Beers I Had While Listening To Pearl Jam

Pic taken from the delightfully old-school Live Bootleg blog

Few things pair better than great music and great beer. When diving into Pearl Jam’s catalog, whether you’re like every dude in the world and in a Ten kind of mood or feeling the depth of Vitalogy, you need the perfect beer in hand. I did have the perfect beer… it was called a beer.

I have never admitted to being a big Pearl Jam fan. I don’t know why that is. Maybe they are too… known. Too pedestrian. But they are not pedestrian. They are deep as shit.

Yeah and maybe that is it, they are too fucking deep.

Anyway. I am sitting home (mostly) alone on a Saturday night, having beers and listening to live Pearl Jam recordings, reliving being at a PJ show. These are the beers I had leading in and the beers I am having now while having a good time with a nice relaxing buzz:

  • Liquid Gravity Brewing “Pale From The Crypt” Pale.
  • Barebottle Brewing “Citra Ka-Pow” IPA.
  • Coronado Brewing “Big Weekend” DIPA.

BTW, have you listened to Pearl Jam’s new stuff, Dark Matter? It’s pretty fucking good for a band that most people would consider ‘past their prime’ and stuff.

Anyway, please make space to have some beers and listen to a band you love, live, it will make you feel better about things, I promise.

-Mikey

Craft Lager Beers Good For Watching a Fight

Anchor Lager pic swiped from Anchor Brewing

Here’s a list of craft lagers that are perfect for a boxing match or any big event. These beers offer more depth and character while staying refreshing and easy to drink:

  1. Firestone Walker Lager – A clean, classic Helles-style lager with just the right amount of malt sweetness and crisp finish.
  2. Sierra Nevada Summerfest – A Czech-style pilsner with a bit of hop bite, perfect for fans of flavor without heaviness – it doesn’t matter if it’s not summertime, it will still hold up.
  3. Victory Brewing Prima Pils – A German-style pilsner with floral hop aromas and a balanced malt base.
  4. Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils – A refreshing pilsner with a touch of honey-like malt and crisp hops.
  5. Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold – A smooth, slightly sweet lager with a hint of toasted malt and a crisp finish.
  6. Jack’s Abby House Lager – A New England craft favorite that’s malty, smooth, and perfect for sipping during a fight.
  7. Brooklyn Brewery Lager – A Vienna-style lager with caramel malts and a touch of hops for balance.
  8. Deschutes Da Shootz! – A light lager with clean, bright flavors and a sessionable ABV.
  9. Modern Times Ice – A super crisp lager with a dry, refreshing finish and just a hint of complexity.
  10. Anchor Brewing California Lager – A historic recipe with a balanced malt profile and just enough hops to keep it interesting.

If you don’t feel like searching around town for one of these give GoPuff a try and have one delivered.

These options cater to your beer-appreciating fight crowd and bring something unique to the table, while still being accessible for any beer-drinking crowd. Which of these catches your eye?

P.S. I would like to add a local shout-out to Tioga Sequoia Brewing’s “Red Wave Light Lager”!

Patio heaters gas: the best

Simply a gorgeous gas patio heater from East Oak. I feel warmer just looking at the picture

It doesn’t matter if it’s your own patio, a beer garden, or an outdoor party in the Winter, it’s nice to have some patio heater gas or otherwise. Mikey Top Pour is here to help, but let’s keep it focused and look at the gas heaters..

I am a little biased as East Oak is an affiliate of Mikey Top Pour, but they are a favorite because they make good stuff and treat bloggers right. And that will equal to a good patio heater for you.

East Oak also (and this is totally related) has the world’s cleanest fire pit:

If you’re not sure about what kind of heater will be good for your patio and if gas will be the right call, I pieced together some gas heater propaganda to enjoy:

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Patio Heater Gas Option

As the temperatures start to dip, many homeowners turn to patio heaters to keep their outdoor spaces warm and comfortable. Among the different types of patio heaters, gas models stand out for their efficiency, ease of use, and power. But with various options available, choosing the right patio heater gas option can be a bit overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a gas patio heater to keep your outdoor gatherings cozy and warm.

Why Choose a Gas Patio Heater?

Gas patio heaters are popular for several reasons:

  1. Instant Heat: Unlike electric models that may take a while to warm up, gas patio heaters provide immediate heat, ideal for quick warmth.
  2. High BTU Output: Gas heaters often produce more BTUs (British Thermal Units) than electric heaters, making them suitable for larger areas.
  3. Portable and Cordless: You can easily move gas patio heaters around your outdoor space with no power cord.

If you frequently host gatherings or enjoy spending time outdoors even in colder months, a gas patio heater is a reliable and efficient choice. This one is tight.

Types of Gas Patio Heaters

When selecting a gas patio heater, you’ll encounter two primary types of fuel: propane and natural gas. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your preferences and outdoor setup.

1. Propane Gas Heaters

Propane is a popular option for gas patio heaters, offering several benefits:

  • Portability: Propane patio heaters are easy to move since they don’t need to be connected to a gas line.
  • Widely Available: Propane tanks are readily available at most home improvement and convenience stores, making refueling simple.
  • High Heat Output: Many propane models are powerful, and capable of heating larger spaces effectively.

However, propane tanks require regular replacement, and if you have multiple propane heaters, this can add to the cost over time.

2. Natural Gas Heaters

Natural gas heaters are a great choice if you already have a natural gas line on your property:

  • Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Natural gas tends to be cheaper than propane over time.
  • Convenience: With a direct connection to your gas line, you don’t need to worry about refilling tanks.
  • Eco-Friendly: Natural gas burns cleaner than propane, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

The main drawback is that natural gas heaters are stationary, so you’ll need to set them up near your existing gas line.

Key Features to Look for in a Gas Patio Heater

When choosing a gas patio heater, keep these important features in mind:

  • BTU Rating: The higher the BTU rating, the larger the area the heater can warm. For most patios, a heater with a BTU range between 30,000 and 50,000 will be sufficient.
  • Safety Features: Look for models with auto shut-off features in case they tip over. Other safety features include an oxygen depletion sensor and a protective grille to prevent accidental contact.
  • Heating Range and Coverage: Some models are designed to radiate heat in a 360-degree radius, while others may have a more focused range. Choose a model based on how you plan to arrange seating around the heater.

Top Tips for Using Your Gas Patio Heater Efficiently

  • Choose the Right Spot: Position your patio heater in a wind-protected area to maximize heat output and reduce fuel consumption.
  • Perform Regular Maintenance: Clean the burner, check connections, and ensure there are no leaks in propane models. For natural gas heaters, periodic professional checks are advisable.
  • Use in a Well-Ventilated Space: Gas patio heaters should always be used in an outdoor or well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.

Conclusion

A gas patio heater can transform your outdoor space into a cozy retreat even during chilly weather. By choosing the right type—propane or natural gas—and focusing on essential features like BTU rating, safety, and heating range, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your outdoor area all year round. Happy heating!

In case you don’t know yet, it’s all about this East Oak 50,0000 BTU heater when it comes to patio heating. Look for them on Amazon, or (my recco) order directly from East Oak’s site.

Sunblock That Hikers Use

A picture of Yosemite Valley taken from behind the Ahwahnee Hotel with a text reading five sunblocks for hikers


When you’re out on the trail, whatever kind of trail it is (even if it’s on the beer trail), sunscreen is your best hiking buddy! Okay, well, your water bottle keeps you hydrated and that is pretty dang good. Yes and your boots/trail shoes protect your feet, but sunscreen? It’s out there saving your skin – literally. 

The sun can be brutal, turning a peaceful walk into a sunburn festival. Nobody wants to peel like a lizard after a beautiful day outdoors!

Sunscreen keeps those harmful UV rays from baking your skin, which means fewer wrinkles, less sunburn, and best of all, a lower risk of skin cancer. 

And let’s not forget the immediate benefits – no more awkward tan lines or that “lobster red” look in your summit photos!

Here’s a list of the top five sunscreens that hikers commonly use, selected for their high SPF, sweat resistance, and durability in outdoor conditions:

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70

Why hikers love it: It offers high SPF protection, absorbs quickly, and leaves a lightweight, matte finish. It’s also water-resistant, which is essential for sweaty hikes.

Key features: Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, non-greasy formula, and water resistance for up to 80 minutes.

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