Six favorites for 2017 from our resident beer expert.
Well, dear readers 2016 is fading in the rear view mirror, and I for one couldn’t be happier to say goodbye. We are saying farewell to our first black president, and hello to our first orange one, we lost David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, John Glenn, and now beloved, cop-slapping Zsa Zsa Gabor!
So I say lets raise our glasses to celebrate this year’s passing! This installment’s beer selections are all amazing, whether you want to forget the past year or are celebrating the bright future to come, these brews will help you get to where you want to be!
Dupont Avec Les Bons Voeux
Tourpes-Leuze, Belgium
- Flavors of raisin & coriander
- A peppery Saison/Farmhouse-style Belgian Tripel
- 9.5% ABV (alcohol by volume)
- 28 IBU (international bittering units — generally speaking , the higher the number the more bitter the beer)
This amazing Belgian ale was originally brewed as a New Years gift for top clients of the Brasserie Dupont brewery and its name translates to “With Best Wishes of the Brewery Dupont.” This craft brew pairs amazingly with seafood or as a bright contrast to rich pate or brie cheese.
Hitachino Nest Celebration Ale
Naka, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
- Hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, coriander, & oranges
- A spiced herbal winter warmer style ale
- 9% ABV
- 28 IBU
This is another beer brewed especially for the New Year, and is vegan friendly. This beautifully crafted Japanese ale pairs immaculately with sushi (DUH!), as well as, a fiery Thai dish or spicy pepper jack cheese.
Deus Brut Des Flanders
Buggenhout, Belgium
- Hints of lemongrass and honey
- An effervescent, dry Belgian Bière de Champagne / Bière Brut
- 11.5% ABV
- 22 IBU
This pricey and rare offering is brewed in Belgium and then transported to Reims in the Champagne region of France to be re-fermented in the bottle! When you break out this bottle you officially achieve Beer Baller status, and it pairs great with an earthy goat cheese, butter-poached lobster (you’re a BALLER remember), or a simple side of mixed berries.
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout
Chicago, Illinois
- Hints of vanilla, charred oak, caramel, & chocolate
- A full-bodied, boozy bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout
- 13.8% ABV
- 60 IBU
This widely sought out offering released on Black Friday every year from Goose Island, is a pure delight in the colder weather of the season. This exquisite stout pairs wonderfully with BBQ, such as ribs or pulled pork, or with anything containing chocolate.
Victory Golden Monkey
Downingtown, PA
- Hints of clove & banana
- A medium-bodied, boozy & rich Belgian-style tripel
- ABV 9.5%
- 25 IBU
Dare I say it, this beer can drive you BANANAS! This beautifully crafted local brew is deceptively easy to drink and can make the imbiber…wait for it….DRUNK AS A MONKEY!!!! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) This beer works well after dinner with banana based desserts and also pairs well with lighter seafood dishes.
Miller High Life
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Classic, American lager
- 4.6% ABV
- 8 IBU
Start off the New Year right by living the High Life, with the champagne of beers! This classic DAD-beer came into the world in 1903, the same year as Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, so whether you’re on the Road to Bali or just the Road to Home this New Years, this widely available mass-produced cheap beer can help you get there by saving you a couple bucks. This beer pairs well with good old American bar fare like burgers and hot dogs.
I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.
Here’s to beers and plenty of cheers.
JK
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