Aura

Even for someone who has refused to accept to cocktail trend, that was a cool video. Thanks Jim. Raffy - yeah it seems like Founders decided to move things a little early this year. I've been seeing Backwoods Bastard in pictures on BeerAdvocate over the past week, so it must be in the hands of most distributors by now and on the way to retailers (if not there already). It's good, better bottled than on tap imo.

Founder Backwoods Bastard. Been looking forward to this release for quite some time.

Maybe we should get together and bottle share. I could probably pop open one BT with minimal remorse.

Our group is a bunch of ballers. Seriously, awesome purchases all around. Congrats everyone! Oh and Jeff...

Both were opened near the end of the night. I didn't try the Bourbon Breakfast but I did have a decent-sized sample of the Cognac BH and I liked it. The actual Cognac character wasn't as smooth as I'd like but there was very little alcohol heat, a welcome surprise for what I was expecting. Mike - loves ya too brosef, you are the man.

Re: Matt... another one bites the dust . Currently trying to make a dent a Sun King Jungle Room growler that Jeff gifted to me. This stuff is quite good and for a 10% DIPA, I'm thinking it competes with FFF.

I am. My head fucking hurts and I woke up just as dizzy as when I passed out. Beyond that I have nothing to complain about. Gratuitous empties pics: In total we cleared 30 bottles and one growler. Highlights for me were all of the Cigar City beers, Speedway Stout (year-around? wtf), and the Heaven's Hill and Four Roses Eclipses. CBS is good, but not quite yet living up to the hype. Definitely needs age because it's lacking the balance and complexity of KBS at this point in time. Huge thanks to Jeff though for bringing one of his few remaining bottles.

It was a long but epic night. Mike G, Jeff, John, Al, Mike B, and Raffy - you guys are the best. Thanks for helping me make this happen. All in all we killed about 25-30 bottles. Pic tomorrow morning of the empties to confirm the final count.

I had seen him too, knew someone else ahead of me wouldn't miss him though.

Hellz yeah Al! Get ready for more Moloko .

Grand Teton Black Cauldron.

Sweet lord you must go conquer that tap list Al! And fax me some Cantillon while you're there.

Just got back home from Lincoln Hall. Allison and I saw the latest Guitar Masters group, currently consisting of Andy Mckee, Antoine Dufour, and Stephen Bennet. It was pretty phenomenal. Second time seeing Mckee and I'd really been wanting to see Dufour so this was a great opportunity.

You're wearing this on Saturday, right?

Happy birtfday Carl!!

Happy birthday Peter!

I'm so proud of Tyler. He wears that mohawk like a BAMF.

Happy birthday Vicki!

Big game this week in HC2, Jim v. Shelly.

Sorry to hear about your friend Wayne. That was a very nice read about him though, sounds like he was a great guy even if things never quite worked out for him. Glad to hear your brother is alright Alex. I am admittedly guilty of sending short texts at times when i'm in the car. I know it's stupid and highly dangerous and I really should never do it. Hearing your news, coupled with a recent email my grandfather sent me of a guy who put a rail guard through the full length of his car while he was starting at his phone, makes me seriously want to keep my phone in my pocket. I put in my two weeks' notice at my part-time job today. It was never supposed to be permanent and I had no intention of even caring about leaving that store, yet I still feel guilty about it. On to better things.

Dinner time! Just split some Red Diamond Cab Sav 2008 with the gf and my sister, who's gonna stay with us for the next couple of days.

I noticed Pak was taking Raffy in HC1 by 6 points, then saw that Raffy still has Stafford, Forte, and Megatron going tonight. Sorry Pak. I salute you though for continuing the tradition of disappointing Brent in HC2 .

Half Acre Daisy Cutter Pale Ale at Big Bowl in Schaumburg. Allison's got a sangria in the background.

Congrats Chris!

Yay poor man's stout! Actually my old friend back home had a few extra bottles left over from cooking that he offered so I decided why the hell not? It is what it is and I like my glass.