So, I sat down to write about my top five beers. I came to a shocking realization however, in that I couldn’t even begin to narrow it down to five beers. Instead, I’ve provided five breweries, and discussed their various drinks that are wonderful and beautiful.
A warning; I love stouts. If you really don’t appreciate a good stout, I don’t even know what to say. Mostly that you’re a bad, bad person. Seriously though, I realize how biased I am. Try and roll with it, or go read another blog.
Top 5:
1) Sam Adams - Really, who else could hold the top spot? From their seasonal ales to their cream stout, their Irish red to their scotch ale, they make far and away some of the best beers I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying. Scotch Ale and White Ale (their spring offering) might be my favorites, but their cream stout is mellow and dark, and their Oktoberfest (their fall beer) is deliciously crisp.
2) Du Claw – True artisans; they are challengers for the top spot, but manage to fall just shy. Not a national name, they exist mainly around Baltimore, which is fine with me. They make true craft beers, releasing variants throughout the year and offering a few seasonal options. My favorite is Venom, a surprisingly rich pale ale which lacks the bitterness common to its name. Close second belongs to their Stouts (woah, really?), Celtic Fury and Alchemy. Their Misfit Red is also a treat, and a real pleaser for a simpler taste.
3) Redhook – Oh Redhook. How many ways can I sing your praises? Your beers are complex and delicious. Far and away their summer ale is their best (and the best of it’s kind I’ve had). Don’t discount their Longhammer IPA though, nor their light, zest, and somewhat confusing Copperhook (their spring ale).
4) Yuengling – A smaller company, but their lager is one of the simpler yet tastier beers I’ve tried. It’s not complex or dark, but it manages to be flavorful and refreshing nonetheless. Their black and tan is also a cut above the rest.
5) Dog Pub – or Pub Dog if you’re from Columbia. Originally known for allowing dogs into their pub (shocker, that), they offer both pizza and beer that they make. The pizza is fun and diverting, but the beer is truly impressive. Their Irish stout is velvety and tastes of coffee, and their winter bourbon ale is dark and warm and oh so wonderful. They offer a large variety of fruity beers and various ales, so it’s easy to cater to everyone.
Honorable Mention: Diageo – I know, it hurts. A Multinational conglomerate? The horrible corporate bastards, whatever could they produce? I’ll tell you what. Guiness and Smithwick’s. Two of the better beers I’ve had. Yes, they mass produce, but they do a damn fine job. Both are rich and filling, although Smithwick’s isn’t as much like a loaf of bread. My recommendation is to try them from the tap.
A few that got left off would include Newcastle Ale, Killian’s Irish Red, and a few types of hard ciders. Don’t judge me.
