Favorite Beers of 2013
Along with the freshly posted Year In Review, it’s also time to note those brews which stood out over the past twelve months. In no particular order (chronological in terms of post date perhaps) here are a few of my favorite beers. Please note that some of them were sent to me by breweries or other representative agencies for the specific purpose of review on this site. Most of them, however, I purchased with my own, hard-earned money.
The Bruery Smoking Wood
This was hands down one of the single best beers I’ve had this year (or any other for that matter).
Sweetwater Brewing 2012 Happy Ending
One of the more hoppy stouts that I had this year. It was packed with citrusy, resinous hop character.
Goose Island Night Stalker
It only took one sip of this big stout to know that I needed to stock up on it. And boy did I. Many bottles of this one were consumed earlier this year.
Left Hand Brewing Wake Up Dead
The artwork will draw you in, but the flavors of this robust monster will keep you coming back for more.
Boulevard Rye on Rye
A rye ale aged in retired rye whiskey barrels? Yes, please!
Boulevard Harvest Dance
The Rye On Rye was excellent, but this boozy wheatwine was the best from the company this year.
The Bruery Sour in the Rye
I enjoyed a good number of rye-influenced and sour beers this year. The Bruery’s combination of the two elements was a hit.
Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout
Stones IRS is an annual favorite in my household, but this espresso infused version could prove to replace it in my fridge each year.
Brewery Ommegang Fleur de Houblon
Fleur de Houblon couldn’t have come at a better time of year. The spreading warmth of spring required a refreshing and light beer like this.
Flying Dog Barrel Aged Gonzo Imperial Porter
Flying Dog’s standard Gonzo is a great beer. This barrel-aged version is one that I will continue to be on the look out for in future years.
DC Brau On The Wings of Armageddon
I had many good IPAs this year, but OTWOA was hands down the best I’ve had in a looooong time.
Foothills Hoppyum
I first had this beer on a trip to the Outer Banks. Needless to say I am stoked that the brewery is now shipping it to VA.
Hoppin’ Frog Barrel Aged B.O.R.I.S.
It’s looking like this may have also been the year of the barrel-aged stouts. Hoppin’ Frog had one of the best with this big, flavorful brew.
Flying Dog The Truth
Flying Dog not only killed it with the Barrel Aged Gonzo, but this imperial IPA was another stand out for the year.
Devils Backbone Schwartz Bier
This isn’t the best brew from this Virginia brewery, but man, did I drink a good amount of it this Fall.
Green Flash Green Bullet
This California brewery creates the epitome of West Coast IPA with this fruity, piney masterpiece.
Goose Island Lolita
Classy, refined and smooth, Lolita is a world class sour ale. Very well made.
Widmer Brothers Brrrbon 2013
A bourbon barrel aged barleywine is a great way to keep warm on a cold Winter’s night. Widmer Brothers Brrrbon not only kept me warm, but brought a layered array of flavors.