Michigan Brews

On our hike up in New Hampshire, I mentioned that my uncle brought me some beers out from Michigan.  I sent him on the way with some Jack's Abby Lager and Mystic Saison.  None of these beers are particularly mind-blowing, just solid craft brew.  Below are them in reverse of order of what I liked best.

Bell's Brewing - Amber Ale:  My uncle said that this beer is as ubiquitous in Michigan as Harpoon IPA is in Boston.  I can see why, it is definitely a solid amber ale, great for outdoors and everything else.  With that said, there are many other better Bell's beers (almost all of them).  This bottle was also not particularly fresh, too bad.

Short's Brewing - Pontius Road Pilsner - Another decent beer from a well respected brewery.  They have actually distributed in MA from time to time, but they are known for making all manner of oddball beer.  This beer is actually a pretty straight forward pilsner, definitely an upgrade from the yellow fizzy stuff, but nothing mind blowing.

Founders - Dirty Bastard - Founders is a brewery that is actually 100% available in MA.  I have had this beer before and it did not disappoint, high ABV at 8.5%, this scotch ale is great for the fall/winter.

Bells - Two Hearted Ale IPA - Bell's most famous offering is their IPA.  It is absolutely fantastic, and this bottle was pretty fresh, so it had that great hop character I desire!  If this were available in cans 365 days a year, I could consider an exclusive relationship...

Red Sox Start the Season...Slowly...

Boston Red Sox nation has a lot to fear in 2012.  What with last year's 2-10 start, and the collapse in September, the horrifying disappointment of $175 million dollars being wasted without even tasting the playoffs.  This year brings a lot of questions, most of them regarding pitching, as our commanding offense is set to be one of the stalwarts of the year.  A new manager, who has not exactly been welcomed into the fold, Bobby Valentine is very different from Terry Francona.

Personally, I am excited and hopeful for the season, and I eagerly awaited the first series against the Detroit Tigers.  However, the series did not go as planned, with 2 heart-breaking losses where save opportunities were blown, both by named closer, Alfredo Aceves and Mark Melancon. The other game was just a brutal beat down where our co-ace Josh Beckett gave up five homerun balls.

Luckily, we were able to salvage a win Monday night in Toronto against the Blue Jays who many believe are going to have a solid campaign this year.  Our enemies in New York also started 0-3 against division rivals Tampa Bay.  This means 4 solid teams in the American League East, not the best place to call home.

I predict that the offensive firepower will carry the Red Sox to the playoffs and 90 regular season wins.  I like Bobby V so far, and I think he will do just fine.  As long as the pitching situation doesn't completely unravel, the Sox should be OK in 2012.