Style

by Anthony Strange, creator of the Beer Minute

Here are five of my favorite beers from 2012 in order from “you should definitely try it” to “you MUST stop what you’re doing and go grab this beer, now!”

First, we have Delirium Tremens by Huyghe Brewery. It is a Belgian ale with strong notes of yeast throughout. Spicy yeast dominates both the aroma and flavor, and is accompanied by notes of cloves, fresh bread, orange peel and coriander. If you’re a fan of Belgian influence – Delirium Tremens will satisfy completely. It’s refreshing and perfect for a hot day.

Next, I recommend Ruination India Pale Ale from Stone Brewing Co. It is full bodied, unfiltered, and unforgiving. The aroma is mainly of floral hops with a slight resinous character. The flavor is slightly caramel-sweet, with prominent and very bitter floral, citrus, resinous and herbal hops. Ruination IPA is for those who want a big, American-style IPA with heavy bitterness and without compromise.

This next beer was a very unexpected gem. Say it with me (or mouth it as you read): Samuel Adams Merry Mischief Gingerbread Stout. I saw a bottle at BevMo! and became curious. It was a gamble. I took my chances and was not disappointed! The aroma had notes of toasty malt, coffee and ginger. The flavor was full of toasted malt, fresh bread, nutmeg, gingerbread cookies, brown sugar, sugar cane, cinnamon and dark chocolate. Merry Mischief is delicious and warming for the cold season! This one is in very limited supply. So call your local BevMo! to see if they have it.

Now we have my number two beer of the year! Firestone Walker’s Wookey Jack Black Rye India Pale Ale. It is an incredible, pitch-black, unfiltered IPA with an aroma of hops and pepper. The flavor is dominated by aggressive, resinous hops, accompanied by notes of mocha, toasted rye, and chocolate. There is a constant, intensely toasted flavor which goes perfectly with the rye grain bite. If you enjoy bitter stouts, then this beer might very well serve to transition you nicely into the world of IPA aggressiveness. If you are already an IPA fan, do not pass up Wookey Jack!

Last, but not least: Firestone Walker’s XVI Anniversary Ale. It’s part of Firestone’s limited barrel aged blends. Quite simply, it’s probably the best beer I’ve ever had. It’s full bodied, pitch black, and has a toasted grain and coffee aroma. The flavor is complex, with vanilla, wood, bourbon, coffee, toasted malts, a very slight hop bitterness, toffee, butter and a nice alcohol bite. The bourbon, brandy and tequila barrel aging is wonderfully obvious. Firestone XVI Anniversary Ale is a very limited release, so you’ll need to head to your nearest BevMo! before it’s all gone!

I hope this list has helped you on your beer-ventures.

Cheers!