Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Six of One, a Half Gallon the Other

Having the distinction of being both extremely cheap and relatively poor, I am always excited to get a great deal on beer. But sometimes those great deals are a way for distributors to get rid of beer that is past its prime. Right now, Jubilation has 64 oz. growlers of Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA on sale for $7.99, down from the usual $14.99-$15.99 around town. IPAs, however, lose their character (read: turn into a malty mess) much quicker than other styles. And these growlers were all filled on Sept. 26 of 2009. Almost half a year old. Hmmm. So for once, I was torn between a bargain and maintaining the highbrow standards that keep me from buying crappy beer and the "For Maximum Value" brand of groceries at Smiths. This time around, the cheapskate in me won the battle and I am happier for it. Somehow, Yellow Snow has kept so well that you could have told me the beer was brewed yesterday and I would have believed you [I also would have believed you if you told me that alien ships were spotted floating down the Rio Grande. I've been listening to too much Coast to Coast and not reading any current events lately. I have no idea what is going on in the world, save for the world of beer]. I was also wary of the carbonation holding up because, as those of you who get growlers filled at local brewpubs know, the bubbly brew becomes more like iced tea if you don't drink the growlers soon after purchase. Again, somehow Yellow Snow keeps its integrity so you don't have to add lemon and sugar. So I declare it safe for you to buy one of these while they last at this price, and remember: mom said not to eat yellow snow, but she never told you not to drink it.

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