'...is it time to talk top beers of 2010 yet?'Heck yea it is!
For those of you unfamiliar, check out last year's list
here. For those of you who are, I feel this year's list lacks a little bit as my tastes were definitely skewed toward IPA's. I will try not to let that affect my rankings, but I did want you to keep that in mind.
This is as accurate as the BCS and based solely on what I felt was most popular with the panel of one - me. Here we go:
1. Fat Tire (New Belgium Brewery). Number one for the fourth straight year. It's hard for me to knock this off the perch, although I have to say the frequency in which I'm able to enjoy it (due to it not being available here in Ohio) did make me think twice. But, I just couldn't bring myself to do that to maybe the smoothest beer I've ever had. [2009 ranking: 1]
2. Yuengling Lager (Yuengling). The beer that almost knocked off Fat Tire. Definitely the one I enjoy the most (Pennsylvania is only 40-minutes away), Yuengling Lager is perfect in any season (but best enjoyed on a hot day amidst classic rock tunes, cornhole boards and great friends) and for any occasion (like celebrating the Steelers eight trip to the Super Bowl) [2009 ranking: 2]
3. Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale (Sierra Nevada). The newest addition to my favorite time of year (fall) and this list. Restoring my taste for brown ales, Tumbler is the tastiest, purest brown ale I've had in some time. And given my love of Shiner Bock and New Castle, that's saying a lot. Another win for Sierra Nevada. [2009 ranking: unranked]
4. Saranac Black and Tan (Saranac). Maybe it was because I enjoyed this in the Finger Lakes in the heart of fall. Or maybe it was because it's a damn good beer. Either or, this is a welcome addition to the list. Side note that New York grocery stores have a great selection of beers of which Sarnac's varieties are just one. [2009 rank: unranked]
5. Racer 5 (Bear Republic Brewery). Ok, I said I enjoyed several IPA's this year - but I only have one on the list. And it's from last year. But I can't knock it out, even with all the sampling I did. As you know, I am an IPA fan at heart and this is the best, in my opinion. [2009 rank: 4]
A few honorable mentions:
Great Lakes Lake Erie Monster: The super IPA that replaces Commodore Perry as my second favorite Great Lakes beer. The perfect Friday night beer to unwind with.
Canadian Beers: Listen, I know these don't belong on the list but I defy you to find a crisper everyday beer than LaBatts or Molson. (Special mention for Blue Light - only complaint is they go down too fast!)
Samuel Adams Latitude 48 IPA: A late submission to the fray and my entry in this year's AKHIA beer exchange, this is one of those IPAs I was talking about. Get it while you can.
Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale. A gift from my brother-in-law, this beer is described on its label as a 'classified ale' that you 'probably won't like'. They were wrong.
Bell's Two-Hearted Ale. A carryover from last year, this IPA is worth keeping on the list. Best place to enjoy one? Ray's in Kent.
Great Lakes Christmas Ale. It's still the most wonderful time of the year.
Alright, I'm ready to sample, er, I mean hear your recommendation
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1/25/2011 12:31:32 PM
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