean Taugher me neither. but before this thread turns into a means of bashing baltimorian yuppies, back to beer talk:does anyone know the secret to pooring guiness well? i've been trying to figure it out for 4 years now. i think it has something to do with the angle of the glass, and the temp the keg is kept at?

This should help you out

I've seen people take serious offence to being served Guinness that's less than perfect, any spilt over the side of the glass, for example.

Belgium is the home of the finest beer in the world, and luckily I shall be there next weekend !

Originally posted by Known Pleasures Belgium is the home of the finest beer in the world

which is why I'm amazed everyone keeps going on about Stella Artois, there are plenty of beers superior to Stella (Jan, back me up here!)

Originally posted by Geri > Originally posted by Known Pleasures Belgium is the home of the finest beer in the world

which is why I'm amazed everyone keeps going on about Stella Artois, there are plenty of beers superior to Stella (Jan, back me up here!)

I can back you myself Geri, frankly I do not understand this love affair of Britons with Stella, it's bland and lacks personality. Now Judas, that is a proper beer and even Hoegarden when it's really hot outside is a nice beer to have. But Belgium has a lot to answer for with the fruit flavored beers. More of a joke than a beer, I had once in Brussels tea flavoured beer. Not as disgusting as I wanted it to be but komisch nonetheless.

If you ever come to Spain I strongly recommend you to try and find "Ambar" from "La Zaragozana" an excellent lager.

Wen, on microbrews, have you tried Key West Ale?, absolutelly scrumptious.

Forgot to mention something: nothing compares to a pint of well kept Bitter.

From the review of T3: Rise of the Machines in Cleveland Scene:

[John] Connor's been surviving incognito on the mean, dirty streets of L.A. and has sunk so far into depression that he actually drinks Budweiser.

I read an interesting article earlier this year about "Fast Pour" Guinness and how it has since been sent packing; apparently the idea was to use ultrasound to give you head faster than ever before.

The only beer I've ever been unable to finish was a Sam Adams Cranberry Lambic. I'm sure it was among the finest of those you can get, but :barf:

In my Community profile pic (which I haven't bothered to submit...oops) I'm sporting the very fashionable Shiner Brewery tour T-shirt, straight outta Texas.

Dumbest thing I ever did was spew beer (the aforementioned Shiner) all over my buddy's Macintosh while typing, drinking, and listening to The Simpsons at the same time.

New Order is sonic beer.

Originally posted by Geri > Originally posted by Known Pleasures Belgium is the home of the finest beer in the world

which is why I'm amazed everyone keeps going on about Stella Artois, there are plenty of beers superior to Stella (Jan, back me up here!)

My dad's name is Jan; does that count? The Belgians have the BEST beer around. There may be better ones as I haven't tried all of them but I like Affligem. Check out BBeerList for a list of belgian beers with alcohol percentage quoted.

Originally posted by Gnu Odor From the review of T3: Rise of the Machines in Cleveland Scene:[John] Connor's been surviving incognito on the mean, dirty streets of L.A. and has sunk so far into depression that he actually drinks Budweiser.

but dude, it says "king of beers" right on the bottle! they can't go around, spewing lies like that can they?? oh wait, i forgot: they are americans :D

Budweiser - You Can Taste the Clydesdales (TM)

:barf:

that's not cool. you almost made me spit my beer out!

Best beer in the world: Carling Black Label as brewed in South Africa - it says "America's lusty lively beer" on the label (which happens to be red), but is brewed locally - unfortunately it's not available in Oz, so I only get to drink it once a year when I visit home. Tragedy. Next would be Stella or Heineken, followed by Castle Lager.

Originally posted by Sean Taugher that's not cool. you almost made me spit my beer out!

one less sip towards cirrhosis

Originally posted by Push Best beer in the world: Carling Black Label as brewed in South Africa - it says "America's lusty lively beer" on the label (which happens to be red), but is brewed locally - unfortunately it's not available in Oz, so I only get to drink it once a year when I visit home. Tragedy.Next would be Stella or Heineken, followed by Castle Lager.

Possibly the only person in the world who rates Carling ? It's pish !

Originally posted by Push Next would be Stella or Heineken, followed by Castle Lager.

Heineken? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!

Oddly, I've never seen anyone ever actually drink Genessee.

there's a bar in San Diego with Pabst Blue on tap!!

worst beer ever: a Lazer 40oz purchased at a liquor store on the corner of Reseda & Prarie, in Northridge. i later puked it out in Chatsworth Park North. I was 16

Well, my favorites are Murphy's, Lucifer and Vondel... Meaning that the best beers are either Irish or Belgian. There are also a couple of German beers that I really enjoyed in a beer fest in Frankfurt a few years back but I got to drunk to recall brands and names... Now about the worst beer, it HAS to be a Greek brand called Alpha... Toilet water probably tastes better than this! Yuk!!! If you're ever in Greece stick to the beers you already know (and love:)).

all the greek, armenian, and lebanese places here serve "athenian" and a lebanese beer called "almasa." how do these compare to your "alpha"?

Originally posted by Known Pleasures > Originally posted by Push> Best beer in the world: Carling Black Label as brewed in South Africa - it says "America's lusty lively beer" on the label (which happens to be red), but is brewed locally - unfortunately it's not available in Oz, so I only get to drink it once a year when I visit home. Tragedy.> Next would be Stella or Heineken, followed by Castle Lager.

Possibly the only person in the world who rates Carling ? It's pish !

After travelling a fair bit, I came to realise that there are many variations of Carling, none of which taste remotely like the one I grew up with. Huge was my disappointment when I had my first can of Carling in London and realised that it was, as you put it, pish. The Carling Black Label I know comes in a dark bottle with a red label - it's a heavy, full beer with a great taste. If you ever get to SA, try it and you won't be sorry. Right, sales pitch done.

Some pretty good brews up here in the northwest, my fave is Black Butte Porter. Used to drink a lot of Henry Weinhard's Ale, but then one of the big breweries bought 'em up, and it was also seen in an episode or two of Seinfeld. Tonight, though, since I couldn't be bothered to go to the ATM for some money, I've got two cans of Foster's Bitter in the fridge, cause it was on sale for cheap, plus it's pretty hot for here right now.

Originally posted by Sean Taugher there's a bar in San Diego with Pabst Blue on tap!! worst beer ever: a Lazer 40oz purchased at a liquor store on the corner of Reseda & Prarie, in Northridge. i later puked it out in Chatsworth Park North. I was 16

did u puke iton one of the homeless guys there?

naw... i was trying to hide from a park ranger that was on to us. so i was well in the bushes.

Originally posted by Sean Taugher all the greek, armenian, and lebanese places here serve "athenian" and a lebanese beer called "almasa." how do these compare to your "alpha"?

Never heard of those two, they don't sell them here... About "alpha": mix some Amstel light with just a touch of prune juice, add lots of water and there you have it ... Just thinking about it makes me sick. Anyway, what do "athenian" and "almasa" taste like?

Just come back from a week in the Lake District. Sampled two quality beers:

Coniston Old Man Tag Lag

And no, I don't have a beard.

Originally posted by feline > Originally posted by Sean Taugher> all the greek, armenian, and lebanese places here serve "athenian" and a lebanese beer called "almasa." how do these compare to your "alpha"?

Never heard of those two, they don't sell them here... About "alpha": mix some Amstel light with just a touch of prune juice, add lots of water and there you have it ... Just thinking about it makes me sick. Anyway, what do "athenian" and "almasa" taste like?

god, that does sound gut-wrenching.

athenian & almasa taste like your average lagers, i guess. though almasa is a tad thicker, while athenian is a touch sharper.

well i guess they all taste the same after the third pint ;)

Originally posted by Jeff White > Originally posted by feline> Well, my favorites are Murphy's, Lucifer and Vondel... Meaning that the best beers are either Irish or Belgian. There are also a couple of German beers that I really enjoyed in a beer fest in Frankfurt a few years back but I got to drunk to recall brands and names... Now about the worst beer, it HAS to be a Greek brand called Alpha... Toilet water probably tastes better than this! Yuk!!! If you're ever in Greece stick to the beers you already know (and love:)).

toilet water must not taste that bad, my cats seem to rather enjoy it...

of course, they also lick their own asses, so who knows?

As much as I love cats, I never trust their drinking and feeding habits... When I was about 14, me and my best friend got really drunk (Ah! Amstel tasted so good back then...) and got hungry. So we opened the fridge and found an open can of what we thought was beef, ate some, got sick, puked and went to bed. Next morning we woke up to find that it was a can of cat food ... Stupid, stupid, stupid us...

Originally posted by Elias Melissas well i guess they all taste the same after the third pint ;)

If this is true luv, how come you never drink Bud after your third pint, when we're out?

I know I'm very simple: give me a Heineken and you will make me happy I love eating fried potatos, chips,...

Don't worry I love beer bellys in boys!!

Does anybody know KRAUSEN beer by BECKS?? It´s very very good beer, but only avalaible in Germany...

Best beer in the whole world (and that's official):

Super Bock

Originally posted by feline > Originally posted by Jeff White> > > > Originally posted by feline> > Well, my favorites are Murphy's, Lucifer and Vondel... Meaning that the best beers are either Irish or Belgian. There are also a couple of German beers that I really enjoyed in a beer fest in Frankfurt a few years back but I got to drunk to recall brands and names... Now about the worst beer, it HAS to be a Greek brand called Alpha... Toilet water probably tastes better than this! Yuk!!! If you're ever in Greece stick to the beers you already know (and love:)).>

toilet water must not taste that bad, my cats seem to rather enjoy it...

of course, they also lick their own asses, so who knows?

As much as I love cats, I never trust their drinking and feeding habits... When I was about 14, me and my best friend got really drunk (Ah! Amstel tasted so good back then...) and got hungry. So we opened the fridge and found an open can of what we thought was beef, ate some, got sick, puked and went to bed. Next morning we woke up to find that it was a can of cat food ... Stupid, stupid, stupid us...

Ya maybe i dont drink bud, but never ate cat food either hun

Why do the English drink warm beer?

Because Lucas makes refrigerators.

i just thought of another beer i really enjoy: spaten's 'optimator'

this stuff goes down like honey...

Here's another one that I like, it's french (from what I remember...) and it's called "Tromp la mort" (I don't know if that's how it's spelled, my french is really bad). It means something like "talking with death", because of the percentage of alcohol it contains. It has a very subtle fruity aftertaste... Yum! I think I'll have a couple of those tonight :D

Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr Why do the English drink warm beer?Because Lucas makes refrigerators.

they are a backwards people, damn those Neanderthals

Elias & Feline,

What do you guys do in Greece for hangovers??

Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr Why do the English drink warm beer?Because Lucas makes refrigerators.

Ah yes, Lucas....Prince of Darkness.

So, which English sports car do you/have you owned?

Originally posted by Sean Taugher > Originally posted by Gnu Odor> From the review of T3: Rise of the Machines in Cleveland Scene:> > [John] Connor's been surviving incognito on the mean, dirty streets of L.A. and has sunk so far into depression that he actually drinks Budweiser.> >

but dude, it says "king of beers" right on the bottle! they can't go around, spewing lies like that can they?? oh wait, i forgot: they are americans :D

Well, whadda ya know......

Williams Confirms Budweiser Sponsorship Deal Written by: RACER staff New York, N.Y. – 7/16/2003 Williams is adding the famous Budweiser brand to its livery (LAT photo).

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team has announced a five-and-a-half year deal with Anheuser Busch that will see the Budweiser beer brand become an official sponsor of the team.

The team will run with branding above the drivers' name on the airbox of the Williams FW25 as well as on Juan Pablo Montoya's and Ralf Schumacher's race suits from this weekend's British Grand Prix onward. The team declined to disclose any financial details but the deal is believed to be worth something in the region of $80 million.

Tony Ponturo, VP global media and sponsorship marketing for Anheuser Busch, said: “We are very excited to be a part of F1, and more importantly with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. F1 is a place we needed to be. We have a strong base in the U.S., but this gives us a year-in, year-out reach around the world in expanding our business.”

The team sees the deal as a good way to tap further into the US market, which it feels F1 is only beginning to scratch the surface of.

“It's significant that it's an American sponsor, because F1 is not yet fully established in the USA,” said team principal Frank Williams, “despite the best efforts of our promoter Bernie Ecclestone. We are anxious to be far more visible and this is a step towards that aim.

The deal is said to have come together in just two months, and rumors in the German press suggested that Williams had been in a contest with Ferrari for the deal.

“Figures I won't mention,” said Williams. “It's a business deal which is very useful to us in our aim of winning the World Championship. All I will say is that Budweiser have been very generous. We learned that they were looking at F1 and our marketing department was very adept at persuading Tony to run with us.”

this is the only time beer & cars go together, without breaking any laws.

but i fail to see it's relevance to this thread; please explain, michael.

Originally posted by Sean Taugher this is the only time beer & cars go together, without breaking any laws. but i fail to see it's relevance to this thread; please explain, michael.

I was only pointing out that if Bud is good enough for Sir Frank and BMW then..... :D

...it's good enough to use as gasoline? :D

Originally posted by Sean Taugher Elias & Feline,What do you guys do in Greece for hangovers??

Not intended for me to respond, I know, but despite it being an obvious answer, I couldn't let it go.....

They probably get wasted the night before like all the rest of us!!!

Originally posted by Michael McDermott > Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr> Why do the English drink warm beer?> > Because Lucas makes refrigerators.

Ah yes, Lucas....Prince of Darkness.

So, which English sports car do you/have you owned?

Have owned:

1962 Austin Healey Sprite, Bought non-running, sold non-running 1976 Triumph TR7, Wrapped around a telephone pole 1968 Triumph TR250, Bought non-running, sold non-running 1973 Triumph GT6, Bought running, continually stopped running, sold non-running; at the time now I miss it

And you, Michael?

Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr > Originally posted by Michael McDermott> > > > Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr> > Why do the English drink warm beer?> > > > Because Lucas makes refrigerators.>

Ah yes, Lucas....Prince of Darkness.

So, which English sports car do you/have you owned?

Have owned:

1962 Austin Healey Sprite, Bought non-running, sold non-running 1976 Triumph TR7, Wrapped around a telephone pole 1968 Triumph TR250, Bought non-running, sold non-running 1973 Triumph GT6, Bought running, continually stopped running, sold non-running; at the time now I miss it

And you, Michael?

The following were owned by my old man when I was growing up:

Austin Healey 100 MGC (six pot!) Austin America (air bag suspension) Ford Cortina Rover 3500 S (Buick V8! Range/Land Rover used it in one form or another until just recently) And a very bad early 70's British Leyland product........

I'm sorry I can't remember the years. I did get to drive the Healey before it was sold. I was just a kid with all the other cars.

However, as a SCCA member, I get my fill of classic English sports cars. I'll just let other folks deal with them! :D

Mmmmmm Bulmers Cider. Very very nice.

The legendary Guinness can be very good if you can get a good pint, which is increasingly difficult nowadays, even over here in the home of the stuff.

Organic lagers and ales are rather nice too, cos of the lack of any "chemical" aftertaste. They go down very easy, you can drink them all night, but the following morning you will feel like you've been hit by a truck (or at least I do...)

I can manage about 3 to 4 Buds before feeling queasy - while I appreciate that others do like the stuff, it's just not for me. Sorry.

Aside from that I love my JD but had to give it up, cos it gave me a sore ear... if ya know what I mean...

Originally posted by Sean Taugher Elias & Feline,What do you guys do in Greece for hangovers??

The best way to beat the "morning after" hangover - and believe me I've tried almost every remedy - is... BEER . Just drink a glass and the headache is gone :)

Originally posted by feline > Originally posted by Sean Taugher> Elias & Feline,> > What do you guys do in Greece for hangovers??

The best way to beat the "morning after" hangover - and believe me I've tried almost every remedy - is... BEER . Just drink a glass and the headache is gone :)

Barbeque flavour Hula Hoops! Work every time!

Originally posted by Element115 > Originally posted by Sean Taugher> Elias & Feline,> > What do you guys do in Greece for hangovers??

Not intended for me to respond, I know, but despite it being an obvious answer, I couldn't let it go.....

They probably get wasted the night before like all the rest of us!!!

wha,wha,whaaaaaaaaa...

Originally posted by Sound of Confusion > Originally posted by feline> > > > Originally posted by Sean Taugher> > Elias & Feline,> > > > What do you guys do in Greece for hangovers??>

The best way to beat the "morning after" hangover - and believe me I've tried almost every remedy - is... BEER . Just drink a glass and the headache is gone :)

Barbeque flavour Hula Hoops! Work every time!

i tend to wake up with a hangover just before i have to leave for work, so i can't grab a beer 'n' go. i usually end up eating a vegetarian burrito (beans, cheese, rice, sour cream, lettuce, tomato) with loads of hot sauce. then drink 3 cups of coffee and some water when i get to work. works like a charm

Originally posted by Michael McDermott > Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr> > > > Originally posted by Michael McDermott> > > > > > > Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr> > > Why do the English drink warm beer?> > > > > > Because Lucas makes refrigerators.> > >

Ah yes, Lucas....Prince of Darkness.

So, which English sports car do you/have you owned?

Have owned:

1962 Austin Healey Sprite, Bought non-running, sold non-running 1976 Triumph TR7, Wrapped around a telephone pole 1968 Triumph TR250, Bought non-running, sold non-running 1973 Triumph GT6, Bought running, continually stopped running, sold non-running; at the time now I miss it

And you, Michael?

The following were owned by my old man when I was growing up:

Austin Healey 100 MGC (six pot!) Austin America (air bag suspension) Ford Cortina Rover 3500 S (Buick V8! Range/Land Rover used it in one form or another until just recently) And a very bad early 70's British Leyland product........

I'm sorry I can't remember the years. I did get to drive the Healey before it was sold. I was just a kid with all the other cars.

However, as a SCCA member, I get my fill of classic English sports cars. I'll just let other folks deal with them! :D

What, you don't like money pits?

Well, New Order, English cars, and politics...you're right 2 out of three times! Could this be, as Humphrey Bogart said at the end of Casablanca, the beginning of a beautiful friendship?

Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr > Originally posted by Michael McDermott> > > > Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr> > > > > > > Originally posted by Michael McDermott> > > > > > > > > > Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr> > > > Why do the English drink warm beer?> > > > > > > > Because Lucas makes refrigerators.> > > > > >

Ah yes, Lucas....Prince of Darkness.

So, which English sports car do you/have you owned?

Have owned:

1962 Austin Healey Sprite, Bought non-running, sold non-running 1976 Triumph TR7, Wrapped around a telephone pole 1968 Triumph TR250, Bought non-running, sold non-running 1973 Triumph GT6, Bought running, continually stopped running, sold non-running; at the time now I miss it

And you, Michael?

The following were owned by my old man when I was growing up:

Austin Healey 100 MGC (six pot!) Austin America (air bag suspension) Ford Cortina Rover 3500 S (Buick V8! Range/Land Rover used it in one form or another until just recently) And a very bad early 70's British Leyland product........

I'm sorry I can't remember the years. I did get to drive the Healey before it was sold. I was just a kid with all the other cars.

However, as a SCCA member, I get my fill of classic English sports cars. I'll just let other folks deal with them! :D

What, you don't like money pits?

Well, New Order, English cars, and politics...you're right 2 out of three times! Could this be, as Humphrey Bogart said at the end of Casablanca, the beginning of a beautiful friendship?

It could very well be. I would much rather argue, for example, that the Mks. II and IV Ford GT 40's were the greatest sports cars of all time, than politics.

Remember, the GT 40 started out as a UK Ford project. :D

OK, Michael, I'll bite. First, I know next to nothing about the GT40, so I could be totally off-base on this, but isn't the GT40 a race car, as opposed to a sports car (the difference being that sports cars were produced for sale to the mass market, and were raced in souped-up versions, while race cars were primarily produced to win races, and remembering that Maserati did both)?

Assuming that the GT40 was never produced for the mass market (which may be an incorrect assumption on my part), then I would argue that it is not properly an English sports car. I would also ask if the GT40 was ever produced in England, especially the Mark II and the Mark IV, which you have claimed as the greatest English sports cars.

Oops, I see that you argued they are the greatest sports cars of all time, rather than the greatest English sports cars.

Discuss.

Originally posted by bLuE oRdEr Oops, I see that you argued they are the greatest sports cars of all time, rather than the greatest English sports cars.Discuss.

I don't have much time since I'm getting ready to leave for Texas' Seattle (Austin) for a cousin's wedding.

However:

The GT 40 Mk I was a proper English sports/race car. (A point of clarification is needed here. When I said "sports car" I meant it in terms of how the FIA grouped race cars in the 50's/60's. Now the Mks. I,II and IV were pure racing machines in the "sports car" category - two seats, a "boot"...really a metal box that was placed in the engine compartment as it was a mid engined machine...and a few other requirements. But the Mk III was a purpose built road car made in the UK.) The Mks II and IV were delveloped primarily by Ford USA, Shelby American and Holman/Moody.

Crap, I'm out of time. I'll finish Sunday night.

Cheers! :)

...and take this car junk elsewhere! this thread is suppossed to be about BEER! :D

Originally posted by Sean Taugher ...and take this car junk elsewhere! this thread is suppossed to be about BEER! :D

Done!

OK, back to beer - I'm interested to know how everybody orders beers in the different countries (ie when you're drinking on tap, rather than by the bottle). Here in Victoria, Oz you can order a "pot" (small glass = 285ml) or a pint - have to admit that after 5 yrs since moving here I still feel funny asking for a "pot of beer" - somehow just doesn't sound right.

"I'd like two pots of 'whatever' please..." That sounds weird... Here in Greece you usually ask for a "cricker"* (I have absolutely no idea what language that is, how and when they started to use it, or what it means, I'm not even sure if that's how it's spelled using the latin alphabet) and define whether you want a big one, which is a little less than a pint, or a small one, wich is the same as a glass... But most beers are bottled here, except Amstel, Mac Farland (a lovely red beer , btw), Murphy's and a few imported others that only certain bars and pubs have.

*Yes, that's even weirder than "pot"

i've noticed that in the U.S. the bars don't offer any beer in a bottle that they have on tap (except, maybe bud). this way, all we lazy asses have to do is say "can i get a _____?" if you do run into the problem of having to choose, you tac on "bottle" or "draft" and the serving sizes for draft beers vary from bar to bar.

Sean, if you think you'll enjoy coffee in Portland's many fine cafes, you'll love the microbrews available in Portland's many fine pubs! Beer culture here is split between those who really savor great beers, and those who rebel against the trendiness and elitism of the expensive microbrews and imports by drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon, and only PBR. Ironically, drinking PBR is VERY trendy here!

Looking forward to your band coming to town in August; hopefully I'll have some funds available to enjoy a coffee or two and a beer or two!

nothing wrong with a PBR now'n'then... helps keep your bearings.