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2017 Best Beers & Cider
Reviews for 2017

December 2017 - 2017 Best Beers & Cider

December 2017 - 2017 Best Beers & Cider
This month's Beer feature is the 2017 Best Beer and Ciders of the Year.

2017 Best Beers & Cider Reviews

2017 Best Beers Awards
Deschutes Brewery The Abyss Brandy Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
97 points
Deschutes Brewery
The Abyss Brandy Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Dark brown black color. Interesting aromas of single village chocolate, graham cracker, licorice, and smoked jerky with a velvety, vibrant, finely carbonated, fruity fat body and a warming, intricate, long toffee, smoked peppercorn, dark roast coffee, and oak finish. A fantastical deep and rich imperial stout with great waves of flavor and texture to savor.
Awards: 2017 Top 3 Best Beer, 2017 Top 2 Best Ale, 2017 Top 3 Best US Beer,
2017 Best Barrel Aged Beer
97 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Cinder Bock
97 points
Samuel Adams
Cinder Bock
Hazy sunburst color. Attractive, smoky, meaty aromas and flavors of smoked meats, sausages and nuts, caramelized dried fruits, and apple butter on raisin toast with a chewy, vibrant, finely carbonated, fruity medium-full body and a warming, very long chocolate custard and orange peels, sweet bbq rub, and white ash finish. A superb smoky beer with great chewy, fruity, and smoky malt abounding with finesse and fine balance.
Awards: 2017 Best Lager, 2017 Top 2 Best Ale, 2017 Top 3 Best US Beer, 2017 Top 3 Best Beer
97 points
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Date Tasted:
Upland Brewing Sour Reserve
97 points
Upland Brewing
Sour Reserve
Minutely hazy gold color. Sour aromas and flavors of pickled vegetables and fruits, champagne vinaigrette on greens, honey buttered sourdough toast, and reduced lemon with a lightly tannic, tart, effervescent, sour full body and a tingling, distinctive, very long radish and jicama, nuts, and grassy earth finish. A superlative sour beer with great length, power, and finesse.
Awards: 2017 Top 3 Best Beer, 2017 Top 2 Best Ale, 2017 Top 3 Best US Beer, 2017 Best Sour Beer
97 points
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Date Tasted:
4 Hands Brewing Co. Zellige Moroccan Coffee Stout
96 points
4 Hands Brewing Co.
Zellige Moroccan Coffee Stout
Opaque dark brown color. Spicy, exotic aromas of floral incense, Moroccan spice cake, Turkish cola, and spicy roasted carrots and yams with a round, tangy, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, massive, very long spiced Turkish coffee and chai, gingerbread, and menthol tobacco finish. An intriguing and exotically spicy Turkish bazaar of a flavored stout.
Awards: 2017 Best Flavored Beer
96 points
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Date Tasted:
Brasserie Dupont Avec Les Bons Voeux Saison
96 points
Brasserie Dupont
Avec Les Bons Voeux Saison
Hazy old gold color. Aromas of sliced peaches, buckwheat crepes, asparagus, sourdough, and coriander with a crisp, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a medium-length tinned vegetables and sliced banana finish. A crisp and funky saison with plenty of hop influence.
Awards: 2017 Best Belgian Beer
96 points
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Date Tasted:
Shmaltz Brewing Company Jewbelation 20th Anniversary Strong Ale
96 points
Shmaltz Brewing Company
Jewbelation 20th Anniversary Strong Ale
Brilliant dark brown color. Aromas and flavors of baking chocolate, roasted nuts and espresso beans, honeyed toasted flaxseed bread, and apple vinaigrette with a chewy, vibrant, finely carbonated, fruity sweet medium-full body and a warming, nuanced, very long chocolate covered citrus peels and nuts and chili pepper finish. A rich, warming dark winter ale with loads of sweet and peppery flavors that tingle the tongue.
Awards: 2017 Best Strong Ale
96 points
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Date Tasted:
Unibroue La Résolution Dark Ale
96 points
Unibroue
La Résolution Dark Ale
Nearly opaque dark brown color. Spicy, attractive aromas and flavors of sarsaparilla, gingerbread, dark chocolate mint and graham crackers, and menthol-eucalyptus lozenge with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, involved, long spiced melon, chocolate fondue with pears, and toffee finish. A robust, spicy, herbal Belgian strong ale that begs another sip.
Awards: 2017 Best Belgian Style Strong Ale, 2017 Best Canadian Beer
96 points
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Date Tasted:
Ayinger Bräuweisse
96 points
Ayinger
Bräuweisse
Hazy yellow straw color. Toasty, fruity aromas and flavors of frosted banana cake, cashew brittle, white macadamia cookie, and kiwi-mango relish with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, complex, long melon and nectarine and banana custard finish. A superb Hefeweizen with great flavor, balance, and sessionability.
Awards: 2017 Best Weizen Hefe , 2017 Best German Beer
96 points
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Date Tasted:
Hoppin’ Frog Brewery Barrel Aged BORIS Royale Imperial Stout
95 points
Hoppin’ Frog Brewery
Barrel Aged BORIS Royale Imperial Stout
Ebony color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate coconut macaroon, brown butter, and dried berries with a silky, bright, finely carbonated, off-dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, appealing, long chocolate mousse, roasted nuts, latte, and peppered greens finish. A solid imperial stout with fun chocolate, fruit, and coffee flavors.
Awards: 2017 Best Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
95 points
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. 2017 Barrel Aged Barleywine
95 points
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
2017 Barrel Aged Barleywine
Old gold color. Aromas of lavash, pineapple cake, peshwari naan, toasted sesame and poppy seeds, and crisp celery with a round, crisp, effervescent, fruity medium body and a warming, complex, medium-long apple cinnamon compote, roasted walnuts, bitter greens, and raisin toast finish. A rich barley wine packed with fruit, spice, and intrigue; cellar-worthy.
Awards: 2017 Best American Style Barley Wine
95 points
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Date Tasted:
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock
95 points
Ayinger
Celebrator Doppelbock
Dark bronze color. Fruity, smoky aromas and flavors of chocolate banana cake and pudding, toffee, smoked nuts, and sundried-tomato chutney with a supple, vibrant, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, very long honeyed lettuce and mocha gelato finish. A fantastically flavorful and instantly appealing doppelbock with tremendous versatility.
Awards: 2017 Best Doppelbock
95 points
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Date Tasted:
Unibroue 17 Grande Reserve Dark Ale
95 points
Unibroue
17 Grande Reserve Dark Ale
Hazy mahogany color. Woody aromas and flavors of cedar pencil and eraser, green tobacco leaf and chicory, roasted nuts and bananas, and smoked peppercorns with a satiny, soft, finely carbonated, dryish medium body and a warming, captivating, medium-length caramelized root vegetables, cocoa-dusted nuts, and rubber leaf and sap finish. A oaky Belgian offering.
Awards: 2017 Best Belgian Style Specialty Ale
95 points
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Date Tasted:
Bear Republic Brewing Co. Cafe Racer 15 Double IPA
95 points
Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Cafe Racer 15 Double IPA
Amber color. Aromas and flavors of tropical fruit chutney, lemon herb muffin, and pine needle and cone with a chewy, racy, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, elegant, long cedar and peppercorns finish. A superb imperial IPA with tons of flavors, style and balance.
Awards: 2017 Top 2 Best Imperial IPA
95 points
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Date Tasted:
pFriem IPA
95 points
pFriem
IPA
Bright light gold color. Herbal, savory aromas and flavors of herbal potato pancake, honey roasted citrus, pine and hide, and grapefruit marmalade with a supple, tangy, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-long dried stone fruits and pepper bread finish. A supple and savory IPA with a subtle sylvan style.
Awards: 2017 Best American Style IPA
95 points
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Date Tasted:
Brickway Brewery Imperial Stag Holiday Stout
94 points
Brickway Brewery
Imperial Stag Holiday Stout
Brown black color. Spicy, sweet aromas and flavors of cinnamon oatmeal with cream, chocolate graham cracker, frosted carrot and fruit cakes, and caramelized yams with herbs with a chewy, soft, finely carbonated, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, nuanced, very long sweet beet and cranberry relish, sarsaparilla, and peppered chocolate finish. A complex, spicy imperial stout that screams the holidays.
Awards: 2017 Best Flavored Imperial Stout
94 points
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Date Tasted:
North Coast Brewing Co. Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
94 points
North Coast Brewing Co.
Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Nearly opaque dark brown color. Hoppy, citrusy aromas and flavors of grapefruit peels, fresh green herbs, chocolate scone, and leather with a slightly chewy, effervescent, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, nuanced, very long dark roasted artisan coffee, creme brulee, citrus marmalade on dark rye, and peppered rapini finish. A richly layered and complex imperial stout that epitomizes the hoppy west coast style.
Awards: 2017 Best Imperial Stout
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Full Sail Brewing Co. Wreck The Halls Hoppy Holiday Ale
94 points
Full Sail Brewing Co.
Wreck The Halls Hoppy Holiday Ale
Brilliant golden amber color. Hoppy aromas and flavors of herbs, pine, and roasted citrus peels and apricots with a supple, vibrant, finely carbonated, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, very long pepper, radicchio, gooseberry chutney, and nutskin finish. A bright and boldly bitter winter ale for hop-heads.
Awards: 2017 Best Winter Ale
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Deschutes Brewery Hopzeit Autumn IPA
94 points
Deschutes Brewery
Hopzeit Autumn IPA
Minutely hazy copper color. Citrusy aromas and flavors of honeyed orange, buttery toffee, and fruitcake with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, long radicchio, lemon peppercorn muffin, roasted corn and grapefruit, and pine finish. A rich, hop-centric Oktoberfest that drinks like a hoppy English-style IPA.
Awards: 2017 Best Märzen/Octoberfest
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Hinterland Oktoberfest Vienna Style Lager
94 points
Hinterland
Oktoberfest Vienna Style Lager
Brilliant old gold color. Tropical, attractive aromas and flavors of pineapple-mango relish, honey buttered biscuit, and praline with a satiny, vibrant, finely carbonated, fruity medium-to-full body and a polished, stimulating, medium-long frosted orange cake and fruit loops finish. An interesting and very attractive fruity-hop-aroma-driven take on the classic style that will appeal to fans of tropical hopped pale ales.
Awards: 2017 Best Vienna Lager
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Black Lager
94 points
Samuel Adams
Black Lager
Brilliant brown black color. Aromas and flavors of dark roasted chestnuts and buttered dark toast with a slightly chewy, crisp, effervescent, dryish medium body and a tingling, compelling, long pumpernickel stuffing, chocolate orange peel, and kale finish. A delicious chewy black lager for fans of stouts.
Awards: 2017 Best Black Beer
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel
94 points
Weltenburger Kloster
Barock Dunkel
Hazy bronze color. Artificial aromas and flavors of chocolate nuts and custard and fruitcake with a supple, bright, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, long root beer float, mocha fudge, and grainy dark bread pudding finish. A robust and satisfying dark lager that is sure to please.
Awards: 2017 Best Dark Lager
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Lindemans Framboise Raspberry Lambic
94 points
Lindemans
Framboise Raspberry Lambic
Bright maroon color. Fruity, fresh aromas and flavors of fresh picked raspberries, wheat crackers and cereal, and beet root and greens with a supple, tangy, effervescent, off-dry medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, very long hint of greens and berry vinaigrette, key lime, and mossy earth finish. A vibrant, mouthwatering, exquisitely balanced framboise lambic.
Awards: 2017 Best Fruit Lambic
94 points
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Date Tasted:
New Glarus Brewing Co. R&D Vintage 2016 Sour Ale
94 points
New Glarus Brewing Co.
R&D Vintage 2016 Sour Ale
Minutely hazy golden yellow color. Rustic, funky aromas and flavors of stinky cheese and socks, dried lemons, and straw and moss with a supple, racy, effervescent, sour light-to-medium body and a tingling, elegant, long lemon vinaigrette, crabapple, nuts, and bitter greens finish. An appetizing, mouthwatering beer for the table.
Awards: 2017 Best Sour Ale
94 points
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Date Tasted:
pFriem Peche Barrel-Aged Ale
94 points
pFriem
Peche Barrel-Aged Ale
Light light gold color. Spicy, savory, complex aromas and flavors of pickled melon and okra, vegetable chips, peach chutney, and Iberico ham with a supple, tangy, effervescent, sourish medium body and a tingling, complex, long apple cider vinegar, arugula, and pepper finish. A wonderfully appetizing sour beer with a delicate hint of peach.
Awards: 2017 Best Fruit Beer
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Brasseurs du Monde LInterdite 60 Min Pale Ale
94 points
Brasseurs du Monde
L'Interdite 60 Min Pale Ale
Bright gold color. Interesting, fruity, floral aromas of spiced peaches and apples, apricot vinaigrette on greens, and lilacs with a supple, tangy, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an interesting, medium-long orange marmalade on rye toast, radicchio, kiwi relish, and pink pepper finish. Sort of a hybrid between an American and Belgian pale; very tasty nonetheless.
Awards: 2017 Best American Style Pale Ale
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Rebel Juiced IPA
94 points
Samuel Adams
Rebel Juiced IPA
Bright golden amber color. Tropical aromas and flavors of fruit punch, passion fruit sorbet, and strawberry bubble gum with a finely carbonated, off-dry medium body and a refreshing, medium-long fruit stripe gum finish. A fun, tropical fruit bomb for sipping, desserts, or beertails.
Awards: 2017 Best Flavored IPA
94 points
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Date Tasted:
ABK Edel Spezialbier
94 points
ABK
Edel Spezialbier
Light gold color. Aromas and flavors of apple-banana nut muffin and hint of coconut oil with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a sleek, stimulating, medium-long spiced fruits, sweet lettuces, and toasted corn bread finish. A lively and delicately fruity dortmunder that will be very versatile.
Awards: 2017 Best Dortmunder
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Hofmühl Amadeus Pale Øl
94 points
Hofmühl
Amadeus Pale Øl
Straw color. Grassy, herbal aromas and flavors of herb baguette, toasted nuts, dried lemon, and lemon basil grass and mint with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, layered, long hint of arugula, lemon, and tortilla finish. A delicious, vibrant, dry-hopped pilsner.
Awards: 2017 Top 2 Best Pilsner
94 points
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Date Tasted:
pFriem Pilsner
94 points
pFriem
Pilsner
Straw color. Grassy aromas and flavors of grassy herbs, hint of sourdough crust, au gratin potatoes, and melon and peach skin with a silky, vibrant, dryish medium body and a tingling, stimulating, medium-long toast, peppered lettuces, and minerals finish. A nicely astringent pilsner that will shine at the table.
Awards: 2017 Top 2 Best Pilsner
94 points
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Date Tasted:
Guinness Draught Nitro Stout
93 points
Guinness
Draught Nitro Stout
Murky dark brown color. Roasted aromas and flavors of dark roasted nuts, chocolate bar, and hint of jerky and sausage with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, dry medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long pumpernickel raisin toast, sweet lettuces, and latte finish. A lovely, effortlessly drinkable stout that will be great for sessions and food.
Awards: 2017 Best Dry Stout , 2017 Best Irish Beer
93 points
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Date Tasted:
North Pier Brewing Company Old Shuck London Porter
93 points
North Pier Brewing Company
Old Shuck London Porter
Nearly opaque medium brown color. Roasted, savory aromas and flavors of dark roasted chestnuts, pumpernickel, hint of jerky, and fresh herbs in a clay pot with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, dryish medium body and a tingling, intriguing, medium-long chocolate pudding, creme brulee with coffee, roasted yams and carrots, and greens finish. A spot on, tasty porter with nice balance and drinkability.
Awards: 2017 Best Porter
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Sprecher Brewing Co. Belgian Quad Ale
93 points
Sprecher Brewing Co.
Belgian Quad Ale
Dark reddish mahogany color. Aromas and flavors of peanut and cashew butters, chocolate dried fruits and hazelnuts, and cream of wheat with maple with a satiny, tangy, finely carbonated, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-long caramelized nuts and cherries, sweet and peppery spices, and Swedish rye and wheat crackers finish. A delightfully flavorful and balanced quad that will be fun on its own or with desserts.
Awards: 2017 Best Trappist or Abbey Quadrupel
93 points
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Date Tasted:
August Schell Brewing Co. Tidal Disruption Blackberry Berliner Weisse
93 points
August Schell Brewing Co.
Tidal Disruption Blackberry Berliner Weisse
Maroon color. Earthy aromas and flavors of overripe and stewed berries, gherkin, berry yogurt, and leather shoes with feet with a supple, racy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, long pomegranate vinaigrette on greens, chestnuts, grassy earth, and lime pith finish. A brooding and earthy berry Berliner that will excel at the table, especially with game.
Awards: 2017 Best Flavored Berliner Weisse
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Cold Snap White Ale
93 points
Samuel Adams
Cold Snap White Ale
Hazy old gold color. Aromas and flavors of dried apricot and mango, banana bread and mousse, spiced nougat, and malted chocolate with a satiny, tangy, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, appealing, long starfruit and jicama and grassy earth finish. An attractive fruity, lightly spicy witbier that goes down easy.
Awards: 2017 Best Witbier
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Sierra Blanca Brewing Company Cherry Wheat Ale
93 points
Sierra Blanca Brewing Company
Cherry Wheat Ale
Brilliant copper color. Aromas and flavors of sour and bing cherry butter and toasted nut pastry with a satiny, lively, finely carbonated, fruity medium body and a tingling, delightful, medium-long apple sauce, melon, and spices finish. A rich, tangy cherry beer that hits all the right notes; try in a beertail.
Awards: 2017 Best Flavored Wheat Beer
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Eliot Ness Amber Lager
93 points
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Eliot Ness Amber Lager
Brilliant dark copper color. Toasty aromas and flavors of roasted nuts, coffee cake, and fig bread with a supple, vibrant, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long toasted corn bread and raisin baguette, peppered greens, and citrus finish. A flavorful, beautifully poised and super-sessionable amber ale.
Awards: 2017 Best Amber Lager
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling San Antonio Lager
93 points
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
San Antonio Lager
Brilliant yellow color. Fruity, floral aromas and flavors of peach marmalade, orange blossom honeycomb, spiced citrus chamomile tea, and toasted tortilla with a supple, vibrant, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an intriguing, long lemon pepper muffin, arugula, and orange sorbet finish. A delicious and well crafted helles for easy enjoyment.
Awards: 2017 Top 2 Best Munich Helles
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Coopers Brewery Best Extra Stout
92 points
Coopers Brewery
Best Extra Stout
Opaque ebony color. Aromas and flavors of fig-apple chutney, chocolate muffin, and honey-herb lozenge with a supple, lively, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-long nutskin, frisee with radishes, dark coffee, and topsoil finish. A crisp and lively, mouthwatering stout that is definitely a sessionable quencher.
Awards: 2017 Best Australian Beer
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
92 points
Guinness
Foreign Extra Stout
Brown black color. Nutty aromas and flavors of roasted nuts and dark chocolate vanilla cake with a supple, crisp, finely carbonated, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, long strong coffee and toasted meringue finish. A rich, satisfying export stout with great roasted malt flavors and a long finish.
Awards: 2017 Best Foreign/Export Stout
92 points
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Date Tasted:
pFriem Baileys Taproom 10th Anniversary Barrel-Aged Belgian-Style Pale Ale
92 points
pFriem
Bailey's Taproom 10th Anniversary Barrel-Aged Belgian-Style Pale Ale
Hazy golden yellow color. Savory, sourish aromas and flavors of citrus vinaigrette, marinated peaches and mango, herbal sourdough stuffing, and kombucha with a supple, lively, frothy, sourish medium-to-full body and a tingling, charming, medium-length radish sprouts, vanilla nut brittle, and dried coconut finish. A refreshing and nuanced lightly sour barrel aged ale.
Awards: 2017 Best Barrel Aged Ale
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Tropic of Yuzu Flavored Ale
92 points
Samuel Adams
Tropic of Yuzu Flavored Ale
Bright gold color. Toasty, spicy aromas and flavors of frosted spice cake, yuzu-ginger relish, and cracked celery with a supple, crisp, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length lemongrass and lime leaves, bitter greens, and honey buttered toast finish. A nice exotically citrusy and herbal beer that will be great with Asian dishes.
Awards: 2017 Best Fruit Flavored Ale
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Brown Van Brewing Co. Kolsch
92 points
Brown Van Brewing Co.
Kolsch
Brilliant light gold color. Fruity, tropical, toasty aromas and flavors of peach and cream cheese Danish, praline, pot muffin, and cinnamon roll with a satiny, lively, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a silky, subtle, very long peppered citrus and herb muffin finish. Deliciously vibrant, well-hopped Kolsch that begs another sip.
Awards: 2017 Best Kolsch
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Cream Stout
91 points
Samuel Adams
Cream Stout
Brown color. Attractive aromas and flavors of creme brulee, toasted fruit cake, and toffee with a satiny, vibrant, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long sprouts and cocoa finish. A round and even stout with a pleasing fruitiness and great sessionability.
Awards: 2017 Best Sweet Stout
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Revolution Brewing Cross of Gold
91 points
Revolution Brewing
Cross of Gold
Brilliant gold color. Aromas and flavors of buttered herb toast, honeyed dried fruits, yams, and white flowers with a supple, crisp, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, charming, medium-long citrus scone, roasted corn, and peppered greens finish. A refreshing, well-balanced golden ale with vivacious hop bitterness.
Awards: 2017 Best American Style Golden Ale
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Organic Apricot Ale
91 points
Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery
Organic Apricot Ale
Hazy gold color. Inviting, fruity aromas and flavors of dried apricot, peach tea, and wax-lined box of graham crackers with a round, tangy, effervescent, fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, long apricot tart, watercress, and peach-orange salsa finish. A purely flavored, finely balanced, and appetizing apricot ale.
Awards: 2017 Best English Beer
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Irish Red
90 points
Samuel Adams
Irish Red
Brilliant copper color. Inviting aromas and flavors of caramelized apples and dried fruits, buttered chocolate muffin, and delicate spice with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, fruity medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-long chocolate citrus peels and bibb lettuce finish. A round and well-balanced Irish ale with fine sessionability.
Awards: 2017 Best Irish Style Ale
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Owl’s Brew The Blondie Radler
90 points
Owl’s Brew
The Blondie Radler
Cloudy opaque light gold color. Aromas and flavors of citrus peels, lemon poppyseed muffin, dried apricot and papaya, and alfalfa with a supple, tangy, finely carbonated, off-dry medium-full body and a smooth, intriguing, medium-long honeyed peach skin, floral white tea, tangerine sorbet, and lettuce finish. A super tasty citrus-peach flavored ale with instant appeal.
Awards: 2017 Best Radler/Shandy
90 points
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Date Tasted:
August Schell Brewing Co. Galactic Collision
90 points
August Schell Brewing Co.
Galactic Collision
Hazy yellow color. Sourish aromas and flavors of peach-tangerine vinaigrette, lemon butter on sourdough, honeycomb, and hearts of palm and artichoke hearts with a supple, puckering, effervescent, sweet-and-sour light-to-medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long spiced melon, lemon chutney, grassy herbs, and sodium bicarbonate finish. A racy, mouthwatering Berliner Weisse that intriguing, subtle flavors and a ’throw caution to the wind’ personality.
Awards: 2017 Best Berliner Weisse
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Brouwerij Haacht Primus Lager
90 points
Brouwerij Haacht
Primus Lager
Light gold color. Toasty aromas and flavors of buttery egg croissant, fruit scented wax, and white blossoms with a round, crisp, finely carbonated, dryish light-to-medium body and a graceful, stimulating, medium-length melon, sprouts, and arugula finish. A tasty, finely balanced lager with great sessionability.
Awards: 2017 Best Pale Lager
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Rogue Ales Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout
89 points
Rogue Ales
Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout
Dark walnut color. Savory aromas of smoked pork, grilled zucchini, and sweet cereals with a velvety, crisp, spritzy, dry full body and an interesting, medium-length dark chocolate and hazelnut finish. A hop-influenced dry oatmeal stout that will serve as an excellent beef pairing.
Awards: 2017 Best Oatmeal Stout
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Dubuisson Cuvee des Trolls Belgian Blonde Ale
89 points
Dubuisson
Cuvee des Trolls Belgian Blonde Ale
Cloudy old gold color. Herbal aromas and flavors of banana chips, vanilla cream pastry, herb rye muffin, and chalk with a slightly chewy, bright, finely carbonated, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, appealing, long praline, spiced kiwi, and peppered sprouts finish. A rich, engaging Belgian blonde that with chewy malt and snappy, palate-tingling finish.
Awards: 2017 Best Belgian Style Blonde Ale
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Full Sail Brewing Co. Oregons Original Amber Ale
89 points
Full Sail Brewing Co.
Oregon's Original Amber Ale
Clear deep amber color. Aromas and flavors of orange cake and soda, flowers, and alcohol with a supple, bright, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light body and an even, short lemon frosted scone and hint of herbs finish. An orange-y boozy quaffer.
Awards: 2017 Best Amber Ale
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Gose
89 points
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Gose
Clear old gold color. Attractive, fruity, toasty aromas and flavors of toasted peach pastry and lemon butter on toast with a satiny, vibrant, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an effortless, engaging, long oat cereal, lemon granita, sea salt, and radish finish. A refreshing and well balanced gose that would be a great introduction to the style.
Awards: 2017 Best Gose
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Hoppin’ Frog Brewery Infusion A Coffee Porter
88 points
Hoppin’ Frog Brewery
Infusion A Coffee Porter
Dark brown color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate peanut butter bar with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, dryish medium-to-full body and a medium-long cappuccino and dark roasted nuts finish. A solid, nutty coffee flavored porter.
Awards: 2017 Best Flavored Porter
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co. Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale
88 points
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co.
Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale
Minutely hazy amber color. Roasted aromas and flavors of roasted spiced pumpkin apples and squash, cinnamon roll, and hint of rose water with a supple, bright, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-long praline, ginger creme brulee, and peppered kale finish. A flavorful and lively pumpkin beer pleaser.
Awards: 2017 Best Other Flavored Ale
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Stevens Point Brewery Special Lager
88 points
Stevens Point Brewery
Special Lager
Bright gold color. Toasty aromas and flavors of cheese danish, honeyed peach, and carrots and collard greens with a supple, tangy, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, atypical, breezy orange sherbet and spinach finish. An earthy lawnmower beer.
Awards: 2017 Top 2 Best American Style Lager
88 points
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Date Tasted:
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