American Craft Beer Week - 2014

So, it's American Craft Beer Week 2014, and I figured what better way to take part in this yearly event (other than, you know, drinking craft beer) is to talk about a few of my favorite craft beers as of late. These aren’t necessarily my favorites of all time or my favorite breweries (although all of them are very solid), but it’s just a few craft beers that I’ve enjoyed recently.

(In case anyone wants to know, I'm writing this while drinking a Green Flash Road Warrior Imperial Rye IPA...mmmm.)

Fresh Squeezed IPA | IPA | Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon

I’m a huge fan of flavorful, citrus-focused IPAs. While the more potent varieties do have their place, this is one of the better IPAs available recently. It used to be a seasonal release, but they've recently extended it's availability to the year 'round variety, which is good news! It’s very smooth, has very potent citrus flavors and just tastes fresh (Fresh Squeezed…fresh…get it?). Definitely pick up a six pack (or more) if you find it. I’ve purchased several over the last few months. It’s even better on tap, if you can imagine that.

CynicAle | Saison | Surly Brewing Company, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

I really enjoy saisons in general, but if at all possible, this one should be on your “must drink” list, it’s probably one of the best saison-style beers I’ve had. It’s tough to get in many areas, but if you’re ever in Chicagoland or anywhere in its home state, it should be pretty easy to find. It’s just tart enough, with a nice fruity backbone, which makes it easy to drink yet deceptively complex. Definitely one to check out.

The old can art is, sadly, a thing of the past. :(

Mechahopzilla | Double IPA | NOLA Brewing, New Orleans, Louisiana

Not only is the name awesome, but it’s a very flavorful, yet easy to drink, double IPA at that. It’s aroma will permeate your brain, but it isn’t as hoppy as it smells, but the subtle sweetness of your typical IPA comes out on the back end. Not the most potent DIPA I’ve had, but certainly very good if you’re passing through the deep south and want to pick yourself up some local beer.

(Note: NOLA Brewing Company was sued by the people who own Godzilla and they had to rename it. I'm not sure what they renamed it because the beer - a double IPA - is nowhere on their site. Hopefully they didn't get rid of it altogether.)

Black to the Future | Black IPA | Kalona Brewing Company, Kalona, Iowa

This is the first of two very local brews I’m listing here that may be difficult to find outside the state, but it deserves a mention for a very special reason. Aside from possibly Stone’s Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA, I have never found a black IPA that I liked. A lot of them feel a bit chalky and don’t strike the right balance between the roasted and caramel flavors and the hop character of an IPA. This one actually does. I think it’s because the hops and the malt flavors are more subdued and it feels easier to drink, but there is still a lot of subtle complexity there. As the first beer I had from this brewery, I’m compelled to try out their other offerings.

PseudoSue | Pale Ale | Toppling Goliath Brewing, Decorah, Iowa

Another local beer that only distributes to a small area in Iowa and Wisconsin, but this pale ale is literally one of the best beers of its style you’ll ever drink. It has a very forward grapefruit and orange profile, plenty of hops (although not overpowering) and is just very tasty. It has also been rated on a few sites as one of the best pale ales in the country, so there’s that.

Three Philosophers | Belgian Quadrupel Ale | Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, New York

First off, I love Belgian Quads. It’s one of my favorite styles of beer. Secondly, this beer is available year-‘round. It’s a great sipper and one of the best example of the style from an American brewery, in my opinion. Find it in both 22 oz. bombers and four-packs. Definitely check it out if you’re looking for something very robust and flavorful.

There are many "runners up", but I didn't want to double-up on style (although, as you can tell, my personal tastes lean toward the hoppy).

As I tell everyone who isn’t a craft beer drinker but just drinks the typical macro brewery sludge – just give it a chance. Chances are there’s a craft beer out there that you will like. While my tastes tend to lean more toward the potent, flavorful end of the spectrum, there definitely are a fair share of lighter pilsners and lagers out there from some very talented craft brewers that should be right up the alley of anyone who has an open mind and wants to test the waters for the first time.

Just remember, a fridge full of a craft beer (regardless of style) looks a whole lot classier than a case of Bud Light. ;)