By: Cristina
This idea only recently came to me. While we sampled dozens and dozens of delicious brews the world over, we weren't keeping official tabs and this list is done from memory.
With that said, I would also like to note that Ryan and I are craft-beer enthusiasts, have dabbled in home brewing, and know a thing or two about what we like. Ryan has a superhuman ability to drink stouts and porters year-round, while the full-bodied nature of such beers, for me, is reserved for cooler weather, and I prefer sipping seasonally. So, here goes our attempt at a well-curated year of beer, in review:
#4. Good Medicine Strong Red Ale, The Great Northern Brewing Company, Whitefish Montana
This beer was my go-to for the glorious two weeks that we spent in Glacier National Park. It is on the lighter side but balanced with lots of flavor that grows into it's own outside refrigeration, which is excellent news for thirsty hikers. Ryan likes it too. ;-)
#3 Imperial Stout, Moa Brewing Company, Blenheim, New Zealand
Pronounced "more," Moa is a shout-out to a giant, extinct bird that once roamed freely in New Zealand. If you drink the Imperial Stout, a crude-oil-esque beer, you'll absolutely want more - and a DD, as you sink into your beanbag and sip the afternoon away on NZ's idyllic South Island.
This idea only recently came to me. While we sampled dozens and dozens of delicious brews the world over, we weren't keeping official tabs and this list is done from memory.
With that said, I would also like to note that Ryan and I are craft-beer enthusiasts, have dabbled in home brewing, and know a thing or two about what we like. Ryan has a superhuman ability to drink stouts and porters year-round, while the full-bodied nature of such beers, for me, is reserved for cooler weather, and I prefer sipping seasonally. So, here goes our attempt at a well-curated year of beer, in review:
#4. Good Medicine Strong Red Ale, The Great Northern Brewing Company, Whitefish Montana
This beer was my go-to for the glorious two weeks that we spent in Glacier National Park. It is on the lighter side but balanced with lots of flavor that grows into it's own outside refrigeration, which is excellent news for thirsty hikers. Ryan likes it too. ;-)
#3 Imperial Stout, Moa Brewing Company, Blenheim, New Zealand
Pronounced "more," Moa is a shout-out to a giant, extinct bird that once roamed freely in New Zealand. If you drink the Imperial Stout, a crude-oil-esque beer, you'll absolutely want more - and a DD, as you sink into your beanbag and sip the afternoon away on NZ's idyllic South Island.
#2. Bia Hoi, Beer Corner, Hanoi, Vietnam
Bia Hoi, served cold at Beer Corner in bustling Hanoi is a strong choice for our second favorite beer of the year! Made fresh, this beer must be consumed within 24 hours, which means it is CHEAP! Clocking in at $0.15/glass you wouldn't expect much, but it is shockingly flavorful and drinks like a steam beer, and is best paired with rush-hour traffic.
#1. Imperial Coconut Porter, Maui Brewing Company, Kihei, Hawaii
This is hands down, our absolute favorite beer from our year-long honeymoon. It is sweet and complex, deep and robust, and ONLY SERVED ON TAP! Guess you'll just have to go to Maui...
There you have it! The fab four of our year of beer in review. I was hoping for a fifth, but just couldn't remember... :-)
Bia Hoi, served cold at Beer Corner in bustling Hanoi is a strong choice for our second favorite beer of the year! Made fresh, this beer must be consumed within 24 hours, which means it is CHEAP! Clocking in at $0.15/glass you wouldn't expect much, but it is shockingly flavorful and drinks like a steam beer, and is best paired with rush-hour traffic.
#1. Imperial Coconut Porter, Maui Brewing Company, Kihei, Hawaii
This is hands down, our absolute favorite beer from our year-long honeymoon. It is sweet and complex, deep and robust, and ONLY SERVED ON TAP! Guess you'll just have to go to Maui...
There you have it! The fab four of our year of beer in review. I was hoping for a fifth, but just couldn't remember... :-)
Now, if I get it together, I'll write one final post capturing the most important lessons from a year on the road!