When I scan a beer menu, I typically look for Virginia breweries first. Such was the case when we visited Sedona Tap House last Sunday afternoon and saw a listing for Ocelot Brewing Albatross IPA. I had to admit that I wasn’t familiar with that br…

I made my (almost) weekly lunchtime run to the indoor range this afternoon. For this week’s exercise I did the same 50-round skills drill from Julie Golob that I tried a few weeks ago. This time I did it twice, once at 7 yards, and again…

Short, with beer at the end.On Saturday morning I joined up with a few other men from the Ancient Order of Hibernians to take part in the 14th annual St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival at the Blue & Gray Brewery, now Adventure Brewing. In all h…

It’s been a long busy week. I’m done.Looking forwarded to recuperating with some good beer this weekend. Cheers!
[ This content originated at Musings Over a Pint ]

The 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival will take place this Saturday, March 12 at Blue & Gray Brewery, now Adventure Brewing South. The parade starts at noon and ends at the brewery. Food and beer services will be available outside under tents …

Today is my mother’s birthday, and the fifth one we celebrate without her. I can’t wish her Happy Birthday in person but I’ll still celebrate her memory today; recalling her smile, reminiscing about her bear hugs, and even enjoying a smile over her joy…

We headed into the District of Crime Columbia Wednesday evening to watch the Hokies play in the ACC Tournament. Arriving early, we opted for dinner at the Green Turtle in the Verizon Center. Since I had plenty of time before the drive home, I hope…

One of the latest “things” in craft brewing is the “habanero IPA.” It’s not a trend I object to in the least. Recently I’ve mused over offerings from Starr Hill and Ballast Point. Now Flying Dog Brewery has gotten into the act with their own habanero and mango flavored IPA.

Fever Dream Mango Habanero IPA is a new addition to Flying Dog’s year-round lineup. I received a sample bottle from the brewery and couldn’t resist trying it out the same day!

Fever Dream pours a dark orange color with a robust and persistent off-white head. The aroma is tropical fruit and earthy malt. If I concentrate it’s possible to pick up some faint pepper aroma. The flavor starts out with a tropical fruit and bready malt base, followed with a citrus rind bitterness. Rising up from those initial flavors is a capsaicin warmth. The hot pepper aspect starts out quite subtle, the heat building with each sip. After a few sips, a warm tingling sensation remains in the mouth — present but never overpowering. The habanero pepper creats an unmistakable tingling on the palate. Along with the lingering warmth, there’s a hint of bitterness left behind as well.

I enjoyed this beer quite a bit. The heat was enough for this spicy food junkie, but it’s not overwhelming at all. Fever Dream is a permanent addition to Flying Dog’s offerings, and we should be seeing it show in the stores soon.

Flying Dog is also releasing a series of seasonal warm and spicy beers in their Heat Series. I’m looking forward to those as well. I have a bottle of the February release, Oaked Chipotle Ale, waiting in the wings for review so stand by for news on that one soon.

Recently I came across this “Establishing Your Baseline” drill from The Tactical Professor. This 50 round drill can be done with a wide range of targets, and is suitable for shooting at an indoor range. The general drill is you load your magazines to f…

Here’s what Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about aid to immigrants.The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in…