Top 10 Beers of the Year
Allagash River Trip (Portland, Maine) I have purchased and consumed more Allagash White in the past six months than in the past few years combined. I’ve had other beers in Allagash’s portfolio but was shocked it took this long to get around to this Belgian-style session ale. I found a new favorite. I’m always impressed by Allagash’s clean balance and notable house yeast. It has the slightest citrus-rind kick and just the right amount of spicy phenolic character—an effortless introduction beer for those not familiar with Belgian styles or for those who are looking for something on the lower ABV side of these beers.
Night Shift Sombra (Everett, Massachusetts) For me, dark lager is a manifestation of hygge—the not-quite-translatable Danish term for the feeling of coziness. I kept returning to this “comfy beer” during a New England winter where we still had snowfall in April. It poured chestnut in color, with a deep brown base and a tan head. The rich toastiness complemented with a crisp finish made it a great evening treat.
Oxbow Luppolo (Newcastle, Maine) Luppolo has a precise aesthetic topped with a gold lid, and any time I see this beer, I feel the urge to get a four-pack. I’m always drawn to the packaging and product—equally. This Italian-style dry-hopped pilsner became somewhat of a flagship lager, distinguishing it from many of the mixed-fermentation offerings for which Oxbow is generally known. It is a crushable lager that you don’t want to crush. Rather, it’s one to appreciate more slowly, noticing the subtle hops and drier finish.