Monday, August 17, 2009

Ancient Wargame things

Some friends of mine came over and we played Warhammer Ancients. The Romans vs. the Viking barbarians. It was a close run thing. The Vikings winning at the very end. The scenario was a Senator from Rome was coming to relieve a garrison. On the march and not far from the castrum the barbarians attacked. Light troops had very little chance being blown away in the opening moves. The legionaries more than made up for it. They really kicked and held their own until they had no one left and another group of barbarians joined in the melee. Don brought rules, terrain, and the war dogs. He also brought some nice IPA home brew. We played quickly and remembered rules when we could. Next time will be different. SPQR

Friday, August 14, 2009

Great Taste Midwest Things

Great Taste of the Midwest was held in Olin Turnvile Park on Lake Monona in Madison Wisconsin on 8 August 2009. After sampling over 60 beers during the weekend, I picked what I thought were the best of the fest. Summit Kolsch and Oatmeal Stout (cask), Schaflys Kolsch, New Glarus Raspberry Tart, Dragonmead Belgian Wit, Surly Helles and Smoked Baltic Porter, Micky Finns Wit, Jolly Pumpkin Rioja Kriek, Mpls. Townhall Russian Imp. Stout with chocolate, and Dark Horse Stout.
The second best beers were Two Bros. Tripel & Domain du Page, Rock Bottom (chicago) Lemon Saison and Raspberry Saison (casks), Ale Asylum Tripel and Abbey, Fat Head Baltic Porter, DragonmeadScotch ale, Surly Oak Aged Bender (cask), Esser Pils, Jolly Pumpkin Maracaibo, Barley Island Single White Friar, Barley Johns Old 8 Porter, and Michigan Pierre Celis White.

I had some great beers at the Old Fashioned on Capitol Square. I don't remember the names but they were a dunkleweizen and a weiss. I also had an amazing perch fish fry dinner. WOW! It was delicious.