Another game against the Marlins and another game that has a 4-4 tie in the 9th. Astros lost the first game 4-5, then won last night 5-4. What will be the final score today? I’m not sure, but while we wait to find out I will just type of a review of the excellent beer I just drank.
Beer Review:
Today’s beer was a 22 oz bomber of Stone Smoked Porter. This beer is brewed by Stone Brewing Company in Escondido, CA. If you’ve never been to visit this brewery I can promise you it is worth the trip to SoCal. What does Stone have to say about this bold porter style beer? Let’s find out.
So you think you don’t like dark beer? Prepare to believe. This is no ordinary porter. And if you are already among the enlightened who appreciate a fine ebony-hued ale, we think you will find Stone Smoked Porter to be a poignant addition to your repertoire. This beer pours a gorgeous deep mahogany crowned by a creamy head. Dark, smooth and complex, with rich chocolate and coffee flavors balanced by a subtle smokiness, this brew is equally delicious with meats or fine chocolates.
Now that's a nice porter picture.
Smoked Porter pours up just like the brewery says. It’s like they know their own stuff! It’s definitely a dark brown color with red tint (mahogany even). The head is a creamy tan color, about one finger high, that lingers through the whole pint. This is an excellent looking dark beer.
You would expect a smoky aroma from a beer called Smoked Porter, and it doesn’t disappoint. The malt smells nice and roasted with a hint of chocolate. I don’t get too much of the coffee aroma that the brewery describes, but overall this beer has a nice aroma.
I love the taste of this beer. It’s only 5.9% ABV so it goes down easy. Those of you intimidated by “dark beers” shouldn’t be afraid to try this beer. Stone Brewing usually makes very bold, in-your-face beers, but this is one of their most drinkable brews. The tastes follow the nose, but I can taste a hint of the roasted coffee flavors along with the chocolate. The smokiness is never overpowering, but it’s still easy to taste why the name fits.
I enjoy drinking this beer. It’s can always be found for a reasonable price, and it’s a perfect beer to share with my wife with dinner and a chocolaty dessert. I kinda wish it was a little more bold with it’s aromas and tastes, but then again it’s subtlety might be it’s best selling point. I give this beer a stand up Triple!
Astros Review:
By the time I finished writing that beer review the game had ended. Another 5-4 extra inning loss. This time Hanley Ramirez had the game winning hit, and again it was in the bottom of the 11th. For some reason I’m not nearly as frustrated with this loss as the one on Friday. Perhaps I saw it coming and thus, was better prepared.
Why did I see it coming? Well, you can only load up the bases so many times without scoring some runs. Today the Astros loaded the bases 4, 694 times and the batters went 0-4,694. This is not good Astros fans. Not good at all. I would harp on clutch hitting, but that’s not really the problem. They won on clutch hitting just last night. The problem is that we have fantastic at-bats to get the bases loaded, then whoever comes to the plate goes braindead. We should have won this game 8-4.
The other minor problem that could become a major problem is all the passed balls from Jason Castro. If he keeps that ball in front of him we don’t have to walk the bases loaded to face Hanley Ramirez. I know he’s young, but he has to improve behind the plate. Our pitchers need to trust him so they can throw their best stuff without hesitation.
Positives include J.D. Martinez who went 2-for-4 with 2 doubles, and Jose Altuve who had 2 RBI on 2-for-5. What’s that? What about our starting pitching? Fine. Happ was good. I said it. He’s had two quality starts now in two outings, and kept the team in the game. He actually pitched pretty darn well. That hurts to type, but there it is.
Now the Astros head to Washington DC to face the Nationals for 4 games. The Nationals are 7-3 after losing in the 11th inning today to the Reds. They are going to be a challenge for this young Astros team, but I think we have a shot to split the series at least.
Let’s Go ‘Stros! Root. Root. Root!
Here’s a picture of my family. Wife and three kids. They were all bein’ goofy, and I love them to death.
My family!
