Beer suds across America
What’s the best beers with a thick juicy barbecued-to-perfection steak? You’ll have to read past this introduction.
I’m no different than most people when it comes to enjoying what others have to say about “Best this” and “Best of that.” It’s entertaining. Sometimes it has relevancy. Every once in a while “best of” lists are a crock of - - - - … well you know what.
Whenever someone asks me what’s the best beer in the world, i.e., what’s your favorite beer, I have a reply that works every single time. “The beer I’m holding in my hand.” Okay, it’s a bit with my tongue pressing against the side of my mouth, but always true.
Then there’s my alternate reply, “The best beer in the world is being served at the brewery nearest to you.” In my case, when home, that’s my own beer. But when I’m not home, the best beer is always and unequivocally at or not far from the brewery. .
Beerlieve it or not the average American lives within 10 miles of a brewery. There is some merit to going local. Whenever I travel I always make the best effort to explore and enjoy the locally brewed beer. It’s usually the best and it’s always a fun journey.
Now then you’re wondering, “OK Papazian, enough of your stalling, what do you reach for when you want to maximize your enjoyment?” Unequivocally, my answer will always be, “It all depends.” So here’s my current short list of “It All Depends” favorite beers.
Charlie Papazian’s Current “It all depends” favorite beers – The first 5.
- Best lager beer with a thick juicy barbecued-to-perfection steak - Kings & Vagabonds Czech lager (homebrew). Gordon Biersch Czech-style lager (Brewpub nearest you)
- Best ale with hearty stew – Dusty Mud Irish-style stout (homebrew). Mountain Sun Old School Stout (Boulder, Colorado).
- Best Belgian Trappist ale by a fireside - Westvletern 12
- Best Belgian Trappist (style) with Lasagna - Leftmalle Dubbel-style (homebrew). Westmalle Dubbel
- Best beer with Sushi – Lefthand Brewing Co. JuJu Ginger ale (Longmont, Colorado)
Comments
I'd agree with you. The best beers are usually the one you're drinking now. There is so much variety and choice available to us these days. It's hard not to want to try each and every one. I buy mostly Colorado brews and do my best to support my local breweries (lots of them here in Colorado). Each time I go to the beer store I typically pick up something new. It's hard to have a favorite when there are so many styles. My favorite depends on what I'm in the mood for. Sometimes it's a German lager, sometimes it's an English Special Bitter (ESB) and at other times it's a Russian Imperial Stout. So if anyone asks me what the best beers are I'd have to say "the next beer I pick up!"
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