I've Just About Given Up on Ironwood

So my wife and I wanted to go grab a pint tonight and she suggested going to the outdoor porch/bar of the Ironwood Grill. We arrived at 6:30 or so and asked to be seated outside. Well, as we were escorted to the outdoor bar/seating area, we were met by two unsavory elements: (1) a ton of cigarette smoke wafting out from the second floor bar area (newly renovated and now joined to the outside by an open bar area); and (2) music so loud that we would have to almost shout at each other over drinks. This is outside, mind you.

I have to say, this is not our speed. The indoor dining area seems to be fine - nonsmoking, relatively quiet. But if you just want to go sit outside or enjoy a beer at the bar - be prepared to get smoked out and blasted by music.

We left without even sitting down. After a side trip to Lowe's, we ended up back at the Coney for a nice meal and good draughts. Sorry Ironwood, I'll keep checking you out for the occasional sixer and bomber of Old Guardian, but you can count me out for a pint at the bar or overpriced dinners. I want to taste and enjoy a good beer, not snort a shit load of second hand smoke.

Spring Is Here!

What a beautiful weekend this was! Sunny, warm weather - perfect for grilling and smoking (salmon, that is), yard work, and good beer.

Last Tuesday, the core of the Indiana Beer Club met here for a small tasting. We did a few wheat beers (Bells Oberon, Troegs Dream Weaver), Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA, and a great vertical of Stone Old Guardian from 2005-07.

Friday night, my wife and I met some of her classmates at Amici's Restaurant and Pizza in Ebensburg. I was floored that they had 14 taps, and even more so to find 2 beers that I'd not yet had. That's saying something for Ebensburg! The Brooklyn Antwerpen Ale was a decent lighter Belgian ale, but not on par with traditional fare from the land. Amici's is worth a visit for a good meal - entrees range from 12-27.

A Personal Milestone

Wow, it's been a busy few weeks! Work is bogging me down in the last month of the spring semester. Haven't had the time or resources to brew lately, and the last batch is still aging in secondary. Couple more weeks before bottling the Hennepin clone. Meanwhile, I've been enjoying some stuff I've had cellared for a while and a few new acquisitions, like a case of Dream Weaver Wheat.

On a geeky note - today is my 5th anniversary as a member of RateBeer.com, and by sheer coincidence I enjoyed my 1700th beer this evening - an Uerige Doppel Sticke Altbier. Picked it up over New Years down at State Line Liquor in Elkton, MD. It was a nice quaff for a Tuesday evening, I must say.

This Thursday, I hope to try the selection at the re-opening Coventry Inn here in Indiana. I don't think the tap/bottle selection will be all that great, but the atmosphere looks inviting (an English-style pub). I'll try to report back for any of those interested.