todays beer of the day-I. @PiraatBeer #beerreview #top5bestbeers

Today on TBD: that's Todays Beer of the Day.

I have been toying with the idea of a weekly beer review and after speaking with my MSO teammates I have decided to give it a go. I have chosen for todays beer of the day the Piratt Belgian Ale. It is brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge N. V. in Belgium.

The Beer Advocate gives this beer a 91, or outstanding after over 1800 ratings. "Piraat was one of the Top 5 Beers in the World at Desert Hops International Beer Festival in November 2013."

My  initial impression of the beer is that it has a golden amber color with a good head when initially poured. There is plenty of carbonation as well. It has a fruity aroma with a subtle hoppiness to it. My initial sip impression is that it has a bit of bitterness to it but the longer you let it breathe the smoother it is. The feeling in the mouth is that it is thick and a bit heavy with a smooth finish to it. Overall I feel that this is a solid beer, and at 10.5 on the ABV scale you won't need many of these to get the party started. I think the main drawback for me with this beer is the price. I like to make my own 6 pack and this one set me back a 5 spot. So I would definitely recommend this beer, if cost is not an issue, but I will enjoy it sparingly and on special occasions, like the inaugural TBD. Happy drinking, and see you next week.

Referenced from The BeerAdvocate and M*E Fine Wines BlogSpot.

colorado's original adventure sport. #centralcoloradomagazine #packburroracing #adventuresport

Pack-Burro Racing? When I read this article it sparked a memory from the end of MSO's Episode #4. We were making our way down the last portion of an almost non-existent trail when we noticed a family watching us from across the field. Of course our first instinct was that maybe we were on their land by mistake and they might not appreciate us being here, thankfully that was not the case.

The father came up and greeted us by shaking our hands, he introduced us to his wife and kids and asked what the trail behind us was like. We imparted our tales of narrow, rocky, winding terrain and at that point he said that he usually only goes hunting up that trail, and takes his mule with him to haul out the game. We instantly thought he meant his ATV, but no he meant his mule! I guess there really are quite a few ways to overland out there.

"It’s July and the Colorado pack-burro racing season will soon be in full swing, with the sport’s Triple Crown taking place right here in Central Colorado in the towns of Fairplay, Leadville and Buena Vista."

"Pack-burro racing is Colorado’s original adventure sport, conceived in 1949 with the first race from Leadville to Fairplay. With mining on the wane, civic leaders in the mining towns saw a way to parlay local legend – in this case miners racing with their burros from the surrounding hillsides back to the courthouse to file a claim – into economic development. As a tourism attraction, they masterminded the 23-mile race over 13,187-foot Mosquito Pass. Over this course, participants raced burros loaded with packsaddles that had to weigh 33 pounds and contain a pick, pan and shovel. The burros could be led or driven with a lead rope not to exceed 15 feet in length. No riding was allowed." These guys are serious about their asses, pardon the pun, but anything that has been around this long has got to be worth checking out. Happy trails!

Referenced from Central Colorado Magazine.

weekly video x - makers. @halfcuttea #westvirginia #appalachia #sustainable #building

weekly video x - "makers." a half cut tea production.

Nick Olson, a photographer, and Lilah Horwitz, a clothing designer, quit their jobs in 2012 and set off to build a glass cabin in the mountains of West Virginia. This short documentary is part of a video series from Half Cut Tea; a two person team traveling the country and searching for stories to share about truly inspiring artists.

RoadTrippin w/#MUSIC

A relationship based on wanderlust, "a word that describes a strong desire to wander, to travel and explore the world".  In 2009 this couple dropped it all and moved into a 1987 Toyota Landcruiser, all in an attempt to leave the grind behind and "find" their world.  They would call this their Lost World Expedition.  This is a 4 year + trip that would take them to places only imagination could awaken...they found themselves and gained a higher understanding of the world that surrounds them.  Their goal was to find adventure and travel around the Americas...and perhaps beyond.  

BOLIVIA

Certain people are designed, and destined, to make journeys of this magnitude...Lacey and Luis found this to be their mold.  "After 3 years, 6 months, and 27 days, 3 trips back to the US (for a total of 10 months), 45,400 miles driven, 2,400 gallons of diesel (approximately 18 miles/gal), 14 countries, 21 border crossings, more than 15 gallons of propane, 8 broken camp chairs, 1 roof top tent eaten by rodents, and countless memories worth several lifetimes, we finally pulled into Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina."  They fell into a rhythm with their being, with their vehicle, and found themselves in every moment. 

ARGENTINA

The photography represented throughout this adventure and experience is absolutely astounding...it tells the story.  

Salar de Uyuni, BOLIVIA

WEEKLY MUSICal Journey: Mason Jennings, Wilderness

USA v Belgium in World Cup of Beer. @MPRnews #americanbeer #belgiumbeer

Ok, so we lost 2-1 today in the World Cup, but at least it was in extra time. My question to you is what if the World Cup was played in beer?

"The Americans have the spunk, the vigor and a willingness to try anything. The Belgians have the art, the creativity and the tradition of world-class success. We're not just talking about their looming World Cup matchup here. We're also talking about beer."

"Belgium's Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo has offered President Obama, a noted beer fan, a "beer bet" over the match, tweeting, "Hey @BarackObama, I am betting some great Belgian beers that our @BelRedDevils will make it to the quarter final!" Ok, we'll  take that beer bet!

"U.S. brewers are famous for their India Pale Ale, a style defined by hoppiness. We'll resist the urge to compare that quality to a corner kick. Instead, let's call it a general rambunctiousness — particularly along the defensive line. This is a beer with backbone and power, not afraid of its own pungency."

"For the Belgians, the discussion has to start with the Trappists. After all, the monks were crafty before craft beer was crafty. And unlike an IPA that might dither around on the field of play, these are beers that know how to finish. they're legendary: The Westvleteren 12, one of the highest-rated beers in the world, caused a sensation when it was briefly imported to the U.S. in 2012."

"The U.S. side has another secret weapon: beating the Belgians at their own game. Consider that American brewers such as California's The Bruery, Wisconsin's New Glarus and New York's Ommegang have excelled at making saisons, sour beers and Belgian-style ales." Ok, so by my count it is 2-1 USA in the Beer Cup. Oh and lets not forget, Happy Fourth of July everybody! See you next beer Tuesday.

Referenced from MPR News.