The Session # 21 – Favorite Beer and Why
This months session has a very simple question that has possibly the most difficult answer. What’s your favorite beer? Before I get to the answer, I need to thank A World Of Brews for hosting this session and coming up with this month’s question.
So to pick a favorite beer I have to start with what it is that makes me love beer. Number one on that list is the wonderful flower, Humulus lupulus. Of course, my favorite beer would be incredibly hoppy like Pliny the Elder or Racer 5. Maybe it could be a more restrained, spicy hop, like those found in a German pilsner, like Weihenstephaner. Either way, hops have to play a big role, and could even find it’s way into the name, like Hop Stoopid, Hop Devil, or Hopsickle.
Hops are great, but they are nothing without their partner in crime, malt. This favorite beer would have to have a standout malt flavor. It could bold and dominant like Kilt Lifter, or unique and inviting, such as Dale’s Pale Ale. I might even be in the mood for something nectar sweet, like 90 Minute IPA.
What brings all of these two together is the yeast, and the right yeast can open up the flavors of beer like nothing else. The Belgians are a great source of yeast, with such wonderful brews as Chimay, Duvel, and St. Bernadus. Even in America we have Russian Rivers funky offerings. But the yeast doesn’t have to be funky to get the job done, so maybe a versatile yeast like the Pacman yeast of Rogue would do the trick.
That just scratches the surface of brewing, the real fun begins when you add new stuff to the brew. It should have a thick, creamy mouthfeel like a Sam Smith’s Oatmeal Stout, or a real sweetness like Mackeson’s XXX Milk Stout. It should be wheaty and drinkable like Schneider Weiss. But it would need a real spicy kick as well, so toss in some rye, like Lenny’s Bittersweet Rye IPA.
Brew additions don’t have to stop with adjunct grains, you can add chocolate (who doesn’t love chocolate?) like Rogue’s Chocolate Stout, or just fake the Chocolate like Brooklyn Brewing does. A nice fruity highlight could be great, like Three Philosphers, but sometimes I want the fruit flavor to be strong and bold, like Lindeman’s Framboise or Marin’s Stinson Beach Peach.
I guess what I’m saying is that even if I tried to identify my favorite beer by the components of beer that I love, I just couldn’t do it. Beer is more than a go to brand for any occasion. But if I have to make a decision, oh hell, I’ll say Red Nectar…no wait, Boont!
Extra credit asked for reviews, so I have linked reviews to as many beers as possible.
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