It's Beer with Buddies! Where we taste some beers and talk some talks on various topics in the craft beer community. Mad props and thanks to Alison and Paul for being my first guests!

Enjoy this amazingly raw footage put together by someone who has no idea how to edit videos (me). Hopefully in the future someone I know will offer their video editing skills and I won't have to push a bunch of buttons and hope things work.

Unfortunately, the camera cut out during out discussion of beer loving babes being like chicks who play videogames: the mere concept appearing to blow dudes minds. You missed some gold. I promise it won't happen again.

Here's an idea: pull out a brew and take a drink every time I give a plug to something without realizing. Shout-outs given to the CraftGeer.com, MN Twins Target Field, Left Hand Brewing, Untappd, BeerAdvocate.com, St. Paul Summer Beer Festival, guys with great beards, Instagram, Twitter... it goes on and on. Whoops.

I've started to fall in love with beers from Goose Island. The labels are simple and elegant. The beers are consistent and smooth. When I was able to snag a bottle of Sofie at the local liquor store, I was very anxious to get home and sample her for a review.

Sofie poured a golden summer hay color. As fall was approaching, it was nice to get a little reminder of the warmer times. There was a thick white head of tiny fluffy bubbles that held on for quite some time. That head gave off some amazing citrus smells and soft yeast notes.

This farmhouse style ale is aged in wine barrels with citrus peels. There is a very wine-like feel to it, overall. Almost like a light champagne. There a pleasing tickle of bubbles through out the glass as you drink.

The flavors are complex and clean. First, you taste the orange peel and get that acidic citrus flavor. It finished smoothly with notes of vanilla, yeast, and even a note of banana. There is a soft sweetness through out the glass that is in no way overwhelming, just sort of... there.

This would be a great after dinner dessert. It would be fabulous with lemon bars or other sweet citrus desserts. Also, Sofie would be just fine in a glass as you unwind and contemplate your day.

Beer: Sofie
Style: Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale
Brewery: Goose Island
ABV: 6.5%
Served from: Bottle
Rating: 4/5

I have been issued a challenge: to drink the Periodic Table of Beer Styles in 2014.

Know what I say to this?

CHALLENGE. ACCEPTED.

Nothing I’ve drank prior to January 1st will count toward this challenge. I am looking forward to this and the fact that I have 365 days to do it in. That’s what? About 6 styles per month? I can do this.

What I want to know is… who is joining me? I’ll post my progress up as it goes by reposting the table with the styles I have had crossed off. Who wants to join me in the (best ever, seriously, what could be better) challenge?

Every game of Cards Against Humanity requires a great brew by your side. I had seen Left Hand Brewing's Milk Stout Nitro on the shelves over the last month or two and was always intrigued. Nitro seems to be the new buzz word when it comes to beer, so when my friend picked up a six-pack, I was happy to pour one for myself and see just why.

The first thing to note is the deep black color of the beer. It's like a black hole - no light escapes this elixir. Just about one finger of head formed with my pour, and the pillowy whipped cream appearance was stunning. It reminded me of the whipped topping on a cuppa, all frothy and smooth.

The smell was very strong toasted aromas. The first taste was very strong with molasses and coffee. It was a very smooth finish with a slight bitter hoppiness. As it warmed, the rich dark chocolate flavors began to come out to play. The beer started to taste like a hoppy mocha, combining my two favorite things: coffee and beer. It was carbonated with excellence; smooth and silky going down.

I'd love to get my hands on the non-nitro version and conduct a side by side. I would be very interested in the differences in overall flavor, texture and carbonation. I may just have to conduct this little experiment.

I was very happy with this beer, overall. I would recommend it to any stout lovers. The rich roasted aromas with the smooth light sweetness made it a perfect beer for a cold summer day playing cards with friends.

Did I mention that Left Hand has recipes to use this beer in on their website? How do Nitro Oreo Cupcakes sound do you? I wouldn't be surprised if these magically show up in my kitchen some time soon...

Beer: Milk Stout Nitro
Style: Sweet Stout
Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Co.
ABV: 6%
Served from: Bottle
Rating: 4/5 - This beer hit all the high notes.

Hey guys! There is a new tab at the top of the site called “SHOP”. What’s this for? Well, for you to have a direct link to my Etsy store, where I sell beer things. Beer candles, tea lights, lamps… Maybe other things someday. Who knows! YOU WILL, because you’re gonna check it out and be all hip and in the know, right? I thought so.

Don’t forget to check us out for holiday gift ideas for your fellow beer geek lovers. Or, hey – I was thinking the tea lights looked like pretty awesome party favors or wedding décor. Here’s a thought for you: stocking stuffer. Because why the heck not?