Tuesday Grab Bag: The Return of Optimism

Before I get to the football action from the weekend, it would be completely out of character if I didn't shout from the rooftop that BASKETBALL SEASON IS BACK!!!!!!!

No, it's not November, yet, but the first practices will start to be held around the nation this very week.  In fact, as the Daily Camera's Brian Howell pointed out, the assembled media will cover hardwood action at the CEC before the next football game.  So, yes, this week hoops does come first.

We're still some 32 days from November itself, and over 45 days away from opening night, but the start of practices is an important mile post on the close of the offseason.  We're getting there, BasketBuffs, we're getting there...

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Today in the bag, I'm talking the offensive showcase in Berkeley, CU's Biletnikoff candidate, and the upcoming football schedule.

Click below for the bag...

Friday Beer Post: 2014 Gameday Beer-o-the-week - Cal Edition

Each week throughout the football season I'm going to suggest a good beer for the ubiquitous pre-game tailgate. Let's be honest, with tailgates it's not always top quality that you're looking for. To steal a phrase from the heinous beer terrorists at Budweiser, you want "drinkability." (or what a real beer connoisseur calls "a session beer") So, be warned, these may not be "the best" beers around. But, in the words of Dave Chappelle as Samuel L. Jackson "IT'LL GET YOU DRUNK!"

A few years ago I decided to tip my cap to one of my favorite Californian breweries which uses the state's history and fondness for all things bear as the impetus behind their name.  It's, of course, Bear Republic Brewing that takes their inspiration from the Bear Republic period of California's past, and, considering CU is facing the Golden Bears tomorrow, I figure it's fitting to dip back into their well of excellent offerings.

Back in 2011 I went with Racer 5, which continues to be one of my favorite IPAs on the market.  As much as I love that beer, I'm not one for repeating (unless it's Utah week), so I'll turn to another one of their styles that sets my heart aflutter.  How about something with a slightly spicy rye kick?  Yeah, that'll do nicely. That beer, Bear Republic Brewing's Hop Rod Rye, is this week's gameday beer-o-the-week.

Hell yeah, rye!  I love it, both in whiskey and beer forms, as it brings a unique sweet/spicy zing to the party, one that is a refreshing change of pace from more straight-laced 100% barley-based malts.  Hop Rod Rye uses the titular ingredient quite well, and the resulting spicy twang offsets the traditional notes nicely.  Bear Republic uses an 18% cut of the grain in the mix, which I hear is quite a lot, and explains the prominence of bitter on the aftertaste.  It's an American IPA, so there's a nice hoppy tilt to the proceedings, as well.  Floral on the nose, bitter on the palate.

All-in-all, a well-crafted beer, one which should strike your tongue as a unique twist on a craft staple.  You will be able to find Hop Rod Rye at most liquor stores with a deep bench, probably in a 6-pack.  Share with friends, however, as it clocks in a 8%.


Happy Friday!  Go Buffs, beat the Golden Bears!

2014 Cal Football Preview

The Buffs head to the Bay Area for their second true road test of the year.  The Cal Golden Bears are a significant upgrade over the UMass Minutemen, however, so it'll take a much stronger effort to claim a second-consecutive road scalp this weekend. 

Kickoff from Strawberry Canyon in Berkeley, CA is set for 2pm MT.  While plenty of our West Coast brethren will be in attendance, those of us back home in Colorado will have to make due with watching the game on Pac-12 Networks.  The radio call, pending late-season Rockies 'baseball,' will be on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...

Tuesday Grab Bag: Two! Two wins! Ah, ah ah!

Straight to the action on this Tuesday.

Today in the bag, I'm talking Saturday's win over Hawai'i, the upcoming football schedule, and some basketball recruiting.

Click below for the bag...

Friday Beer Post: 2014 Gameday Beer-o-the-week - Hawai'i Edition

Each week throughout the football season I'm going to suggest a good beer for the ubiquitous pre-game tailgate. Let's be honest, with tailgates it's not always top quality that you're looking for. To steal a phrase from the heinous beer terrorists at Budweiser, you want "drinkability." (or what a real beer connoisseur calls "a session beer") So, be warned, these may not be "the best" beers around. But, in the words of Dave Chappelle as Samuel L. Jackson "IT'LL GET YOU DRUNK!"
 
I'd be a fool to not pick a regional style this week.  Playing the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors provides a unique opportunity to tap into Hawaiian brewing culture, and discuss some breweries that often get swamped by their mainland brethren.  In the past, however, I had featured Kona Brewing in this series, which was a massive error on my part.  That joint has gone all corporate, joining the InBev-backed Craft Brew Alliance.  Hell, the Kona stuff you find in stores isn't even brewed on the islands; it's from the Pacific Northwest, or even fucking New Hampshire. 

Fuck. That. Shit.


So, I'll have to dig a little deeper this week (not too deep, though).  Let's try one of the other islands, and a smaller, more craft-friendly brewery that actually brews in the 50th state.  Maybe feature a beer that mixes one of my favorite tropical ingredients with a vintage style, and throws it all into a can for your wanton consumption.  Yeah, that'll do. That beer, Maui Brewing's CoCoNut PorTer, is this week's gameday beer-o-the-week.

I love to feature canned beers in this series, because they make for such easy clean up when out and about.  You can even take them more places, as many tailgating and recreation areas frown on glass.

Actually brewed in Maui, CoCoNut PorTer is a lovely canned option for those looking for something on the sweeter side.  Sweet and roasted notes hit the nose before it finishes with a balance between sweet molasses and bitter chocolate on the tongue.  There's also some nice lingering notes of the titular roasted coconut to consider.  Damn fine!

For those interested, you'll be able to find a 4-pack of Maui's finest in most liquor stores with a deeper selection.  It's a hefty 6.0% ABV, so don't go too nuts, but I highly suggest a few of these as you toast the last vestiges of summer this weekend.


Happy Friday!  Go Buffs, beat the Rainbow Warriors!

2014 Hawai'i Football Preview

Short and sweet tonight, week 4 brings a visit from the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors.  Yep, 'Rainbow' once again, as the school brought the name back last year for the first time since 2000.  Legitimately one of the coolest team nicknames in all of sports, I'm glad they brought it back.  

Kickoff from beautiful Folsom Field is scheduled for high noon on Saturday.   Coverage for those out and about can be found on Pac-12 Networks, with the radio call on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...

Tuesday Grab Bag: The Rumblinmobile lost a wheel, and the Sun Devils got away.

Were you stuck in a traffic jam coming into Boulder yesterday afternoon around 5pm?  Yeah, that's my bad. You see, the Rumblinmobile suffered a blowout (doubtful for the rest of the week, btw), stranding me on the right lane of west-bound US 36, and backing up traffic for miles.

Haha, the sidewall disappeared. Wait, that's not funny...

On the plus side, no one was hurt, the rest of the truck is fine(ish), and courtesy patrol was relatively quick in getting me out of there.  I guess if you're going to wreck during rush hour on 36, that's the way to do it.

Hopefully, your wait time was kept to a minimum.  If not, I sincerely apologize, and owe you a coke.

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Today in the bag, I'm talking Saturday's performance against the Sun Devils, the upcoming football schedule, and the release of the full men's basketball slate.

Click below for the bag...