Now that the first rounds are complete, we are at a stage where all the teams and beers want to get to- The Sweet Sixteen. Here is my quick breakdown of the beers that are left:
East:
Troeg's Nugget Nectar- this is my favorite beer, one that I could drink all year long. There is a reason why I placed it as the #1 overall seed.
Wolverine Dark Lager- lagers don't get much respect in the beer geek world, mostly ruined by the fuzzy yellow piss. But Wolverine is trying to bring them back to respectibility, and the Dark Lager is a great example.
Bullfrog Edgar IPA- Bullfrog is a great little brewpub in Williamsport, PA. Their Edgar IPA is a must try when stopping in.
Stillwater Premium- one of the lastest offerings from Stillwater, this "Post-Prohibition" ale is a easy drinking beer that has a Brett kick to it.
West:
21st Amendment/Ninkasi Allies Win the War- this was a beer that half blew me away this year. Hits at 8.5%, but you wouldn't know and is as balanced as you can go with strong malt and hop characteristics, plus a nice dark fruits taste shines through.
Green Flash West Coast IPA- this is the classic example of what the West Coast IPA should taste like, it deserved a higher seed than #4, but...
Bear Republic Racer 5- this gets the higher seed. Racer 5 is my favorite WC IPA, and something I order whenever it is on the beer list.
Anderson Valley Brother David's Double- while it isn't the greatest dubbel-style in the world, Brother David's is mighty tasty. The big maltyness of it keeps the very mild hops at bay, with a nice Belgian yeast to provide many other flavors.
World:
Rodenbach Grand Cru- if you think you like sours, this is the beer that you must always have on hand.
Jever- super, super clean tasting German pilsner. Perfect for the summer.
Cantillion Rose de Gambrinus- my favorite of the Cantillions, although you cannot go wrong with any. Another delicous sour beer, the Rose features a raspberry tartness to it.
O'Hara Stout- a classic dry Irish stout. Sure, Guinness has a bigger name, but O'Hara's has a bigger taste.
Big:
Westvletern 12- considered one of the top beers in the world, Westy 12 is a big beer, that comes through. Everything that is good in a Belgian, the sweetness, the yeast, the spiciness, all make this beer an A+.
JW Lees Harvest- this smooth, warming beer (11.5%) is perfect for winter sipping next to the fire, or really any time of year. JW Lees Harvest is a great beer to cellar and do a vertical, where you can really taste the changes.
Unibroue La Fin du Monde- "the end of the world" is not literal end of the world, but it can put an end to your night. This delicious triple can hit you hard when you don't even know it, it is dangerously drinkable.
North Coast Old Rasputin- the only American to make it out of the Big Beer region, Old Rasputin is a classic example of a Russian Imperial Stout. Big, thick, chocolate with a hint of coffee, this RIS can get you through a cold night in the Russian tundra.
(Click to see full bracket or Right click and open in new tab)
East:
Troeg's Nugget Nectar- this is my favorite beer, one that I could drink all year long. There is a reason why I placed it as the #1 overall seed.
Wolverine Dark Lager- lagers don't get much respect in the beer geek world, mostly ruined by the fuzzy yellow piss. But Wolverine is trying to bring them back to respectibility, and the Dark Lager is a great example.
Bullfrog Edgar IPA- Bullfrog is a great little brewpub in Williamsport, PA. Their Edgar IPA is a must try when stopping in.
Stillwater Premium- one of the lastest offerings from Stillwater, this "Post-Prohibition" ale is a easy drinking beer that has a Brett kick to it.
West:
21st Amendment/Ninkasi Allies Win the War- this was a beer that half blew me away this year. Hits at 8.5%, but you wouldn't know and is as balanced as you can go with strong malt and hop characteristics, plus a nice dark fruits taste shines through.
Green Flash West Coast IPA- this is the classic example of what the West Coast IPA should taste like, it deserved a higher seed than #4, but...
Bear Republic Racer 5- this gets the higher seed. Racer 5 is my favorite WC IPA, and something I order whenever it is on the beer list.
Anderson Valley Brother David's Double- while it isn't the greatest dubbel-style in the world, Brother David's is mighty tasty. The big maltyness of it keeps the very mild hops at bay, with a nice Belgian yeast to provide many other flavors.
World:
Rodenbach Grand Cru- if you think you like sours, this is the beer that you must always have on hand.
Jever- super, super clean tasting German pilsner. Perfect for the summer.
Cantillion Rose de Gambrinus- my favorite of the Cantillions, although you cannot go wrong with any. Another delicous sour beer, the Rose features a raspberry tartness to it.
O'Hara Stout- a classic dry Irish stout. Sure, Guinness has a bigger name, but O'Hara's has a bigger taste.
Big:
Westvletern 12- considered one of the top beers in the world, Westy 12 is a big beer, that comes through. Everything that is good in a Belgian, the sweetness, the yeast, the spiciness, all make this beer an A+.
JW Lees Harvest- this smooth, warming beer (11.5%) is perfect for winter sipping next to the fire, or really any time of year. JW Lees Harvest is a great beer to cellar and do a vertical, where you can really taste the changes.
Unibroue La Fin du Monde- "the end of the world" is not literal end of the world, but it can put an end to your night. This delicious triple can hit you hard when you don't even know it, it is dangerously drinkable.
North Coast Old Rasputin- the only American to make it out of the Big Beer region, Old Rasputin is a classic example of a Russian Imperial Stout. Big, thick, chocolate with a hint of coffee, this RIS can get you through a cold night in the Russian tundra.
(Click to see full bracket or Right click and open in new tab)
Posts
This is a really cool idea... Kinda wish I thought of it LOL. I'll definitely be checking in often to check on the bracket!
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