Top 25 Favorite Beers of 2013
It’s been a busy year. I havn’t even posted a review in a couple months, I’ve been so busy. Luckily, there’s been some great beer along the way. A few that made the list were sent to me from friends across the country. I know I owe a couple of you, but don’t worry, you’ll get a nice package at your doorstep soon. I’m pretty lucky to be involved in such a passionate community and to continue getting people passionate about beer. It’s so much more than just a beverage. It’s an art, a science, and most importantly brings people together. Here’s to 2013 and Cheers to another year of amazing beer!
1. Schell’s Star of the North”
Pretty much every beer that I’ve had from this brewery this year is on this list. But, by far and away, the most intriguing beer that I’ve had all year is this Berliner Weiss. It’s a very uncommon style, but it shouldn’t be. It’s refreshing, crisp, and acidic. I’m also willing to bet that it’s the most complex 4% beer you’ve ever had. I loved everything about this beer, even the packing. It’s a Champagne bottle! Champagne of the North, as the style was known. This is the stuff I geek out over.
Firestone Walker is a great brewery, but I didn’t know they had it in them to produce a beer that tastes like it was imported from one of the great breweries in Germany. I bought so many six packs of this last Summer. This beer is a symphony of balance. I can’t wait till next Summer!
I had absolutely zero expectations for this beer. It’s a cheap looking label and a style of beer that I’m usually pretty “Meh” about. But, wouldn’t you know it, the liquid inside is pure gold. It’s got a surprising amount of complexity with great balance. I know I won’t take that brewery for granted anymore.
Believe it or not, this year was my first time having Anchor Porter. It’s considered a classic, but I usually only find the Steam Beer. Man, am I glad I finally got to try it. This might be the best smelling beer in the world! Seriously, give it a good whiff before you drink it.
So many IPAs, and so many from Stone. This happens to be one of the most interesting that I’ve ever had. The flavors and complexity will blow you away.
Several times I have written off Alaskan. Not that they have bad beer, but the prices they charge are just out of line. This is the exception. One caveat, this is really an IPA with some darker malts, but who cares, it’s delicious.
One of this year’s most striking bottles also happens to be one of this year’s best IPAs. This is the Washington IPA that many other Washington IPAs try to be. Just look at that head.
It’s no surprise considering my high opinion of Full Sail Lagers, but this still took me back. One of the best Lagers I’ve had all year, and just a great Oktoberfest.
I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS!!! This is the kind of beer that I just love. It reminds me of the Ninkasi Believer which is one of my very favorite beers of all time. It’s a hoppy red, that’s luscious and overflowing with flavor. Great label, too.
13.4% hides itself in this dark, brooding wine of barley. Easily my favorite of the year.
I’m sure most of us can agree that the term India Session Ale is ridiculous, but I’m sure we can also agree that this beer is delicious. These hop flavors of tropical and citrus fruits will get me every time.
“Nice amount of smoke, and almost beef jerky kinda thing going on, with a little bit of vanilla, honey, chocolate, and apples.” How can that not be good?
Hogwash is one of the best Belgians I’ve had this year. Lovely flavor and complexity, but who can resist the cute pig?
I love citrusy IPAs, so if you are going to make one based on citrusy hops, I’m gonna be all over it. The Bond Street Series continues it’s epic IPA amazingness.
If you don’t think they can make a Saison in Montana, then you’ve got another thing coming. This beer is fantastic. Keep it up Big Sky.
I’ve never been a big fan of Scotch Ales. They are usually sweet and often coying. This just has a lovely caramel flavor that doesn’t overwhelm.
There we go again with the citrus. Tropical fruit for days in this beer.
18. Laurelwood Portland Roast Espresso Stout
Easily the best coffee beer I’ve ever had. Meaning, I hate almost all coffee beers, but I didn’t hate this!
Take a great beer that I already love and add vanilla. Boom, top 25.
Have I told you how much I like Ninkasi? This year’s ReNEWale is an ESB and a damn tasty one. Just take my money, Ninkasi. Take it all.
Let me list out the Steam beers that I’ve had before this: Anchor. Good on Widmer for making a beer so ingrained with another brewery.
22. Stone 17th Anniversary Götterdämmerung
God knows how to pronounce this, but what I can pronounce is “yum”. It’s got some weird German hops in here that give it an earthy, floral, and even a tobacco note.
I think this is the only beer that I’ve had from this brewery, but it’s just a nice, well-made brew at a decent price.
Another great Washington IPA and another favorite for this year. Check out their Manic IPA series, it won’t disappoint.
I guess I’m a fan of repetition, but here’s yet another great Washington IPA.
I’d like to give one special shout-out to Ninkasi for their Oktoberfest. They made a Dortmunder and it’s just brilliant. Did I review it? Of course not. But if they make it again, I can already tell you it’ll be on next year’s top 25. See you all in the new year, Cheers!
Hiatus
Sorry for the absence, folks. Life has been crazy busy at the moment, but you can expect new content soon, so stick around. Cheers.
Anchor Porter
I ran across a 12-pack from Anchor with 4 of their beers. This quite excited me, so I purchased said 12-pack. I’ve actually only had the Steam beer out of this pack, so I’m finally able to try some more of their beer that isn’t super-widely distributed. This beer is older than me, and probably much wiser. It was first brewed in 1972 and bottled two years later. Pay homage, kiddies.
Stats:
American Porter. 5.6% ABV. California.
Very dark chocolate brown to black in color. Really fantastic head on this beer, and just a ton of lacing.
Dear god, this smells amazing. Can I never smell anything else? Jesus. The chocolate and caramel will blow you away.
Mouthfeel is also fantastic. Medium body, but with a good shot of carbonation. It’s not too heavy, just enough body.
Just a hint of tartness up front followed by caramel and chocolate. Love the roast, as it doesn’t overwhelm and leave you feeling like you just licked a briquette.
It’s a damn shame that I havn’t tried this sooner. 93 points.
Hilliard’s 12th Can
A beer specifically made for the 12th Man. Texas A&M? Naw, Seattle stole that and made it theirs. This is for you, Hawks fans. Boy, do I love me some marketing. That aside, let’s get into the beer. It’s a “session” pale ale, so a pale ale. It features Maris Otter (interesting), and Crystal malts with Cascade hops. Am I using too many commas?
Stats:
American Pale Ale. 4.5% ABV. 32 IBUs. Washington.
Burnt yellow color with a really small head that doesn’t leave a trace.
Huh. It’s actually got a Belgian character. Must be using a Belgian yeast strain. Otherwise, it’s pretty malty, and a hair sweet.
Light body, high carbonation. Shotgun!
Slightly tart, slightly sweet. Definitely tastes like a Belgian strain. A bit spicey, with a half-way decent grainy finish. The hops aren’t very present, but it’s fairly bitter.
It’s okay. I don’t really see Hawks fans going crazy for it. 85 points.
Full Sail LTD 07 Oktoberfest Lager
This is the 7th recipe in the Full Sail LTD Lager Series. I love these beers. Full Sail has really transitioned to more of a lager brewery, and that’s a good thing. We have an Oktoberfest beer today, that features Two-row Pale, Vienna, Caramel, and imported roasted Munich malts, with Saaz and Sterling hops. A little German, a little American, and hopefully more than a little delicious.
Stats;
Märzen. 5.7% ABV. 26 IBUs. Oregon. Available September-October.
Dark caramel color. Lovely head when poured down the middle. It fades to a whisper of white on the top of the beer. A few small streams of carbonation are visable.
Lots of caramel and vanilla on the nose. Some roasted nuts in here, as well. I’m even getting a little bit of grape jelly.
Mouthfeel is actually surprising. It’s a medium body with a nice crispness from the carbonation. I was really expecting a thin body here, but they hit the nail on this one.
Lovely maltiness, with caramel and vanilla. Hints of bready-ness and a beautiful finish that’s just has just a hair of sweetness and a grainy, vanilla flavor.
Really damn good beer. The best lager they’ve had for awhile and one you have to seek out before it goes away. 90 points.
Beer Club 25: Scotch Ale
This month’s Beer Club is brought to you by the rich, malty, sweet beer known as the Scotch Ale. Admittedly not a favorite style of mine. These beers are generally quite sweet, full-bodied, and usually not shy with the alcohol. They often have a long boil which creates some caramelization. That adds sweetness, body, and probably a little color.
We had the same format as the last Beer Club. The brews were ordered by ABV and everyone wrote their top 3. 5 points for a first place vote, 3 for second, and 1 for third. We had 14 beers all together. Two of them are not pictured because other folks brought them. Let’s get started!
14th: Pelican MacPelican’s Scottish Style Ale, Big Sky Heavy Horse, Hale’s Barrel Aged Wee Heavy, Orkney Skull Splitter, Silver City Fat Woody
These beers received no votes. The Big Sky Heavy Horse was actually a favorite of mine, but just couldn’t quite make it on my top 3. Most found the oaking of the Hale’s and Silver City to be over-the-top. Of course, in a tasting like this, it sticks out like a sore thumb. The Pelican was the only beer not technically a Scotch ale, but an export style Scottish ale, and was light and pretty unspectacular. The Skull Splitter had the most noticeable alcohol and was off putting to some.
9th: McEwan’s Scotch Ale, Silver City Fat Scotch Ale
The unoaked Silver City was donated and got a third place vote from me. Someone enjoyed the McEwan’s, which also got a third place vote.
7th: Boundary Bay Scotch Style Ale
A Bellingham classic got 3 votes. 2 third place and a second place vote. It was a go-to beer when I lived up there, and held up well in the tasting.
6th: Pike Kilt Lifter
Another local brew and another classic. This beer actually received a first place vote and a third place vote. It’s always interesting to see a standard hold up well.
5th: Oskar Blues Old Chub
Old Chub was on my ballot, as well as 4 others. I particularly like the balance of this beer. It’s not too sweet and cloying, and the alcohol is well hidden.
4th: Bellevue Brewing Scotch Ale
A growler of this was generously donated, and it’s a good thing, too! Fourth place is not too shabby for a new little brewery in our backyard. This beer got 2 first place votes and 2 third place votes.
3rd: Traquair Jacobite
It’s not considered “world class” for nothing. This coriander infused Scotch ale received 2 first place votes, and a second and third place vote.
2nd: AleSmith Wee Heavy
The AleSmith is our second place beer, but it actually received more first place votes than our overall winner. This was my first place. The balance on this beer is remarkable. It really was the show stopper for me. Delicious.
1st: Traquair House Ale
And our winner is the Traquair House Ale! This is their flagship beer and really is the classic example of the style. 2 first place votes and 4 second place votes.
This was one of the most challenging tastings that we’ve done. The beers really do become cloying after awhile and considering the ABV, we had all palate fatigue. It was a great night, and we got to try a few beers that the host brought out after the tasting. Lots of great beer! Next month we will be diving into Oktoberfest beers.
Stone 17th Anniversary Götterdämmerung IPA
Happy 17th Stone. This is an interesting brew. It’s got a Pilsner malt profile, with a bunch of interesting German hops, and an American attitude and style. Pilsner malt base with such hops as Herkules, Hersbrucker, Magnum, Merkur, Opal, Smaragd, and Strisselspalt.
Stats:
Imperial India Pale Ale. 9.5% ABV. 102 IBUs. California. Limited Release.
Dark golden color. Nice fluffy head when it’s poured, but it calms down pretty quick.
German hops maybe, but the nose is all American. Heavy hop aroma that’s fairly earthy and floral. Some light fruits show up here, but I’m getting this really great tobacco component.
Mouthfeel is actually pretty light for this kind of beer. Probably a little too easy-drinking.
Interesting flavors on this beer. Earthy and floral with the hops. A little bit less fruit than on the nose. bitterness is there, but decent balance for the style. I’m drinking this beer room temp, and I do get just a bit of alcohol, but you really got to look for it.
This is what Stone does best, and this is no exception. This is a beer to buy. 91 points.
10 Barrel ISA
ISA stands for India Session Ale. Isn’t that a Pale Ale? Or is this supposed to be a slightly more easy-drinking IPA? Yay, marketing! This is the first beer from these folks that I’ve reviewed, so I’m kinda excited. That’s have a drinky-drink.
Stats:
American India Pale Ale. 5.5% ABV. 51 IBUs. Oregon.
Nice big head as it pours. Lacing is looking good, so far. Fairly light colored IPA.
Well, this beer is off to a good start, because this nose smells great. Loads of citrus, and a surprising tropical fruit aspect that makes me think of Citra hops. Bit of pine and black pepper here, as well.
So the mouthfeel is a bit light, but considering this is supposed to be fairly sessionable, I’ll let that pass. Carbonation is a perfect medium.
Upfront flavors include orange, grapefruit, mangos, and starfruit. Pine seeps in after, with a hint of vanilla and I’m surprised by the coconut component. Grainy and dry finish, which I love to see.
Sessionable or not, it’s a good IPA. This is in my wheel house. It’s drinkable, and it’s hoppy without over-shadowing the malt. My kinda beer. Drink this. 92 points.
Beer Club 24: American Amber/Red Ale
This month’s Beer Club is brought to you by the American Amber/Red Ale. It’s a bit of a catch-all category, and a fairly widely brewed style. I usually have a hard time finding enough beer for a lot of styles, but this one I had to settle on 14 examples.
We did something a little different this time. Everyone had to pick their top 3 favorites of the tasting. A first place vote was worth 5 points, second for 3 points, and third for one point. Here are the results:
14th: Anderson Valley Boont, Hale’s Red Menace, Rogue St. Rogue Red, Rogue Northwestern
These are the four beers that received no votes and hence are tied in last place. The Anderson Valley Boont tasted off to us. It was vegetal and a bit sour, so something went wrong there. The Hale’s Red Menace wasn’t too bad, but pretty thin and forgettable. The two Rogue beers were too hoppy for most of the palates involved, but the St. Rogue Red was on my top 3 until near the end of the tasting.
10th: New Belgium Fat Tire
This beer had the lowest point total, but still had some fans. Not a bad beer at all.
7th: Port Shark Attack, Laurelwood Free Range Red, Elysian Men’s Room
The Laurelwood is just a solid beer and ranked well. Some palates really liked the big, hoppy Port Shark Attack. And even the Elysian Men’s Room was fairly well-liked. I’m a big fan of this beer and happen to get it often when I’m at the bar.
6th: Full Sail Amber
I’m glad to see this one do so well. It’s been around forever, and it’s an overlooked classic in my book.
4th: Lagunitas Lucky 13, Rogue American Amber
The Lagunitas was so hoppy, it probably shouldn’t have been in the tasting, and it’s probably also why it was on my top 3. The Rogue American was a good example of the Amber style, and placed accordingly in this tasting.
3rd: Iron Horse Double Rainbow
I love this beer, I really do. I love the dark, richness of it, and I also love the bottle. This was on my number 2 beer and I’m glad the other folks were enjoying it, too.
2nd: Silver City Ridgetop Red
How about Washington placing 2 and 3 in this tasting? I wasn’t a big fan of the Ridgetop when I first had it, but every time I taste it now, I’m surprised by just how good it is.
1st: Ninkasi Believer
I’ve said this more than once: If I had say what my favorite beer in the world is, I’d be hard-pressed not to choose this one. That’s how highly I regard this beer. Personally, I think it’s a perfect beer. That may have given some weight to the voting, but I don’t think I was the only one who really liked this beer.
So there you have it. This was an awesome tasting and a favorite style of at least two people involved. It was also the 2-year anniversary of Beer Club. The night couldn’t have been better. Gorgeous day on the lake, with great friends and delicious beer. I think the top 3 voting is a lot of fun, and I’m going to continue that for future tastings. We’ve got some malt-forward beers coming up, starting with Scotch Ales next month. Cheers!
Stone R&R Coconut IPA
Coconut IPA? I can dig it. This beer features 280 pounds of coconuts and some interesting hop selections.
Stats:
American India Pale Ale. 7.7% ABV. 90 IBUs. California. Limited Release.
Light orange color. Decent head and lacing, but a bit thinner than I come to expect from an (D)IPA
Well, it mostly smells like a regular DIPA. Citrusy, bit of pine. There is a hint of something that I’d describe as weird. I guess that’s the coconut, but it’s not really coconut-y. Bit of sweetness, as well.
Mouthfeel is nice. Medium body, medium carbonation.
Tropical fruit hit the palate initially, followed by a bit of pine and earth, finishes on a crisp sweetness and considerable bitterness.
It’s a fine beer, but I’d never guess coconut was involved. 88 points.
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