Article Surfing Archive

The microbrew boom of the 1990's sparked a deep appreciation for hand crafted premium beers. After the hundreds of fist fights over whether a light beer tasted great or was less filling we have grown to appreciate beer in its various forms and flavors. 2008 promises to be another year marked by brews that define the seasons. Here is your guide the top beers of 2008 and the seasons in which they are best enjoyed. Cheers!

Month: January
Beer: Alaskan Smoked Porter
Brewery: Alaska Brewing Company

The dark, robust body and pronounced smoky flavor of this limited edition beer make it an adventuresome taste experience. Alaskan Smoked porter is produced in limited 'vintages' each year and unlike most beers, may be aged in the bottle much like fine wine.

Month: February
Beer: Rochefort 8
Brewery: Brasserie de Rochefort (Abbaye de Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy)

Despite its 9.2 Alcohol Per Volume, this beer is as smooth and flavorful as any Belgian beer. With little carbonation and a hint of fig and honey this is a perfect beer to warm you up on a winter night.

Month: March
Beer: Lagunitas Pils
Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company

Straight from their website: In The beginning, there were ales. As far as anyone knows, the first beers made were 'top-fermented', which is longhand for 'Ale'. Sometime long before the 1860's, beers became popular that were made in Northern Europe with a bottom fermenting yeast strain that liked the colder temperatures. Because they had to spend weeks aging before they tasted their best, they were known as 'Lager' beer. Lager is the German word for 'storage'. Since they had to sit a while, they took up more time and space and as such were harder and more expensive to make. Where ales are meaty, lagers are sinewy. Where ales are street, lagers are 'haute couture'. Where an ale might hit you over the head and take your wallet, lagers donate to charity and adopt stray cats. While an ale might steal your car or try to date your daughter and keep her out all night for who-knows-what purpose, a well bred lager would offer to clean your house while you're on vacation and leave fresh scones and coffee for you when you return. Now, don't get us wrong, ales can be a lot of fun to hang out with when you're in the right mood, and if you have bail money on you. But what's wrong with livin' uptown from time to time, on a nice street, where the doormen all wear those little uniforms, the air smells of flowers, and lagers rule the Earth. Cheers!

Month: April
Beer: Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale
Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Unparalleled in character and uniquely fermented in our patented Firestone Union oak barrel brewing system, our flagship Double Barrel Ale boasts a distinctive complexity and richness. English and Slovenian hops contribute a clean, balanced texture and a fragrant, spicy bouquet.

Month: May
Beer: Gumballhead
Brewery: Three Floyds Brewing Company

Three Floyds delicious summer seasonal is brewed with Amarillo hops and is an American wheat beer with a crisp citrus finish. Perfect for kicking off the summer!

Month: June
Beer: Saison Dupont
Brewery: Brasserie Dupont

Coppery blond, the finest aromas and a strong bitterness transform this beer into a thirst-quencher with no equal. Since June has no major holidays to celebrate, make this month a 30 day holiday dedicated to gorging yourself with this masterpiece.

Month: July
Beer: Spotted Cow
Brewery: New Glarus Brewing Company

Cask conditioned ale has been the popular choice among brews since long before prohibition. New Glarus continues this pioneer spirit with their Wisconsin farmhouse ale. Brewed with flaked barley and the finest Wisconsin malts. Expect this ale to be fun, fruity and satisfying.

Month: August
Beer: Trappist Westvleteren Abt 12
Brewery: Westvleteren Abdij St. Sixtus

This beer sells for close to $600 a case ($25 a bottle) so if you can find it, and afford it, you will be in store for a real treat. Westy 12 is the least outputted style by this brewery and it is shipped in small batches all around the world. The flavor is of deep malt combined with bitter chocolate and hops which runs velvety across the palate.

Month: September
Beer: Dogfish Head Ninety Minute IPA
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

A big beer with a great malt backbone that stands up to the extreme hopping rate. A four pk will set you back around $11, a more reasonable choice for the pocketbook than the Westy 12. This beer is a perfect choice to begin prepping your palate for the fall and winter brews.

Month: October
Beer: Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest
Brewery: The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

Leinie's Okoberfest probably isn't the best Oktoberfest beer on the planet but I love it. And during a time of year when I drink a lot of beer, it's easy on my wallet. Leinie's has been producing their version of Oktoberfest since 2001. It is brewed with Munich, Caramel, and Pale malts along with Hallertan, Tettnang, Perle, and Cluster hops. This beer is an inexpensive treat.

Month: November
Beer: Expedition Stout
Brewery: Bell's Brewery Inc.

A dark heavy beer with a taste of toasted malt, licorice, and chocolate, Expedition Stout is a perfect beverage to keep you cozy when the winter turns colder

Month: December
Beer: La Fin Du Monde
Brewery: Unibroue Microbrewery

French for 'The End Of The World,' this triple fermented beer is a perfect way to end your year. It is 9% APV, it's heavy, and it's delicious. Tart ales like this one have been produced by European monks for centuries. However, La Fin Du Monde is produced in Chambly, Quebec which means that American and Canadian consumers benefit since the beer they buy on store shelves is fresh unlike many direct European imports.