Top 10 Beer New To Me 2010

As much as I want to go all statistical, and have numbers prove points about what beer I like better, there is a lot to be said about the simplicity of opinion. Maybe some day, but here's a Top 10 list for now.

Top 10 Beers New To Me 2010

#1 Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout.

This was pretty easy considering its limited availability. It also is a reminder of a long, hard, yet fun night volunteering at the beer festival. I have become a huge fan of maple flavor over the past year, as well as bigger and "badder" beers. This was just perfect

#2 Pretty Things 1901 KK.

My love affair with Pretty Things is no secret. But this beer really stood out for me, more than the mild ale from last year. It was different enough, yet friendly. I sent a bottle to Kansas for Thanksgiving, even. It's a beer I could share, so I did.

#3 Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale.

This was brought back to me from a cross country drive. I wish that Boulevard was available out here. Saisons have really been a new love for me this year, and I was really hoping that a KC brewery could do it right. It was so light and delicious, and I recommend it to anyone who can buy it.

#4 Uinta Crooked Line Labyrinth Black Ale.

You have to love Utah brewers. They must have a hell of a time trying to sell it in state, but I guess that means more for us. The thing about black beers is that they can go south so quick, making them taste sweet like licorice. But this one kept the balance of color and flavor all the way through. I even have a bottle in the fridge right now!

#5 Dogfish Head Bitches Brew.

This one became famous because it was on the TV. But, you know, it was worth the hype. It is made with an African-style honey drink. The beer, named after the Miles Davis album, does indeed have a lot of soul. If I had more, I would want to age it, but I only have the one that Beth wants to drink sooner than later. I guess I will have to agree!

#6 Avery Rumkin.

Whoopsie! I didn't know I was going to get this at the restaurant, but I did. I was thinking it would be more rum than pumpkin. I am glad I got to drink this fantastic beer, being that everyone loved it at the Great American Beer Festival. Sure, it was a ridiculously high ABV at 14.5%, but it was so damned tasty.
And it sold real fast, too. This is one of those beers that makes me love drinking. It's such an experience.

#7 The Bruery Coton.

I thought it was such a big deal to have a limit release beer from the brewery that brought me the dilicious Two Turtle Doves. And the beers was heavy and syrupy, but still a fantastically strong beer that made you want to drink more. Once you get past that initial shock of drinking a strong beer, they can be so wonderful. And you are drunk and happy at the end of the glass.

#8 Great Divide Colette.

Another in the year of the Farmhouse. Another brewery from the middle of the country, and this one was good to the last drop. I had it next to Smuttynose's Farmhouse, and though I love that one so much, I thought that this was better. I think that it had the right amount of twang to make you remember it. Like a good Farmhouse should.

#9 Allagash Fluxus 2010.

Taza Chocolate was a great joy for Beth and I throughout the year. So, when we heard that one of our favorite breweries put it in a beer, we knew that we had something good. And it was. We busted this out for a party, sharing it with good friends, who we knew would enjoy something a little refined. At was dark and chocolaty, and fit what I imagined perfectly.

#10 Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild

And, lastly, another Farmhouse style beer. This was a nice balance of a basic Belgian wheat and a Saison, and I was fortunate enough to have this twice at the restaurant. Plus, it was really cool to have the Lagunitas VIPs in the restaurant, and talking to them about what makes the beers good.

And that's what I got for right now. I may do some other lists, but I thought that this would be a great place to start. It feels good to be constructive.