Russian River Pliny For President
“One of the many great beers I’ve had this year has to be Pliny for President. I’ve always been a huge fan of Pliny the Elder and Russian River, and this double-dry-hopped version was amazing. Super in-your-face hop aromatics with a lovely resiny finish. Notable mention: Allagash White is still a crusher!”
—Matt Tarpey, cofounder/head brewer, The Veil Brewing, Richmond, Virginia
Perennial Artisan Ales Maman
“Perrenial Maman is by far my favorite stout, and drinking it this year was an experience I haven’t forgotten. ... Aspects of baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate fudge hit the palate, followed by mild bourbon booziness. Everything I love is right there—a burst of oak barrel, tight and warming bourbon, deep fudge, and slightly sweet toffee hiding in the middle. The viscosity and complexity of the beer are unmatched, and any time I can get a pour of any iteration of this beer, I do so.”
—Marcus Baskerville, cofounder/head brewer, Weathered Souls Brewing, San Antonio, Texas
Green Bench Kulture Khronicles Vol. II Keller Pils
“Anyone who knows me well knows I tend to shy away from keller lager—I find a lot of it to be rough and generally unfinished tasting. Not this beer though—Khris absolutely nailed it. It’s unfiltered but still bright, dry, and snappy with hops in the right spot. There’s a fine quality of bitterness that makes you want to take another sip, and it’s not too grassy or harsh to distract from the subtle malt character. It definitely makes me sad to think that I haven’t had the opportunity to drink a couple (or six) on draft from the source.”
— Ashleigh Carter, head brewer and co-owner, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Denver, Colorado