In Heaven there is no beer. That’s why we drink it here.
In terms of whimsical posts, this will be right up there. But as summer winds down and we wait for clients to get back from vacations, why not?
Right, so here’s a list of favorite beers drummed up quickly. Was I too hasty? What else should be sampled? Hit us on Twitter @sparkbyspark
Context: Typically I prefer suds with average to low alcohol content that pair well with food. Not looking to go from 0-60 mph fast. Just want to cruise!
Unscientific rankings with Beer Advocate scores:
SUMMER (& SPRING)
1. Sierra Nevada Tropical Torpedo, 87
2. Wolavers Wildflower Wheat, 85 <-Like a crafty Hoegaarden
3. Sierra Nevada Kölsh German Style, 89 <- Wish it was less scarce.
4. Victory Braumeister Pils, 91 (On tap or in growlers.)
5. Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier, 98
6. Reissdorf Kölsch, 86
7. Hoegaarden Original White Ale, 87
8. Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen, 91
9. Port City Optimal Wit, 86 (Alexandria, VA!)
10, Ballast Point Pale Ale (Kölsch), 81
11. Schlafly Kölsch, 85
12. Samuel Adams Summer Ale, 77
13. Avery White Rascal, 84 <- Watch out!
14. Magic Hat #9, 78 <-Almost too drinkable. Goes down fast.
FALL
1. Wolaver’s Organic Pumpkin Ale, 79
2. Brooklyn Brewery Post Road Pumpkin Ale, 81
3. Captain Lawrence Bird Brown Ale, 85
I’m not huge on maltiness, which can be a key character of Octoberfest beers. But, I’d bet there are more good pumpkin or spiced ales to add here.
WINTER
1. Avery Out Of Bounds Stout, 85 <-Magic in there, I would swear.
2. Sierra Nevada Stout, 91
3. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, 93 (Seasonal)
4. Wolavers Oatmeal Stout, 89
5. Captain Lawrence Frost Monster Imperial Stout, 88
6. Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout, 91
7. Murphy’s Irish Stout, 84 (cans)
8. Guinness Draught, 78 (cans)
9. Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, 95 (In taster glasses.)
10. Harpoon Winter Warmer, 73
11. Brooklyn Brewery Winter Ale, 83 <- Almost too smooth. Goes down fast.
12. Anchor Christmas, ~85 (Seasonal. Different each year.)
YEAR ‘ROUND
1. Russian River Pliny The Elder, 100! (Best balanced IPA ever.)
2. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, 91
3. Lagunitas Born Yesterday Pale Ale, 97
4. Victory Prima Pils, 91
5. Lagunitas New Dogtown Pale Ale, 89
6. Captain Lawrence Pale Ale, 88 (“Freshchester” when on tap.)
7. Konig Pilsner, 91 (cans) <- A gem.
8. Weihenstephaner Original, 90 (Way better on tap.)
9. Schlafly Dry-Hopped American Pale Ale, 86
10. Hofbrau Original, 86
11. Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA, 92
12. Captain Lawrence IPA, 86 (Bold grapefruit tinge to it.)
13. Brooklyn Brewery Local 1, 91 (In taster glasses.)
14. Westmalle Trappist Dubbel, 92 (Special occasions $$$)
15. Lagunitas IPA, 87 (Pleasant grapefruit tinge.)
16. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, 95
17. Heineken, 65
18. Gaffel Kölsch, 82
This may down to personal taste, but Sierra Nevada Pale Ale works for me as a barometer of sorts to which almost most other brews can be compared. In fact, Sierra Nevada brewery offers a top brew for most categories. Must get out there for a tour someday!
You also may not have missed that I’m a real big fan of Captain Lawrence as well. A top U.S. brewery you must check out.
In recent years I’ve discovered the Kölsch style in a big way. Gaffel Kölsch has been out there for the longest time. Crisp and drinkable. But newcomers listed above seem to pull off the style with a touch more flair, perhaps.
If any of you beer aficionados or brewery personnel need help with copywriting, design, content development, video production, or content development, give us a shout. There! We can justify this post as “business development.”
Tell us what you think on Twitter @sparkbyspark
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