There are times that I love trying whatever is the most exotic, foreign or funky at the bar. Belgium Double IPA sure, why not? Lavender infused Saison, give me a glass! Hanbenero Tart?….. maybe a just a taster. But then there are times that I want to have something more familiar. Something that harkins back to the reason why I got into craft beer. In this episode of Al the Brewer, we look into some of my go-tos, the beers that remind me how good a beer can be.
Now,these beers are normally not on my all-time favorite lists, but they are beers that are good any time of the year. These are beers that stand out to me because they are so approachable and yet, don’t lack in flavor or gumption. I will say this list is my own opinion and is very debatable, but I know these are the ones I would go with in a heartbeat.
So let’s see…..if I was stranded on a deserted island, with a solar powered kegerator, what would I want in it? My top choices would be as follows in no particular order –
Anchor Steam Ale – This malty and slightly hoppy beer is in a style and league of its own. The recipe and brewery rescued by a grandson of Maytag, it is one of the true original craft beers. With its own unique balance and mouth feel, I have made a clone of this that did not disappoint. It is that perfect balance, that is good for any season of the year and can hold its own to many different food/cheese pairings.
Saison DUPONT – This is a spicy and somewhat funky Saison that is perfect for just about any time or place. It has a medium body and mouth feel and just enough alcohol to put it over the session beer range, but not too much that it will floor you. And well, it is just a bloody good Saison. Since this style can be interpreted in some many different ways, I think Dupont sets the bar for what the “standard” Saison should be/taste like.
Racer 5 IPA – This was always on rotation at the wine bar I worked at and I never got tired of it. This is a very well balanced IPA that won’t over kill you with hops or make you think you have just swallowed a pine forest, but it does have a great taste. This is a fairly approachable IPA and one that is great for your friends that aren’t big beer drinkers.
Rare Vos – Where to begin with this one! Dark brown with a full body and mouth feel, this Belgium Pale Ale is way too enjoyable. I normally try to buy this in the bomber 22 oz. size just because the normal 12 oz bottle doesn’t cut it for me. Mildly spicy with hints of dark candy and fruity notes, this beer puts me into a good mood anytime I have it. I could list about any beer from Ommegang Brewery, but this had to make the list.
Chimay Tripel – While this is the lightest bodied beer on my list, it can still hold its own to the rest. Semi floral with a crisp taste and high carbonization, this triple had to make it on my list. This beer can fit so easily into so many different meals and meal times that if I HAD to drink something at every meal, this beer would rarely disappoint me. While a little strong on the alcohol, it still great to sip and enjoy in any season.
Thoughts? If you had a solar powered kegerator for a deserted island, what would you put in it?
Sincerely,
Al the Brewer