So much beer, so little time.
The phrase is a common complaint among beer aficionados, and for good reason. Today the variety available at restaurants, pubs, specialty stores and online these days can be staggering. Even the most dedicated beer drinker can only sample a small fraction of the total kinds and brews of beer available around the world... or even here in the U.S. So, here's a small fraction of the total, for your consideration...
Popular for centuries,
thanks to their unique British craftsmanship, British ales continue to
offer some of the finest brews anywhere.
Nowhere is this more
evident than in Wychwood's Hobgoblin. The devil's brew never tasted so
fine. The color is a dark copper, with caramelized malt flavors
combined with strong hops and hints of fruit and nut. For those who
prefer something on the sweet side, this is worth investigating.
If your tastes run to
Irish reds - and what civilized beer drinker doesn't have at least two
in his or her cabinet? - you can do no better than Moylan's. The
Paddy's Irish Red Ale is true to its name. Reddish brown, with a
roasted malt base the strong malt combines with aromas of nut and grain
for the perfect brew on a stormy night.
The truly dedicated beer
drinker will go all the way and try a stout. Here, too, Moylan's offers
one of the finest brews in their Ryan O'Sullivan's Imperial. A
coffee-colored brown, with hints of chocolate and toffee, it's a creamy
beer that won't sit long in the cupboard.
But the Brits aren't the
only fine brewers of dark beer. Samuel Adams makes a Chocolate Bock
that lives up to its name in color that's offset with a dense head. The
taste is in line with the color, with a strong chocolately malt and
hints of vanilla bean.
The lager drinker is not
to be looked down on, though. These lighter brews are the ideal
complement to a fish or chicken dinner, but stand well on their own.
In this category, the
Czech pilsner may have be the grandfather, but the New World is now
challenging the old man. Veteran brewer Samuel Adams has a Bohemian
Pilsner that pays homage to Europe while striking out on its own.
Golden amber and rich in
hops, this delightful brew belongs among the collection of even the
most discerning. Tangy citrus and lightly caramelized malt flavors
combine to make this example one that will stay in the refrigerator
only long enough to chill.
San Miguel can readily be
found in the supermarket, but they also make a fine specialty lager.
The offspring of the Philippine company's acquisition of Thai brewing
company Amarit, this lager would be welcome anywhere in the world.
Pale golden in color, the
brew combines toasty malts and earthy hop aromas to offer a light, dry
glass. Tart and tangy, it would make an excellent pairing for a seafood dinner.
Closer to home, Granville
Island offers a Cypress Honey Lager that is last but far from least.
Crisp and mildly sweet this golden amber is rightly named after the
home of the nectar of the gods. Hints of mineral delightfully blend
with clover honey and citrusy hops to form a drink that is simply
divine.
Leb Wohl!
Home Brewing
Learn Bartending at Home
Review of Beer Brewing Made Easy
The Country and London Brewer - 1736
