A few years ago I ranked my top beers at the time and while I don’t want to bump any of those out of my hall of fame, I wanted to give a shout out to four breweries that have made their products available in Georgia after I wrote that initial blog post.  These four breweries really stand out for reasons I’ll state below and if your state offers these brews, I highly recommend you give them a shot.  During this terrible shortage for hops that could negatively impact American brewers, I highly recommend those who do drink beer to support microbreweries.  We are in a Golden Age of brewing here in America, making beers like no one else in the world and once should take advantage of this if you truly like craft beer.  Enjoy.

DOGFISH HEAD

The first one I wanted to mention is in a class all by themselves.  Dogfish Head, based out of Delaware, really lives up to their motto “Off centered stuff for off centered people.”  They have a very charismatic founder in Sam Calagione and make beer from ingredients one wouldn’t normally think of using.  For example, their latest offering, Palo Santo Marron, ages their beer on wood from South America that is so dense it actually sinks in water.  You can see both videos pertaining to this brew but be forewarned they are about 10 minutes each (albeit 10 entertaining minutes).

60 Minute IPA – This India Pale Ale is quickly becoming my “go to” beer in terms of a beer that is always in my fridge. 

Immort Ale – This strong ale is the first time I’ve had sticker shock ($14 for a 4-pack) but the taste of this limited edition brew is well worth it.  It's brewed with juniper berries, vanilla, and maple syrup.  Plus, if I went to a bar I wouldn’t be able to get 3 mediocre beers for $14, so the cost is all relative depending on how you look at it. 

Red & White – The description on the bottle says it all.  “A big, belgian-style Wit brewed with coriander and orange peel and fermented with Pinot Noir juice. After fermentation a fraction of the batch is aged in Oregon Pinot Noir barrels, and another fraction is aged on oak staves. The beer is blended together before packaging.”

Other notable brews they make are one that is brewed with ingredients from every continent, including water from Antarctica.  One is based on a recipe from a 9,000 year old pottery jar found in China.  Another old recipe is based on ingredients found in King Midas’ tomb.  While some of these recipes might sound gimmicky, the bottom line is that they actually taste good too.

OSKAR BLUES

Next is Oskar Blues brewing in Lyons, Colorado.  While it might seem like craft beer and cans are strange bedfellows, this brewery is at the forefront of canning technology.  Unlike bottles, canned beer isn’t susceptible to skunking from light and cans nowadays have a lining in them that eliminates the aluminum taste from beer cans of yore.  The nice thing about beers like their Dale’s Pale Ale or Old Chub Scottish Ale is that it’s perfect for taking without on picnics or trips to the beach or anywhere else where carrying cans is more convenient.  Now there simply is no reason to drink ANYTHING from the Big Three.

Gordon – What can I say about the insanely hopped Gordon?  It’s heaven in a can and the 9.2% alcohol will have you feeling pleasantly lightheaded.

Ten Fidy – A 10% alcohol imperial stout in a can?  Holy cow.  This stuff is so dark it actually absorbs light into the glass you’re pouring it into and makes the room you’re in dark.

ALLAGASH

Allagash is based in Portland, Maine and they make Belgian-style ales that rank right up there with Quebec’s Unibroue for best Belgian beers made in North America.

Allagash White - A perfect summer beer.  Light in body but full flavored Belgian white ale.

Curieux – A Belgian tripel aged in Jim Beam bourbon oak barrels.

LAGUNITAS

In addition to making some special beers, Lagunitas stands out by somehow not charging anywhere near what most craft beers cost.  I’m not sure how they do it but I have to give them kudos for somehow keeping the price down on all their offerings. 

Maximus – An imperial IPA that screams “Drink me now. Do it.”

Kill Ugly Radio – Every year they do a special release beer that conincides with the anniversary of a Frank Zappa album.  Last year’s version was spectacular in the bottle and was even more enjoyable on tap at the Brick Store Pub.

Cappuccino Stout – If you’ve read this entire post it means you like beer.  If you happen to also like coffee, give this one a try.

There is one honorable mention I’d like to add from another brewer.  Flying Dog Double Dog is an extremely drinkable Double Pale Ale and hides the 11.5% alcohol well.  I’ve always had a soft spot for Flying Dog since they brew a beer in honor of my favorite writer.