Why Not! Drew’s 2008 Beer of the Year Rewards
Zach’s post rocked, simply put. One of the reasons I love the end of the year is for reasons just like this…top 5 or top 10 lists. They’re just a fantastic way to revisit the year and something you can look back on years from now and say, “Oh yeah! Remember that beer!” They’re just a lot of fun and I wanted to do one for myself.
Before I get into it, a few disclaimers. This is really the first year I’ve been “into” beer and so a couple of these beers may seem rather basic, but they are really the foundation of what I like. Secondly, I really don’t know that much about beer - I just know what I like and what I don’t like - and hell - that’s enough to create a top 5 list. Thirdly, I don’t have a rating system….just put them in order and the reasons why I like them. Lastly, I owe almost all of the formation of my beer palate to the Z man. Without him, I probably still wouldn’t care about beer. Without further ado, here are my Top 5 Beers of 2008:
#5 Redhook’s ESB Rich Amber Ale
I first tasted it with Zach at the American Craft Beer Fest in June and loved it immediately. It’s just so good. I drank it all summer while I was in Maine (because you can’t get it in Boston!) and bought some more when I returned a couple days ago. It’s still good.
#4 Sixpoint Craft Ales’ Bengali Tiger IPA
A favorite at The Pub. Like Zach said, it’s incredibly drinkable. I’ve only had it on tap - never seen it in a bottle, has anyone? In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen any Sixpoint brew in a bottle form. Anyways - it’s just really good and you could have a lot of them if you wanted.
#3 Long Trail’s Double Bag Ale
Easily has become one of my favorite darker beers. I actually had it on tap last night in Portland and it was great. It’s dark, but not too heavy (really drinkable), and gets you drunk, which is always awesome. The slight hint of chocolate it has is fantastic. I really enjoy a lot of Long Trail brews, but this is definitely my favorite.
#2 Middle Ages Brewing Company’s Wailing Wench Ale
This one is more winter of 2007 into 2008, but I don’t care. It was easily my favorite beer at The Pub. It’s a full beer, but not overpowering. Unfortunately, it only came in big bottles and was rather expensive, but it is so good. It probably would have taken my #1 spot if I could find it, but the only place I’ve seen it is at The Pub. Never seen it anywhere else and I’ve looked….a lot. If anyone knows where I can get my hands on it - let me know!
#2A Bear Republic’s Racer 5
I had to put it in here. Zach turned me onto it and I think when I first tasted it I finally realized that I love IPAs. The Hop Rod Rye may be the better beer, but it was my first Bear Republic brew and it is still my favorite. I couldn’t leave Bear Republic out of the 2008 list because all of their beers are insanely good.
#1 Wolaver’s IPA
I had it for the first time at Zach’s house this summer over our golf weekend in July and fell in love. It has easily become my favorite beer. I almost cried when I strolled into a little wine & cheese shop in Elmhurst, IL and saw a six-pack sitting on the shelf. It’s just a classic IPA - nothing extravagant or mind-blowing, it’s just really freaking good. I’ve had a lot of them and have loved every sip.
That’ll do it! Like I said - some of these are pretty basic, but I’m new with regards to the whole beer thing. Love to hear your thoughts. I look forward to 2009!
