Brew News - The Best New Beers of Spring (and Summer)

Hot off the presses from Esquire (yes, really):

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/food-and-drink/best-spring-beers-040811?src=nl&mag=esq&list=nl_enl_fdr_non_041111_spring-beers&kw=ist#fbIndex1

It’s a Top 6 list that contains the typical summer seasonal beers made with citrus fruits or herbs like coriander, but does have some interesting choices that are ”outside the traditional summer ale box” (i.e. summer shandy or wheat beer with orange slice – not to name any names). Personally, we’re stoked to try the Flying Dog Backyard Ale, Moylan’s Orange & Black, and Souther Tier Hop Sun asap.

For those on their maiden voyage to the craft beer frontier, spring or summer beers are traditionally beers that are considered “refreshing” – light, crisp beers with floral, grassy, fruity, or “clean” notes. Traditionally they are less malty, more hoppy, and leave the beer drinker less full after a session. The smoky/spiciness of BBQ and grilled meats often pairs well with these types of beers.

If you live in any of the Great Lakes states, you should have no problem finding these beers. If you live in the Chicagoland area specifically, the majority of these beers can be found on the shelves at Binny’s.

The Greatest Beers in the World! (according to Beer Advocate)

http://beeradvocate.com/lists/top

A comprehensive, updated list is now available from the know-it-alls at BeerAdvocate.com. We doubt there is a larger, more diverse and yet scientifically calculated list, anywhere else on the Internets right now as it covers all different styles of beers and doesn't discriminate. Some quick highlights:

• Russian River is the Miami Heat, the Yankees, and Manchester United all rolled into one; some truly outstanding beers - The Pliny's checked in at #2 and #3 respectively and we agree
• Very strong showing from the Michigan breweries - Eight beers in the Top 100 between Bell's and Founders
• No Boulevard Beers, which we DO NOT agree with - No Rye-on-Rye or BBQ? Homie Please!
• You need to immediately find beers from Three Floyd's or Stone Brewing and then consume them

The moral of the story is that with a list as diverse as this, there will always be losers and beers you don't agree with. For the most part we agree with this list but at the same time it's hard to have a comprehensive, accurate list when the formula contains "number of reviews" as a variable. Maybe that explains why Oro de Calabaza doesn't make the list yet anything from Great Lakes Brewing does (in the immortal words of Dave Chapelle - "hate, hate, hate, hate").

In the end, if you can find these brews at your local beer store, they're worth the dollas required to secure them. Some you'll have to cross the Rockies for (Russian River), others you'll have to stand in line for on a specific day at the brewery (Three Floyd's Dark Lord), and others you can find in most corner store (Bell's Two-Hearted Ale).

Consume, rate them yourself, then let us know what you think.