Since mid-August, I've reviewed 50 beers. My reviews are based on my personal tastes—not on adherence to style guidelines. While I may not know what a beer is supposed to taste like, I know what I like. So for my 2010 retrospective, I thought I'd revisit my favorite beers.
Of the 50 beers, I awarded a 5 star rating to only 3 beers (6% of all reviewed). These are the beers I considered to be "Liquid Perfection":
- Double Black IPA, Cascadian Dark Ale, Alaskan Brewing Co.
- Hazed & Infused, Pale Ale, Boulder Beer Co.
- Pliny the Elder, IPA, Russian River Brewing Co.
A 4 star rating went to 20 brews (40% of those reviewed). This is the "Really Good! I want this Again!" category. These are beers I really liked and would buy again.
- Back in Black, Cascadian Dark Ale, 21st Amendment Brewery
- Brrr, Winter Warmer, Widmer Bros. Brewing Co.
- Celebration, IPA, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- The Dissident, Flanders Style Brown (Sour) Ale, Deschutes Brewery
- Ebenezer, Winter Warmer, BridgePort Brewing Co.
- Fireside Chat, Winter Warmer, 21st Amendment Brewery
- Hop in the Dark, Cascadian Dark Ale, Deschutes Brewery
- India Pelican Ale, IPA, Pelican Pub & Brewery
- Jubelale, Winter Warmer, Deschutes Brewery
- Mirror Pond, Pale Ale, Deschutes Brewery
- Nightcap, Winter Warmer, BridgePort Brewing Co.
- Pale 31, Pale Ale, Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
- Pipeline, Porter, Kona Brewing Co.
- Ranger, IPA, New Belgium Brewing Co.
- Red Nectar, Amber Ale, Nectar Ales
- Santa's Little Helper, Winter Warmer, Cascade Lakes Brewing Co.
- SnowCap, Winter Warmer, Pyramid Breweries
- Solace, Wheat Ale, Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
- Torpedo, IPA, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- Winter, Winter Warmer, Alaskan Brewing Co.
My first few months as a blogging beer geek have been a great experience. I've discovered great beers, visited many breweries, and made new friends along the way. I can't wait to see what 2011 brings!
Best wishes to you and yours for a Happy & Healthy New Year! Cheers!