Rob Lee has a lot of opinions, many of which can’t be contained to Robcast so here’s Robservations.

I spend most weekends with this woman and she can attest to my beer snobbery as well

Hey maaaaaan, Rob Lee here and I have something on my mind – beer.

I’ve always has some relationship with beer as far back as a kid – I remember my parents letting me have a sip of beer – this was a completely supervised, non-reckless way of showing one’s offspring of how to drink responsibly without being preachy. It’s something my girlfriend uses with her son. Speaking of my girlfriend, I spend most weekends with this woman and she can attest to my beer snobbery as well. Let’s jump back a bit, once I moved into my own place and started to develop a preference in what I like in people, food and libations. I was drinking light beer initially and that wasn’t cool to me – the flavor was lacking. My beer journey I think is much like my weed journey – I started off within an entry level item then, within a short time, I’ve become a trusted reviewer of a particular strain or in this case brew. What I will submit to you today is the last five beers I’ve had and give a review.

1. Feed the Monkey | Jailbreak Brewing Company

I discovered this beer at Birrotecca during a date with my girl. It’s a staple beer for me – a nice wheat ale with subtle notes of fruit – full disclosure, I don’t know all of the nose, palate stuff – I just know what I like an I like this beer. Drink often.

2.Tangerine Haze | Stillwater Artisanal Ales

I had this one at Atomic Books this weekend. It’s a decent beer – it’s very creative which is something I appreaciate. I’m a cowboy or explorer in that way. This is tastes like a fruit drink and is very sneaky – because it’s “artisanal” there’s a premium cost here. Drink during the summer, sparingly.

3.Hitochino Nest Red Rice Ale | Kiuchi Brewery

This has been a point of contention – I has this brand at Yama Sushi in Hampden. I loved the Hitochino Nest White Ale. Since, I’ve gone to three maybe four liquor stores to procure. I usually leave disappointed but with a sense of smuggery. Usually the staff working in the craft beer department want to show off their knowledge. I go back to say, Wells in Towson, ask for the “bottle with the owl on it” – I didn’t remember the name then it comes to me. One of the guys has a knowing glance of my superior beer snobbery and tells me unfortunately we’ve not carried it in a year. Dammit! This happens at least twice more! To the Red Rice Ale, it’s OK. Not my favorite – it reminds me too much of Saké, which isn’t a flavor it like. I have another on had as these are also pretty expensive due to supply, I’m sure. I’ll try it colder and maybe that would help. Drink this last one and move on to other Asian beers.

4. Resurrection | The Brewer’s Art

This was a staple for a while and it more of an entry level for me. It’s great and was recommended by one of my buddies from Reflection Eternal in Charles Village. It’s an Abbey-style dubbel so it falls into the Belgian terrotiory as most of the beers I like. The alcohol content is high as well. Drink this on a night out with friends.

5.Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier | Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan

This is my current favorite style and brewer. This beer goes with just about anything – it’s not heavy and it’s a top beer for me and I always look for it. Drink and keep drinking.