At the top craft beer bar in Sarasota, Florida I teach their beer school. They are also a top 100 bar in Draft magazine. It was weekly plus special events for a few years and its tapered since the bar sold and my life got really busy. I still do it probably once or twice a month. I started learning about beer when I lived in Germany for a few years, came back to America and the craft beer scene had exploded. Anyway, ask me anything about beer or whatever.

Proof: On their Facebook page they call me the professor in this photo:

In this photo you can see its me in the burger hat:

Here is a submission in my reddit history of me posting a pic of myself:

edit: Hope its okay to promote something here. I've owned a small homebrewing forum for a long time, feel free to come by and learn about making beer or just bullshit with the members, we have an interesting little group but almost everyone there is very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions.

edit 2: I've got to get some work done but I'll be back in an hour and answer any more questions here

edit 3: I tried to get work done but damn this thing blew up. I'm going to sign for a couple hours but please leave a question if you want, I will come back and answer them all.

Comments: 919 • Responses: 79  • Date: 

ZacBalZac83 karma

Are you as offended as I am that Redd's Apple Ale is allowed to call themselves an Ale?

DrLeoMarvin79 karma

yes, possibly more

KEM1023 karma

Hey now, Redd's (while not good) is still grains (with apple flavor) and a top fermenting yeast. So unless you're a Reinheitsgebot, it is an ale.

If you do sign onto the purity laws, you can't call any of the American Lights beer because they use rice in their production to cut costs and decrease the heaviness.

DrLeoMarvin15 karma

Technically it is ale, true, but I still find it offensive!

berlin-calling12 karma

Which is more offensive to you, the Apple Ale or Strawberry Ale?

DrLeoMarvin24 karma

I'm a sucker for Abita Strawberry Lager. No apple beer has ever impressed me.

negativeyoda12 karma

I would have echoed this until my brewery ended up with 140 gallons of cider a couple months ago and the brewer incorporated some into a berlinerweiss. Shit was mad tasty

DrLeoMarvin9 karma

now that sounds awesome

ExplosiveFlame28 karma

What would you say to an English Real Ale drinker who has been told all their life that beer from the US is of a lower quality than British and German beer?

DrLeoMarvin117 karma

I'd tell them they are wrong. Seriously, the US scene has gone full blown experimental and produced some amazing products. European countries are really culturally stuck in their traditional beers. Go to Germany, good luck finding a Double IPA, go to Belgium, find something that's not fruity (from the yeast, not actual fruit)... not gonna happen. I love Belgians and hefeweizens and real ale, but the U.S. is expanding the beer scene and doing an amazing job at it.

poseitom11 karma

As someone from Belgium I must disagree, there are plenty of non 'fruity' beers you just got to know them.

DrLeoMarvin18 karma

I feel like any beer that uses a belgian yeast strain has some sort of fruity property. I've been to Belgium beer hunting a few times. I'd love to learn some examples of non fruity beers though if you can give me some.

Bastimoo5 karma

As a German, what is a 'Double IPA'? (never heard of the shortcut)

DrLeoMarvin11 karma

It's an extremely hoppy beer with very high alcohol, think 8% abv up to 10 or 11%

fortuitous521 karma


DrLeoMarvin28 karma

I bet she'd like some other belgians too! They have that fruitiness to them. See if you can get your hands on a St Bernadus 12, its "dark" but not bad more of a toffee color. It's sweet and has glorious dried, dark fruit profile with a hint of bubble gum.

Also, ease her into the fruited belgian beers. Start with lidemmans cause its back sweetened. Get her the framboise (raspberry).

For more casual drinking, see if you can find Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat, it's similar to blue moon but has a clean yeast instead of a wit yeast and it's real beer unlike blue moon.

192_168_XXX_XXX12 karma

Are you being snarky, or is Blue Moon not "real beer"? Serious question.

DrLeoMarvin14 karma

A bit snarky, but its full of flavoring agents and such instead of like real craft beer: grain, hops, yeast and possibly some spices but they are real spices

Halffullofpoison17 karma

Do you pass judgement on the man who orders a Bud Light?

DrLeoMarvin40 karma

Nope, as long as he doesn't pass judgement on me for ordering a coffee stout.

fc_w00t10 karma

Doing so would make us hypocrites. We've all been there...

DrLeoMarvin82 karma

There is a beer nerd scene right now that makes me sick to my stomach. Pompous, dicks passing judgement on everyone, looking down their nose at people that don't understand the difference in an ale and a lager. They bring a bad vibe to lots of craft beer pubs.

narspawn21 karma

I love how the person with the most right to be a "beer snob" speaks out against this.

DrLeoMarvin22 karma

They're just so damn irritating!

YoYoDingDongYo15 karma

The wine market would be much healthier without such people. It'll be a shame if the beer market ends up in the same boat.

DrLeoMarvin17 karma


rehtulx16 karma

As someone who does home brew myself, the logistics and organization it takes to make a beer with that little flavor to cover up mistakes and have it taste everywhere in the world it is manufactured and shipped is simply isn't even like a heavier flavored coffee stout or belgian where the tastes or spices could cover up any minor mistakes or difference in ingredients either.

DrLeoMarvin15 karma

No doubt, the brewing process and science behind it is phenomenal

DaDingo14 karma

What is a popular craft beer that you just can't stand.

DrLeoMarvin48 karma

This won't be a popular replly. Dogfish head anything. I like their 60 minute, that's about it. A couple others are palettable but their beers are over the top and way too boozy. I think people who are really into them, like praise everything they put out, are more into it for the novelty more than anything. The 120 minute is just hard to drink.

That said, I highly respect Sam Caliogne (spelling?). He's a good dude and is willing to try some crazy stuff for the art of beer.

edit: I do really like their Theobrama (chili/chocolate beer)

ATXBeermaker21 karma

You're just not off-centered enough to enjoy it. ;-)

Seriously, though, I tend to agree with you about DFH, except for their Indian Brown Ale. Man, that's stuff's good.

DrLeoMarvin11 karma

IBA is a solid beer, good call.

fc_w00t5 karma

90min is my utility ipa. 60 is too hoppy, 120 has the consistency of cough syrup. 90 is a solid middle ground....

DrLeoMarvin14 karma

90 is solid, but its a bigtime east coast style IPA and I'm a west coast IPA fan myself. I like the dryness in west coast style that really pushes the hoppyness and bitterness to an extreme.

aliveandwellthanks14 karma

Ok - has no one asked yet? What is your opinion on heady topper by the alchemist.

DrLeoMarvin12 karma

possibly best IPA on the market right now, sad I can't get it in Florida.

South_Side_Steve11 karma

Do you agree that Monkeynaut is both the best named beer as well as the best can ever????

The label:

Tastes good too.

DrLeoMarvin6 karma

That's an alabama brewery right?

South_Side_Steve4 karma

Yes. Hunstville.

Also opinions on Avondale?

Their sour brown, stout, tripel are all good imo.

DrLeoMarvin5 karma

I grew up in Auburn, I thought I remembered seeing that beer when I was there.

TENGIL99911 karma

What differs an IPA from just a pale ale, both in taste and brewing process?

DrLeoMarvin16 karma

More hops.

It's going to be more bitter and often times it has more hop profile overall, so more citrus/floral/pine in the nose and flavor. Also, it will have a bit more alcohol in it.

toooinx3 karma

Wait which one has more hops, the IPA or pale ale?

DrLeoMarvin9 karma


Eoin-Jess10 karma

What do you think of Brewdog?

Also, your top 5 favourite US breweries?


DrLeoMarvin22 karma

Every beer I've had from Brewdog I've really enjoyed. I like their style.

I'll throw a list off the top of my head:

  • Ballast Point

  • Lost Abbey

  • Southern Tier

  • Founders

  • Wicked Weed

Muhuhaa10 karma

Southern Tier is my new favorite brewery. Nothing they've made has let me down. Love their 2XSTOUT (double milk stout), their 2xMAS (christmas beer) and their Hop Sun (summer wheat - nicely balanced with a good hit of hops). Also, their creme brulee stout is often my dessert replacement when I can find it. I honestly don't know why they aren't a more popular brewery.

DrLeoMarvin5 karma

They are big down here in South Florida, gotta love that Krampus at Christmas time from them!

fc_w00t2 karma

No Cisco. Disappointing. I was hoping you'd rep the NE. ;)

Edit: founders breakfast stout and backyard bastard are as good as sex.

DrLeoMarvin14 karma

as good as sex with a last call hog, but I won't claim any beer is as good as sex with the right woman!

KEM109 karma

Have you also noticed that people who have developed a taste for higher quality beers also have gained a taste for higher end coffee?

All the brewers (home and pro) and bartenders I know are just as big coffee snobs as they are beer snobs.

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

Personally I've noticed this.

fc_w00t9 karma

Up here (Boston) we have beer summits quarterly where you can go, sample shit and mingle with prospective distributors, breweries. Do you have/attend anything like that down in Sarasota? Personally, I love it.

DrLeoMarvin6 karma

I used to all the time, not so much anymore. I love them too! The challenge was figuring out the travel situation as I do not drive after a couple beers.

Andrela7 karma

What's your opinion on Irish stouts? Is there anywhere else creating similar types of drink?

DrLeoMarvin13 karma

My most popular homebrewing recipe online is my irish stout recipe. I LOVE the style when the weather is 70 or below. Sadly, since moving to Florida and being stuck here for now I don't get the proper irish stout weather anymore very often.

There are plenty of American breweries producing irish stouts. I'm not a huge fan of Magic Hat but their seasonal stout is very similar to an irish stout.

One thing people don't realize. Guinness is one of the lowest calorie, dryest and least alcohol beers on the market. It's bone dry but since they carb with beer gas (nitrogen/co2 mixture) it has a thick mouthfeel that tricks you. It's a very light beer technically.

Andrela11 karma

I actually knew that about Guinness. No one here in Ireland believes me when I tell them that :)

I'll look up that homebrew recipe, thanks for doing the ama!

DrLeoMarvin7 karma

God I love Ireland, need to get back asap. Best live music experience of my life was in a dank little pub in Dingle.

Andrela3 karma

Its always the session in a small pub that's the best. Kerry is one of the best spots to be in Ireland to be honest. Glad you enjoyed yourself over here. Ireland has sparked a bit of a cottage craft beer industry the last few years as well. A lot of bars specific to craft beers have been cropping up in Dublin and Cork anyway.

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

That's awesome! Europe really should catch on soon, its too good not to.

Shadowhawk1097 karma

What are your favorite beers from Michigan (shoutout to /r/michiganbeer) that are NOT IPA's?

DrLeoMarvin23 karma

Founders breakfast stout

ByCromsBalls7 karma

Have you tried any Vermont beers? I moved here from CA and I was gobsmacked by the diversity and quality of the beers. Beers like the Hill Farmstead selections, Heady Topper, and Switchback. I think many aren't well known simply because the breweries keep the beer mostly in Vermont.

DrLeoMarvin8 karma

heady topper could be the best IPA ont eh market right now.

berlin-calling7 karma

  • Do you prefer ales or lagers?
  • Blow off tube or airlock?
  • Most successful beer you've brewed using fruit?
  • When did you start homebrewing and why?
  • What do you think about all the drama going on with BeerAdvocate? (people getting banned for using other websites, how they're the go-to for giving beer ratings that are being used in menus and in stores, how the bros have been acting a bit childish as of later, etc.)
  • Thoughts on the issues with Rogue Brewing and how there seems to be a growing dislike of them?
  • Favorite style overall? And your go-to beer of said style?

Ninja Edit: And your thoughts on beer cocktails?

DrLeoMarvin7 karma

both, lagers in summer, ales in spring/winter/fall

aluminum foil over top of my better bottle

black saison with brett and cherries aged in hungarian oak barrel

2006 when I moved to Germany, was bored and got into beer culture while searching new hobbies

I don't go to beeradvocate, sounds like homebrewtalk drama though which I despise so started my own site years ago

they charge too much for mediocre beer

Belgian IPA, Houblon Chouffe

Oktuy6 karma

I know you've had a lot of Cigar City being close to the Brewery, what is your favorite?

DrLeoMarvin7 karma

White Oak Jai Alai is definitely my staple favorite. I do love the Tocobaga out of a can a LOT. All their beers are amazing, never been let down.

gman2226 karma

As someone who knows nothing about beer can you explain some of the different types of beers and what makes them different?

DrLeoMarvin23 karma

Beer is basically malted barley, hops, water and yeast. The yeast eats the malted barley sugars and breaks it down into CO2 and alcohol.

malted barley can be kilned to caramelize the sugars and depending how long and temperatures and moisture in the barley and many factors the kilning process can produce hundreds of different varieties of malted barley. Some will produce chocolate flavors, some caramel, some toffee, some like raisins, some like honey and on and on. You can also do this to wheat, rye, oats and so on. This provides the brewer with almost limitless potential for flavor. Add in the hundred+ types of hops that have a ridiculous variety of flavors and then all the strains of yeast that produce different flavors at different temperatures, the potential beer you can make is ridiculously varietal.

So you have dark stouts that are chocolaty and roasty, you have dry IPAs that are crisp, refreshing and intensly bitter with resiny, citrusy and/or piney tons. You have brown ales that are simple and inviting with hints of toast or muffins. There is so much out there I really can't list them all.

friendoffuture4 karma

Isn't there a large contribution from the yeast itself to the flavor profile? If I make the same recipe with drastically different yeast types, say a Belgian yeast and an English Ale yeast, wouldn't the beers come out very differently?

DrLeoMarvin7 karma

way different. English yeast and american east are usually very subtle if adding anything to the flavor profile. Belgian yeast defines the beer. Also temperature of fermentation effects what flavors the yeast impart big time. Hefeweizen yeast at cooler temps... all clove, warmer temps... all banana.

chrrie6 karma

I love surprising my hophead boyfriend with new craft beer to try. He's an IPA guy. Problem is, I don't really know anything about beer and it's hard for me to find a pattern amongst what he has liked, especially because I don't drink. I'd love if it if you could make some recommendations for something new to try or guide me in the right direction on what to look for when scouting out new brews! I've gotten him the following so far:

Bear Republic - Racer 5 (loves)

Green Flash - West Coast IPA (loves)

Speakeasy - Big Daddy (loves)

Russian River - Pliny the Elder (thought it was okay, too high alcohol %)

Ballast Point - Sculpin IPA (loves)

Firestone - Double Jack (okay)

Heretic - Evil Cousin (likes)

Really appreciate any feedback! I've got a lot of respect for what you do!

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

shit, you've done a killer job picking out beers! If you can get Cigar City grab Jai Alai. Victory Hop Devil is delicious too. Both are more east coast style IPA and it doesn't look like you've given him any like that yet.

fc_w00t5 karma

Why did you elect to teach instead of working as a contractor to revamp various bar/restaurants selections? I would imagine the money, and hours, would be better...

DrLeoMarvin10 karma

I don't do it for the money, the money is shit but I do get a great discount since I'm technically an employee. I'm an internet developer and own my own marketing business as a full time job.

fc_w00t5 karma

Chimay or Duvel? Inquiring minds want to know...

Specifically Chimay White.

DrLeoMarvin3 karma


spooky9815 karma

Do you have an irrational disgust for anything Anheuser-Busch before it even touches your lips like every other craft beer aficionado?

DrLeoMarvin12 karma

No, I'm not a fan of any of their products but if they put out something new that's supposed to be crafty I'll go in with an open mind. Nothing has impressed me, that said, when they released the Budweiser American Ale it was not bad and had a noticible hop presence. Their main line of beers use tons of rice and/or corn in place of barley to make it lighter and flavorless, so if it's a new thing like bud platinum I won't even try it.

spooky98114 karma

Really like your answer. I used to work for the Redhook Brewery and a lot of the beer elitists shunned my product the same day we got the rights to AB's distribution network. Great business decision, but the guys who wear robes to beer festivals would go out of their way to mock us.

Each beer should be judged on it's own merits.

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

Right on, I'm a fan of Longhammer, solid IPA.

Bigbuddha745 karma

I love beer myself, but mostly IPA's. I do the occasional stout or bock, but mainly stay the hoppy route. So my main question is, what would your favorite commercially available IPA be, and what would be the worst for you? (think larger chain grocers, etc.)

DrLeoMarvin8 karma

I love the blend of belgian and IPA, check out Houblon Chouffe and Stone's Cali-Belgique.

Worst: Saranac IPA comes to mind

GoblinTechies5 karma

What do you think is the best beer by country? I'm specifically interested in those out of Belgium, The Netherlands, The USA, The UK and Germany

DrLeoMarvin9 karma

Belgium: Trappist brews, specifically Westmalle Triple, Rochefort 10, Westvleteren 12 and a big fan of Achouffe Brewery

Netherlands: Koningshoeven/La Trappe

Germany: Schlenkerla smoked beers

UK: Samual Smith Oatmeal Stout mmmmmm

US: Ballast Point Sculpin IPA

Absorrbb5 karma

I just want a cheap good bear. What are my options?

DrLeoMarvin20 karma

Yuengling is fine, in a can. Green bottles let light through.

I'm a fan of New Belgium shift lagers in a can too. I think you can find it for $12/half case. I get a discount at my bar so not sure of price. I'm a BIG supporter of the new craft beer in a can thing.

GrilledCheez004 karma

Is the first step into becoming a great brewmaster growing a huge beard? Do you have a large beard?

DrLeoMarvin10 karma

I had a massive beard until a week ago. My girlfriend pitched a hissy fit when she walked in on my trimming it down.

Check out that sucker! Was in November: image

GrilledCheez002 karma

So its safe to assume beard = good beer.

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

assume away!

FuckedAsBored4 karma

I've had a long time passion for beer, from cheap college days, to home brewing, to different tastings. While I like big, bold, heavy beers, I feel that my absolute favorite style of beer is what I call "Simple done perfect." Harp, for example. Nothing special, but it's just so well balanced and clean.

My question to you is what are some other beers that are very simple, but very well made?

DrLeoMarvin5 karma

Duvel, Guinness, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Cigar City Mamma's Little Yella Pils and Hotter than Helles.

Fanziskaner, bitburger, Kona long board.

I could go on and on, I got on a huge craft lager kick this summer in Florida and let me tell you what, for simple beers their are some real gems out there.

lantanadan4 karma

I'm a huge fan of Dunkelweizens but have so much trouble finding them! Heffes are a bit too light for my tastes. Are there any Dunkels you'd recommend I try to hunt down?

DrLeoMarvin9 karma

The easiest to find is probably Franziskaner Dunkel. Most big beer stores will carry it and its fantastic.

Divolinon4 karma

So, which beer is the best?

DrLeoMarvin10 karma

I try to keep a top 5 list but its always changing. That said, the top beer in the world is the Westvleteren 12. I've had around 40 of them over the years and just gave my last two to my girlfriend's dad for Christmas. (edit: 2007 was the best year of the 12 I believe).

TheRoadHome7 karma

See I've always thought this was funny. Westy 12 is labeled "the best beer in the world" but no love for St B's abt 12 which is the same recipe and they brewed it for the Westverleteren abbey for years.

DrLeoMarvin4 karma


chocorange4 karma

Do you have any qualifications like BJCP, Cicerone, Siebel etc, and what do you think of those programs?

DrLeoMarvin4 karma

Nope. I think they are cool but ask try submitting a beer to a homebrew comp. Every single BJCP judge will give you feedback that is different from the others. It's such a trivial thing I never submit to comps anymore.

alexdangrol4 karma

As someone who is a huge craft beer nerd and would like to start homebrewing, do you have a recommendation on a kit to purchase?

Just for the record, from Chicago and love that Lagunitas is opening up here soon. Little Sumpin Sumpin changed how I look at beer!

Thanks for doing this AMA!

DrLeoMarvin5 karma

Well, the website sucks but owned by a good friend and killer customer service. This is a great starter kit:

Adamiciski4 karma

Hi Professor!

I recently enjoyed a Goose Island Bourbon County Stout on tap. Delicious, spectacular aroma, but at an in-your-face14.2% ABV, I was only able to tolerate small sips, and in the end, I was unable to finish it. No worries though, I donated it to the drunks at the next table, who gleefully chugged it!

My wife was amazed to see me "defeated" by a beer.

What are your thoughts about this amazing stout?

DrLeoMarvin3 karma

I love it but can only drink a snifters worth if I'm trying to be a human the following day.

GiraffeKiller3 karma

I've been big on the cask aged beers lately, despite their high prices. Founders, Bourbon County by Goose Island come to mind as current favorites. Any others you can think of that are worth giving a go?

DrLeoMarvin8 karma

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is so damn good and they have a few bourbon barrel brews in their line up.

theBlackHander3 karma

Used to live by Blue Point Brewing on Long Island, any thoughts on Blue Point? Really like their toasted lager and hoptical illusion.

DrLeoMarvin6 karma

both of those beers are regulars in my drinking line up.

ProdigalPunker3 karma

What sort of things do you teach at beer school? As in, why would I need to take your class?

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

We do pairings

we do style's classes, pick a style and sample different options that range to different extremes of that style, learn about the nuances that make it what it is and so on.

We have beer nerd show & tell where people bring in something unique and we all sample it while they talk about it, if they don't know anything about it I do my best to help break down what we are tasting and what the style is

we do private beer schools where a group of 6 can reserve a two hour class where I make up a menu, usually with a theme of some sort and teach them about what we are drinking and why the theme works. Last one I did pairs. Stout & a porter together what makes the styles different. IPA and a Belgian IPA, see what the yeast does to the style by comparing and so on.

blacklab3 karma

Doctor, help! I was on my way to a big meeting and my pants split because I've been drinking too much beer and outgrew them. WHAT SHOULD I DO?!!??

DrLeoMarvin19 karma

lmfao, go fuck yourself is what you should BL

legdrag3 karma

In your explorations of beer, what snacks or light foods tend to go with what beers?

I accidentally found out that I like salted cucumber slices with Spaten Optimator. The flavor combination is particularly nice.

DrLeoMarvin11 karma

I do pairing classes often at my pub.

Big fan of cheese & beer pairings. A big IPA with a dank blue cheese is so so good. I like stouts with almonds/cashews and dark dried fruits (raisins, figs).

Tell you what's really fun, take a big imperial stout like rasputin and put a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream in there. Beer floats!!

BlindLemonLars3 karma

What's the best beer to pair with Mouth Rape Jerky?

DrLeoMarvin5 karma

A das boot of habenero IPA

fc_w00t3 karma

Suggestion for a good Trappist ale that's not chimay or duvel?

DrLeoMarvin3 karma

Rochefort 10 is pretty gettable in the states and super good. St bernardus 12 is not a Trappist but it split off from the most amazing brewery in the world that is Trappist, st sixtus

UneasySeabass2 karma

Could you offer any advice on someone young who is interested in getting into the craft beer scene as a career?

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

Start bartending at a beer pub. You need experience. I was offered a job with a craft distributor just because they got to know me well at the pub I worked at.

Fly_Caster2 karma


DrLeoMarvin3 karma

IPA is the American staple craft beer right now. If you open a brewery, you must have an IPA. That said, some breweries are getting away with having a big stout as their staple, but only in colder climates. Novelty beers can be a good staple as well such as a barrel aged this or that with coco and chilis addedd and so on.

MeowMeow8062 karma


DrLeoMarvin2 karma

Try a nice amber ale or brown ale. Where do you live? If in Florida, I bet you'd like the Cigar City Madura. Yes, its brown and kind of dark, but it doesn't taste that way.

If you can get Troeg's Amber that would be ideal. But gotta be in the NE to find that.

Hipsters are hipsters weather its craft beer, pbr, vinyl or whatever. They take something that's really cool and act like they are the shit for being into it.

I drink to get drunk sometimes and I won't turn down a cheap lager.

Finger11Fan2 karma

I bought a kit to homebrew from Do you know anything about them? It should be arriving in the next few days and my boyfriend and I are going to try our hand at home brewing. Have an specific tips when using a kit?

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

Never used that site. you will want to join a homebrewing community to get answers to your questions cause there will be a lot. I own

srm7752 karma

How many times have you brewed the Vanilla caramel cream Ale and which is your favorite variation?

DrLeoMarvin4 karma

23 times and I prefer the mixture of 5 different aged variations I had blended together and sucked up through my butthole.

srm7753 karma

I personally prefer to add a sprinkle of cheese to each of my batches. I also ferment each batch in a dirty pothole, its as close as possible to the founders true recipe.

DrLeoMarvin3 karma

I agree completely

fc_w00t1 karma

Opinion on lambics? Personally I can't stomach them. They are definitely an acquired taste in my experience...

DrLeoMarvin3 karma

Love them, best way to ease into them is to start with Lindemann's Framboise. It's backsweetened and has almost none of the tart/sour that a true Lambic has. Next go to Boon, then if you can get into that dive into some of the crazy sours and lambics out there.

GiraffeKiller1 karma

Are you an actual doctor? A beer doctor, perhaps?

DrLeoMarvin12 karma

The username is a reference to the movie "What About Bob?"

acdn4 karma


DrLeoMarvin3 karma

Just let the boat do the work.

bertmaklinFBI1 karma

Just starting home brewing (got a kit). Have a couple of questions:

1) Can you recommend any sources that might help me learn to become a master like yourself? 2) It seems to me that the type/quality of malt is the difference between good beer and decent beer. Is this accurate? Is it feasible/cost effective to create your own malt?

Any tips on home brewing would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the AMA!

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

Come hang at my homebrewing forum. Full of great homebrewers always happy to help!

LordButano1 karma

Stout and Porter recommendations?

My favorite is Flying Dog's Imperial Porter. What else should I try?

DrLeoMarvin4 karma

Samual Smith Taddy Porter to taste a true, traditional english porter that spawned all the different variations we see today.

If you can get your hands on a baltic porter do it, they are big porters that are lagered, very interesting style. Baltic Thunder by Victory Brewing Company should be accessible.

Founder Breakfast Stout, Left Hand Milk Stout, all good beers

fc_w00t1 karma

How do you feel about shipyard's pumpkinhead or smashed pumpkin? My favorite Halloween seasonal being the later...

DrLeoMarvin4 karma

Pumpkinhead is good, smashed pumpkin is fucking awesome, smashed blueberry is over the top good.

quesopano1 karma

What regions in the US do you think are producing great craft beer right now?

Any areas that you think have promise?

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

PNW and Cali, although new england is catching up and thanks to Cigar City there is huge growth in Florida right now.

topichide1 karma

Is that true drinking beer from plastic cup is unhleathy (alcohol doesn't affect to plastic)?

DrLeoMarvin2 karma

I doubt it, but I've never done any research on the topic. That said, beer is best drunk from glass or I even like craft beer right out of the can.