Monkey King

Enjoyed at Vitale's- Comstock Park, M

New Holland Brewery, Monkey King Saison - Farmhouse Ale - This was too hoppy for me. I drank all of the tall that I ordered, but it was bitter and tasted "like beer." This one was a miss for me. Tyler says I just need to learn to like it. 6.6%

Sweet Sensations

Empty Flight of 5

Graydon's Crossing- Grand Rapids, MI

#8 Sweet Sensations Flight

• Short's Soft Parade, Rye Fruit Ale - I had recently had this on recommendation from a friend, it's very fruity, but not quite sweet enough for me - however I know it's going to be a go to beer. 9%
• Dragonmead Sin Eater - This beer could have knocked me out cold if I was drinking it alone; I liked it, I but was glad it was a small glass. 10.5%
• Boon Kriek, Cherry Lambic - I love lambics, I'm surprised they are beers at all. 5%
• Angry Orchard - I first had this at Octoberfest in Cincinnati, the 2nd largest Octoberfest in the world. It's a good cider, not the best I have ever had; not the worst either. 5%
• VanderMill - I don't know what one it was for sure, I think it might have been their Apple-Blueberry, I know it was delicious. 6.9%

Pale Ale

Founder's- Grand Rapids, MI

Founder's Pale Ale - This was the second time I had Founder's Pale Ale, being that Founder's is directly across the street from my office, it's important to know what beer I can drink there. This is ok, it's still beer. It's light and smooth, but one is enough. 5.4%

The Story

Up until this April I was not much of a beer drinker. Sure, I have had a PBR here and there and I have forced down a beer when there wasn't any other choice, but I have never really appreciated beer. I do however have a great respect for it and all the of home brewers and micro breweries that are popping up all over the state. 

I recently took a job doing ad sales and promotion for a mobile game that revolves around the craft brew industry and since it's now my bread and butter, I figure it ought to be my drink too.

I am on a mission to learn beer. I don't have any grand plans to become a Cicerone, yet; but I do want to find beers that I like and learn to drink/know my beer. It's only fair to the breweries that I'm dealing with that I know a little about their product, especially when I am asking them to take the time and look at mine.

As I start to learn about beers, I am going to keep a running list here; what I like what I didn't like, not really anything official, just someplace I can track what I've had. I generally like sweet beers and ciders, this list will probably sway into that category. If you aren't a beer drinker, you might like some of my suggestions. If you are a beer drinker, forgive my sweet tooth and realize super hoppy is not for everyone, and I'm working my way up to it.