You've probably heard of Bourbon Barrel Stout, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and Smuttynose Brewing Robust Porter. But did you know there's also a Daily Wages Saison? Here are some of the beers that make us cheer up during the cold months. And if you're still not convinced, check out the list below!
Craft beer has become incredibly popular all over the country, and in the Louisville area, craft breweries like Bluegrass are starting to catch on. Louisville's oldest brewery, Bluegrass Brewing Co., recently rebranded their beer as "Goodwood," highlighting the characteristics of a bourbon beer. The brew touches limestone water, which lends a distinctive flavor to the bourbon. CEO Ted Mitzlaff explains that bourbon loves the water, and this beer demonstrates that. It's also light in body with a rich bourbon flavor and a long finish, making it perfect for any time of year.
If you haven't tried Sierra Nevada Pale Ale before, you're missing out on a great classic. Introduced in 1981, it was one of the first craft beers in the United States. This popular brew is based on centuries-old European beer styles and provides an historical foundation for the idea of a good American lager. Now in its fourth generation, this Californian craft beer remains one of the best on the market.
The first Sierra Nevada brew was released to the public in March 1981. It was brewed using hops introduced by the USDA hop-breeding program in the 1970s. This varietal is known for its citrus and pine aromas. Cascade is one of the top-selling hops in the United States. It was first sold in bottles as a stout and hasn't changed much since then.
Smuttynose Robust Porter is a rich ebony colored ale with a rich malt flavor. The aroma is full of chocolate and coffee and the finish is clean. It is a smooth and complex beer that is perfect for the autumn or winter months. You can find it in select bars in Ontario, and you can also buy it on draft from selected bars.
My favorite Smuttynose Robust Porter is a deep mahogany color, and it is the most popular porter on the New Hampshire brewery's roster. This porter has a high alcohol content of 6.6% ABV, 30 IBUs, and is best served between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Founded by the founders of the Portsmouth Brewing Company and Northampton Brewery, Smuttynose Robust Porter is available in 355 mL bottles.
Smuttynose Brewing Company opened in 1994. Peter and Janet Egelston originally opened the Portsmouth and Northampton Breweries in 1987 and 1991, respectively. In 1992, they bought them out at a bankruptcy auction and started Smuttynose. Peter and Janet are still active partners in both companies, but they also own Smuttynose with Joanne Francis. They also produce a pumpkin ale.
If you're looking for a good beer for a special occasion, I'd recommend the limited edition Three Philosophers from Ommegang. This strong ale is a blend of quadrupel and kriek, and is a Belgian-style quadruple. The taste is deep and complex, with hints of cherry and dryness. This brew is both a classic and a rare find.
While the taste of this Belgian-style IPA is not for everyone, it's worth a try. Its flavor is not overpowering, so I like to drink it as a light summer beer. While it doesn't taste like much, the lingering flavor will keep you coming back for more. The Ommegang Three Philosophers is an excellent beer, but it can get you in trouble if you're not careful.
