Williamson County Disc Golf Course

Another one of my hobbies is disc golf. I usually play every weekend with some of my friends. Last weekend we headed out to the new Williamson County course. It is definitely one of the nicer courses around here. It costs $1.00 to play (honor system) but that is so they can keep the course maintained. All the fairways are mowed, and the course has a ton of trees. The county website says that the course is 80% shaded. The only drawback is there are no water hazards. This course was designed for a left hander as it has lots of right turns. I shot a +7 there, and I look forward to going back to wipe out that embarrassing score. The park is : Williamson County Southwest Regional Park, 3005 C.R. 175, Leander, Texas. Google map here.

Live Oak Pilz

This is by far my favorite Pilsner style lager. It has a wonderful flavor and body. I only wish that I could get it in a bottle. Currently the Live Oak Brewery only sells its beers in kegs. I used to buy a keg of this or the amber every two weeks. Since I’ve got two kids now, I don’t drink nearly as much beer as I used to. Live Oak consistently brews high quality beers. I would recommend the Hefe-Weizen, Amber, Pilz, Pale Ale, Oaktoberfest, or the Liberation Ale to anyone. If you live in Austin, or if you happen to be here, stop by a bar and order one of these on draft. You’ll be glad you did. Rate Beer gives it a 3.36 out of 5. I give it a 9 out of 10 for the style. Check out the brewery’s website.

Independence Brewery Pale Ale

It’s nice to have a local brewery that brews quality beers here in Austin. We are lucky enough to have two. (Independence and Live Oak,(RIP Celis)) Along with several brewpubs around town, the Independence brewery has upped the ante for beers in Austin. The Independence Pale Ale is a great choice for a summer day at the lake. It has a crisp citrusy flavor with a mild hop finish. The brewery’s website calls it a “True Texas pale ale” and I have to agree. I’m not sure if this is available outside of Austin yet, but if you get a chance to try it, please do. You won’t regret it. Rate Beer gives this brew 2.98 out of 5. I give it an 8 out of 10. (5.5% ABV)

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

This is an excellent beer. You can tell that it has been brewed with care. It is very smooth for an IPA, and has a clean finish. It doesn’t have a strong hops flavor like most IPAs do, but it has a creamier body. The brewery’s website says that it pairs well with pizza and spicy foods. The 90 minute version of the IPA is better in my opinion. I really want to try the 120 minute version of their IPA, but it is $8.50 for a 12oz bottle where I shop for beer. One of these days I might be able to justify that cost, but I haven’t yet. Rate Beer gives it an average of 3.77 out of 5. I give it an 8.5 out of 10. (6% ABV)

BridgePort IPA

I drink this beer all the time, and man do I love it. All of BridgePort's ales are excellent. This one is particularly good. It has a nice, slightly sweet flavor with hints of citrus, and a great hoppy finish. It has a beautiful copper color and looks nice in a glass. It is a perfect example of an American IPA. Just looking at Bridgeport's website makes me want to have one right now. Rate Beer gives it an average of 3.59 out of 5. I give it a 9.5 out of 10. (5.5% ABV)

Left Hand Brewing Co. Milk Stout

I've had this beer in the fridge for a few weeks, and I decided to try it out. It is called a "milk stout" because of the added lactose. Because of this it has a nice sweet finish, but it's not as flavorful as most of the stouts I have tried. Left Hand's website touts it as a full bodied stout with strong roasted coffee and malt flavors. I can't find most of Left Hand's beers around Austin at all, but I would love to try them out. All in all I like Left Hand's Sawtooth Ale much better. Rate Beer gives the milk stout an average 3.51 out of 5. I give it a 6 out of 10. (5.2% ABV)

Red Hook Longhammer IPA

The Red Hook website says that Long Hammer has been brewed since 1984. I just tried this beer as it has only been available in Austin for a couple of weeks. It doesn't seem to have as much hop character as the standard Red Hook IPA, and unfortunately, not as much flavor overall. It really doesn't stand up to most of their other beers. Suprisingly enough, Anheuser Busch hasn't really tinkered with Red Hook's beers since they took over. (Though a few have disappeared.) I personally miss the Double Black Stout. I still love their regular IPA and their ESB. Rate Beer gives Long Hammer an average score of 2.8 out of 5. All in all I would give it a 5 out of 10. (6% ABV)