Island Creek Oyster Stout

I was over on that Twitter thingy this morning and someone posted this Adweek Blog short about Cornell Law School embracing Andy Bernard from The Office. Being a Cornell graduate, although not from the Law School (I snuck in plenty of times to study in serene quiet though), I must say that is so fucking awesome! Even though Andy's banner is rotating with 5 or 6 others, his "I went to Cornell... Ever heard of it?" always makes me laugh. Below the banner is a link to another site with a bunch of Andy quotes, all terrific. There are, however, a bunch of stiffs at the top of the University and Alumni that lack a sense of humor, and don't like this promotion. They really need to get over it, like this law student:

Question: What person has influenced your decision to apply to Cornell?

Answer: Andy Bernard of Scranton (from NBC's The Office).

Tonight I'm drinking Island Creek Oyster Stout brewed by Harpoon Brewery in Boston, Massachusetts. This is "Session 30" in their 100 Barrel Series. They further go on to beat a dead horse with a "Limited Edition Small Batch" seal. Neat presentation though, including the gold foil over the cap and neck of this 22-ounce bottle. OK, you got me. I'm intrigued by "brewed with freshly harvested Island Creek Oysters".

Malty coffee aroma. The flavors start out with some chocolate and rich coffee, plenty malty and plenty roasted. Smooth but very thick and very low carbonation, almost flat. That was a turn off. Then this smoky flavor started to persist mixed with a saltiness that was not flattering. I feel like I'm drinking a leather shoe! No oyster flavors, either, although I thought that part was doubtful. Halfway through the beer I am wishing it was all over. There is a really annoying astringent drying component that just leaves this roasted, bitter, burnt smoky coffee flavor behind. Sorry. I'm done!

The Office Andy Bernard Bobblehead

"WORLD'S BEST BOSS" Coffee Mug

The Office - Season Five

Trois Pistoles

This past weekend I found myself on the couch rocking out with Iron Maiden in their "Death on the Road" Tour. It was on The 101 Channel with DirecTV, which I was watching on Channel 239. Go figure! (For you weirdo readers, it's the same channel they show the prison-rape show Oz late nights.) Right now, I HATE DirecTV, so much so that I don't even want to talk about them to say why. Also, I was never a fan when Iron Maiden was more popular, and I couldn't even name one song, not even today. But for some reason I felt like watching this hour-long special.

Now these dudes are aging... a lot! My office-mate told me that they are and were super-popular in Brazil and that he still kicks himself for missing a concert in Rio in 1984. So you can guess their ages, ballpark. Anyway, I cranked the volume to the point where my wife and kids asked me to turn it down. But it was cool!

Tonight I'm drinking Trois Pistoles brewed by Unibroue in Chambly, Quebec, Canada. The label has a picture of three church-ish, school-like buildings. Above the buildings is an ominous sky with a large flying horse. Hmmm. Best before 09-02-12.

Yeasty aroma with plenty of lovely fruity scents. Very creamy fruity start, plenty of ripe apples and pears. Those fruits are mingling with a very nice caramel flavor, and I think they are gonna have a second date for sure. The yeast stands out for the entire experience. Tart and very juicy, too. Now, you've all heard me mention the carbonation manufacturing capabilities of Unibroue. But here it was medium, very fine and accentuated the flavors awesomely! Some spicy remnants on the back end show up, with maybe even some cinnamon. The 9% alcohol was basically a non-factor. Smooth, complex and wonderfully put together. This was a terrific beer that you should all try out!

Death on the Road -- Iron Maiden

The Number of the Beast -- Iron Maiden

Canada - "TROIS-PISTOLES" Set of 4 Mini-Mousepad Coasters

Slim Chance

Tonight I'm going to drink a few beers, so I thought I'd mess with you a little bit by starting with another Light Beer. That's three days in a row, after this and this. "But you said you're not on a diet." That's right! I'm not. As they say, "Slim Chance!" Hahaha. I know, pure cheese! This beer has 125 calories for you calorie freaks. Bottled 052609 Whoops!

Slim Chance is brewed by Redhook Ale Brewery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Lemony musty sweet aroma. The flavors are lemon and sweet corn. Pretty thin and plain. Some hops so come in and make it slightly bitter. Good Carbonation. Refreshing. Very drinkable with decent flavors. That's it until later!

Wii -- Nintendo

The Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program : A Personalized Plan for Becoming Slim, Fit and Healthy in Your 40s, 50s, 60s and Beyond

Men's Air Force A-2 Flight Leather Bomber Jacket