2012: A Year in Beer

Alright people,

It occurred to me while reading random 2012 year in review that maybe I should write a beer year in review. 2012 was my first full year of beer, and it was a pretty good one. Being a ticker, I got around to tasting 142 new beers (+/- 1 because I'm too lazy to count). Let's take a look back at some of the more memorable beer moments...

Highest Rated Beer: Cantillon Iris (2010), Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout (2012), Pliny the Elder - All three of these beer world heavyweights got perfect 5's from me in BA ratings. Now, I know that should be rare, but my tastes are subjective, and these beers were great. The Iris was among my first ventures into sour beers and simply terrific. Being on tap was just a bonus. KBS was the first big barrel-aged stout I had, and launched me into the world of barrel aging. Being a bourbon fan, I owe a debt of gratitude to this beer. Last, PtE is simply the best IPA/DIPA I've had.

"Best" Beer: Bourbon County Brand Stout (2012) - This was a beer that I had no chance of finding...until this year. Thanks to increased production, I can still go out and find plenty of this one. Simply put, this beer is thick, liquid bliss. Overall, I gave it a 4.98/5, but the only deduction was for appearance and some lacking lacing.

Lowest Rated Beer: King Cobra Malt Liquor - Alright, I know, it's a malt liquor, but for as much as I didn't mind the Natty Daddy, I hated this beer. It got a 1.58/5 from me, and it barely deserved that. Only drink King Cobra if you are trying to get plastered quick....or playing Edward 40 Hands.

Most Disappointing Beer: Raison D'Extra (2007) - The beer from Dogfish Head had tones of hype for me. It seemed like everyone in the forums loved this beer, and then.....cue giant fart noise. I opened the D'Extra and was greeted with the pungent stench of nail polish remover, and then I tasted the exact same thing. It was terrible, and with 18% ABV, it burned. I ended up pouring the last 3 or 4 ounces down the drain.

Overachiever Beer of the Year: Bell's This One Goes to 11 Ale - I know, I know. A special release beer from Bell's? How can this one overachieve? Well, I'm not sure, but it was so good. I've always been a fan of amber ales, but this imperial just hit the spot. I wish I would have bought a case, or at least a six pack instead of a single. If anyone out there can still buy this...email me.

That's it. Those are the most memorable beers of my 2012. There were others, but these guys either did it right, or very, very wrong. I was able to hunt down some great beers, and a lot of them will be making 2013 appearances. Among some of those guys are Firestone Walker Parabola and Sucaba, Drie Fonteinen Golden Blend and Schaerbeekse Kriek, and Westvleteren 12. 2013 is going to be another great year for beer (and has been since I'm late in writing this).

Last, in 2013, I'm making a resolution to enjoy my location beer scene more. I've been spending lots of time and energy trying to hunt down whales, and it's time I start frequenting local breweries. There are more breweries in the US now than at any point post-prohibition, and they are all producing great beer. Go out and sample your local options, and until next time, cheers!

-Chris