1. Great Divide Titan, Colorado (IPA, 7.1 ABV)–I hadn’t had the Titan in a long time until it started showing up recently on tap around Atlanta. Wow! Always fond, I never remembered it being this rich or balanced. The big, sweet, almost toasty malts differentiate it from most Western IPA’s, but the hops give it an electric intensity that makes it sing. It was just as good in the bottle. [Note: another six pack purchased seemed to have been sitting around for a while. Try to get this as fresh as possible.]
2. Oskar Blues Deviant Dale’s, Colorado (Imperial IPA, 8.5 ABV)–This beer, in 16 oz. cans, just made it into the Atlanta market. Wow! Always a fan of Dale’s Pale Ale, this is on another level with a dark, mouthfilling quality and gobs of piney, sticky hops.
3. Victory Brewing Braumeister Pils, Pennsylvania (Pilsner, 5.5 ABV)–Just in time for
spring, this standard Braumeister release is every bit as quaffing as past releases. It’s lithe and citrusy with a strong punch of floral hops to bring it home. Perfect to glug while watching things bloom.
4. Fuller’s London Pride, England (English Pale Ale, 4.7 ABV)–I love this beer in the spring and summer: a soft yet rich ale with silky caramel notes that finishes round and clean.
5. Brasserie Ellezelloise Biere des Collines Saison, Belgium (Saison/Farmhouse Ale, 6.5 ABV)–A unique saison that goes in for the dark side with more emphasis on the roasty, sweet malts than the traditional fresh, high, floral notes of other saisons. A good pour for the end of winter. The flip-top bottle is a plus.
