TOP FIVE BEERS # 1
“Top Five Beers to Always Have in the Fridge”
Preface: Lists are subjective; pure and simple. While I try to consider all states when compiling these lists, it’s virtually impossible to come up with lists of five beers that will be available to everyone. Please feel free to list yours in the comments section for everyone to see. Thank you!
Everyone loves a list, right? I do, too. Well lately I’ve been thinking a lot about a lists concept for The Hopry. Today I will finally be putting it into effect with what I’m calling TOP FIVE BEERS. This new (non-video) article format will list my TOP FIVE BEERS to do things with. For example, maybe I’ll share my “Top Five Beers to Buy Off Ebay” or my “Top Five Beers to Give as Gifts,” etc… Today I’ll be starting it all off with my “Top Five Beers to Always Have in the Fridge.” You may not be able to find all of these in your area, but I have chosen five that tend to be fairly readily available in a good portion of the country. ENJOY!
# 1 Boulevard Pilsner
Boulevard Brewing
American Lager
A lot of people these days are afraid of the BMCs. While that may sound like some sort of disorder, it really just means that the Bud, Miller, and Coors beers of the world are off limits to most craft beer drinkers. However, the style that these beers fall into is not something that should just be overlooked so easily. When properly made, the American Lager can be a very enjoyable experience. Take the Boulevard Pilsner for instance — it’s extremely clean tasting with a nice soft maltiness and lightly floral hop character. It goes down about as easy as any beer I’ve ever had in my life, and it’s local so I can always find it fresh. Not to mention, at 4.8% ABV I can drink a few of these and not be tempted to call it a night at 9PM. Ultimately, when I want to just come home from work and mindlessly drink a beer this is one I tend to reach for a lot.
# 2 Modus Hoperandi
Ska Brewing
American IPA
Drinking beer from a can is something I’ve done since I was twenty-one. However, purchasing mind-melting IPAs in a can has only been a practice I’ve participated in for the last couple of years. It all began when Ska Brewing’s Modus Hoperandi became available in the state of Kansas. You can bet your sweet ass that I have been buying it on the reg since that day. With enough dank hop character to practically get Cheech & Chong excited, Modus Hoperandi proves why all IPAs should be canned. It has loads of pine, tons of citrus, and a severe amount of bitterness that can be consumed over and over again. The fact that this beer is available in six-packs that I can pick up any time I want makes this beer a shoe-in for this list. If it’s available in your state, you need to grab a sixer the next time you visit your local store because this is the IPA you can take anywhere…and you will.
# 3 Two Hearted Ale
Bell’s Brewing
American IPA
The annual release of Bell’s Hopslam has become a bit of a phenomenon. As one of my local beer managers recently said, “People come out of the woodworks for this shit.” Well, there’s another Bell’s IPA that many claim as a personal favorite; it’s called the Two Hearted Ale. While it also has one of my favorite labels in the world, it also comes in six packs and is generally available throughout the year in this part of the country. The hop character is much more subdued than that of Hopslam, but that signature hop structure of Bell’s is ever-present. For an IPA that you can just throw in the fridge, I’d say it’s hard to find many that can top it. If you’re lucky, you may even find yourself able to buy a mini keg, too…
# 4 Orval Trappist Ale
Brasserie d’Orval S.A.
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgian monks really know what they’re doing; there’s just no two ways about it. Practically every beer that comes from these monasteries is a journey. As for the Orval, what else can I say that hasn’t already been said? It’s the most unique of the Trappist beers, but it’s also the most drinkable. In fact, I find myself wanting to drink it all the time. It’s not quite a Saison and it’s not quite a Belgian Pale Ale – it’s somewhere in-between. It’s light, it’s crisp, and it’s unquestionably NOT from the United States. Unfortunately at $5 per bottle you probably won’t have four or six at a time in the fridge, but you should always have at least one in there to cure that Belgian craving. The fact that Orval can be purchased in just about every state makes it a sure winner for this list, too.
# 5 Old Rasputin
North Coast Brewing
Russian Imperial Stout
The Old Rasputin from North Coast Brewing was the very first Imperial Stout I ever had. There was something about the 100 point Ratebeer tag on the shelf combined with that awesome label that just made me jump in head first. While I’ll admit that it was a bit shocking upon first sip, I forced myself to finish the bottle. The next bottle was better and the next was even better than the last. After having finished my four-pack I can say I had become a huge fan of the style and my palate had been changed (once again) forever. It’s been a love affair since and I find myself buying a four pack of this beer pretty regularly. I don’t always need a stout in the fridge, but if there’s going to be one that I can easily throw back while watching a movie, it’s positively going to be this one…
Posted by John Mckusick on January 20, 2011 at 8:38 AM
East Coast version:
1 Pretty Things Jack D’or
2 Allagash White Ale
3 Long Trail Unfiltered IPA
4 Dark Horse Scotty Karate
5 Founders Porter
We can’t get stuff like Bells and Ska
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 11:23 AM
I’ve had the first two and would agree with Allagash White simply because it comes in smaller bottles. Does Jack D’or, though? I thought it was on 22 ounce. Not that this means anything, just checking…
Posted by John McKusick on January 20, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Yeah Jack D’or is only in 22 oz. A good substitution would be an Ommegang Hennepin for a 12 oz.
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 1:51 PM
In my head, fridge beers to drink regularly are in 12 ounce bottles, but it certainly doesn’t rule out the other sizes. Regardless, thank you for your comments. And I will definitely try the Hennepin in smaller bottles. Don’t think I’ve ever had them but I do see them around town a lot.
Posted by Tristan on January 21, 2011 at 6:09 AM
If you have never had the Hennepin, you shoulod definitely try one. It’s a nice and first of all refreshing take on the saison-catagory.
If I could get the 12 ounnce Hennepin on a regular basis here in Denmark it would be among my “fridge-beers” (I’ve only ever seen them in 22 ounce bottles here, but I had the smaller one the last time I was in New York). As it is, instead I’ll go for the Dupont Saison and the Orval, which both goes for around 3½ dollars in Denmark. The rest of my Top 5 would consist of thre local Danish beers:
Mikkelers “The American Dream” (a very hoppy pilsner – it’s called The Danish Dream on the American Market), Limfjords Porter (a double-brown stout from Thistd Bryghus) and Dark Hops from Beer Here.
Posted by builderofcoalitions on January 20, 2011 at 8:41 AM
Nice post. A lot of people in my circle are replacing their Two-Hearted with Modus, but keeping a bottle and can option for IPA’s is a good idea. The Boulevard Pils is pretty inoffensive and does seem like a nice alternative to rice-adjunct industrial swill. Old Rasputin is good, but I’d rather have an Expedition Stout. Of course, I wouldn’t complain at all if I was at someone’s house and these were the only beers in the fridge.
Posted by Jon on January 20, 2011 at 9:49 AM
I could definitely see Modus eating in to Two-Hearted’s market share.
Posted by Barleywhiner on January 20, 2011 at 9:12 AM
Since they started putting out the 12oz. bottles, Tank 7 has been the beer that I try to always have in the fridge. I find myself reaching for it all the time.
Posted by builderofcoalitions on January 20, 2011 at 9:37 AM
Agreed on the Tank 7. I bought a four-pack (fourer as opposed to sixer?) just for that reason. Saisons are great with many kinds of foods and should be kept on hand at all times. So, I’d amend your list by dropping an IPA and adding Tank 7. Or go with a top six beers.
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Tank 7 almost made this list. For me, while it’s one of my favorite beers, I tend to drink more of the Pilsner simply because it goes down easier. I also didn’t want two Boulevard beers on the list. But yes, it would not be out of place on this list…
Posted by Leo Daly on January 20, 2011 at 9:37 AM
Hey Mark, sorry this is completely irrelevant to your post but I wanted to draw your attention to this book:
Amber, Gold, & Black
ISBN: 9780752455679
It’s a very in depth look at the history of the great styles of beer (their origins, original brewing details, and social placing). It’s an absolute must have for an enthusiast, but sadly seems to be something of a unsung publication. I couldn’t recommend it more highly. And no, I’m not the author – I wish.
As always, a great job with the site.
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Thank you for the info, Leo. I’ll see if it’s something that can be purchased here or online at Amazon… Note: I removed the link because it was running off the page and replaced it with the title of the book.
Posted by Jon on January 20, 2011 at 9:39 AM
I absolutely agree with the Modus and Old Rasputin and usually have both in my fridge. (I bring back the Modus from Durango to CA on my frequent trips out there.) Both are excellent values for the money.
The only one on your list I would really disagree with is the Two Hearted. (Though I haven’t had the Boulevard Pils yet, I’m usually a fan of non-BMC lagers.) It may be that I’ve only had poorly treated bottles, but I like the more hop forward west coast/CO IPAs. To put it in perspective, I also am not that impressed with DFH 90 minute.
My list of regular beers in the fridge:
1. Modus Hoperandi (sub in Sculpin 6-packs now when out of Modus.)
2. Old Rasputin
3. Saison Rue, Saison de Lente, or Red Barn
Posted by Big Mike on January 20, 2011 at 10:51 AM
My list would probably look something like this,
Two Hearted
Prima Pils
Smuttynose IPA
Storm King Stout
Yuengling Lager
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Prima Pils for sure… I wasn’t too fond of the Storm King. I got some funkiness out of it that reminded me of something weird (that I won’t share – and no it’s not gross). But Smuttynose is also good. I just had that one not long ago. It was a bit too old to review but I liked it anyway…
Posted by Nicholas Probst on January 20, 2011 at 11:17 AM
The Orval is on my list, as well. I also have to keep a wheat beer in there, because you never know when the craving will arise. For those occasions, I like Paulaner or Weihenstephaner. Thanks for the post.
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Both are very good beers… Thank you…
Posted by Benny L on January 20, 2011 at 1:29 PM
I agree with an American Lager being #1 on the list. I always have some Narragansett Lager in the fridge and its about $5.50 for a six pack of tall boys.
Posted by hophedbrewhaus on January 20, 2011 at 3:11 PM
In no particular order:
1) Bell’s Two Hearted
2) Founders Red’s Rye
3) Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald
4) Troegs Pale Ale
5) Weihenstephan Hefe Weiss
Good alternatives (at least here in Ohio) are just about anything else by Founders, Bell’s, Troegs or Great Lakes
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 3:42 PM
Oooh nice. I love Red’s Rye. Of course I pretty much like anything Founders puts out. They make a solid beer that’s for sure. I also commend Bell’s and Founder’s both for making 12 ounce only beers. I definitely prefer that format, though I’m fine with an occasional bomber…
Posted by Blake on January 20, 2011 at 3:20 PM
Boulevard Sixth Glass
Boulevard Long Strange Tripel
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Lagunitas Brown Shugga’
Great Divide Colette
I really don’t buy the same stuff to often except for Sixth Glass four packs, and my Great Divide selection varies a lot, but Colette is probably one of my favorite sixers from them. Cherry Wheat will always be high on my list, even if they’re macro… that beer really got me started.
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 3:40 PM
Interesting. When I had the Cherry Wheat way back when I thought it tasted exactly like a Cherry Tootsie Pop. Is that still the case? I haven’t had it in forever… Probably too sweet for me at this point.
Posted by Blake on January 20, 2011 at 3:58 PM
It can be sweet, sometimes there seems to be a lot of variance in the prominence of the cherries, though I’m a big fan of cherries so I don’t mind when they show up more. I might be the only person I know that likes the beer, but that’s just something I’ll have to live with. I don’t buy it often anymore, but when I do, it tends to be in spurts where it’s all I buy. Probably not in the winter though.
Posted by Stef_Ke on January 20, 2011 at 4:19 PM
Hye, I’m from belgium and my 5 beer for the fridge are:
1) chimay blue
2) Tripel Karmeliet
3) Hopus
4) St. Bernardus 12
5) Oesterstout
Posted by Louie on January 20, 2011 at 4:29 PM
Good list – the really awesome thing about Old Rasputin is that you don’t even need a fridge (or a cellar). You can practically keep that beer under your bed and it still great.
Posted by thehopry on January 20, 2011 at 4:37 PM
Good point. The wife likes them cold. I’m just happy that she likes it.
Posted by Chris (aka BeaverC32) on January 20, 2011 at 6:46 PM
I can only get Old Rasputin and Orval here in NY, so here’s my list:
1) Heavy Seas Loose Cannon
2) Old Rasputin
3) Ommegang Abbey Ale
4) Brooklyn Lager
5) Ithaca Flower Power
Posted by Blake on January 20, 2011 at 7:58 PM
I’ve been craving Loose Cannon since I had it on a trip to Florida a couple of years ago, very delicious.
Posted by Chris (aka BeaverC32) on January 20, 2011 at 8:20 PM
Definitely a go-to IPA I always have on hand. I believe the local shop owner told me it is his best-selling IPA in the entire store.
Posted by kevin on April 1, 2011 at 8:29 PM
while i agree with all your suggestions, i believe the flower power is the best of all. stone’s ruination and flower power are my favorites by far.
loose cannon is also very good.
Posted by Brian on January 20, 2011 at 8:45 PM
Good list Mark. I wish Modus Hoperandi was available in Minnesota.
Here is my list, in no particular order:
1. Surly Furious
2. Ølfabrikken Porter
3. Old Rasputin
4. Orkney SkullSplitter
5. Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale
As soon as Alaskan Brewing comes to Minnesota, I will be able to add Alaskan Smoked Porter to the list.
Posted by theReaper16 on January 21, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Were I still living in KC, my list would look like:
1.) Boulevard Bully! Porter
2.) Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
3.) Ska Modus Hoperandi
4.) Boulevard Pilsner
5.) Boulevard Tank 7
Here in AL, based on what I can get in Tuscaloosa:
1.) Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
2.) Boulevard Tank 7
3.) Terrapin seasonal Monster Beer Tour releases
4.) Sierra Nevada Stout
5.) Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
Posted by thehopry on January 21, 2011 at 2:21 PM
How is that Jai Alai?
Posted by theReaper16 on January 21, 2011 at 7:08 PM
It’s a very green IPA. Floral & grassy flavors carry the day. It’s like a distilled garden, with a bit of grapefruit peel, Dole Orange-Mango juice and tobacco leaf backing it up. It’s also remarkably balanced; the malt is soft and biscuity, but doesn’t detract from anything.
Nothing truly amazing, but damn good; I’d give it a 90 or 91. It’s perhaps the best East Coast IPA I’ve had. Interesting, unique, balanced. Getting fresh bottles of this is something I’m grateful for.
Posted by Patrick on January 21, 2011 at 3:05 PM
1. Brooklyn Local 1
2. Troegs Troegnator
3. Victory Moonglow (seasonal, hard to pull off, but)
4. Souther Tier IPA
5. Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (seasonal, but NOT hard to pull off)
Posted by Kim on January 21, 2011 at 3:49 PM
In Jersey here, so totally limited by distribution/convenience:
Hmm…. In the spring/summer…
Green Flash IPA
Corona/Budweiser (don’t shoot me, it’s for my father)
In the fall/winter
River Horse Oatmeal Milk Stout
River Horse Hippo Lantern
Stone Smoked Porter
Harvest Moon Winter Warmer (in a growler)
Ruination IPA
Posted by David Vargas on January 21, 2011 at 5:04 PM
1. Stone Levitation
2. Firestone Velvet Merlin
3. Dogfish Head 90 min IPA
4. Oskar Blues Old Chub
5. “Random Homebrew”
Posted by Steve M. on January 24, 2011 at 7:26 PM
These are all great lists. I’ll say “ditto” for Great Lakes Edmund Fitz, Lagunitas Brown Shugga, and anything Founders dreams up.
Let me add Lagunitas Pils and Anchor Steam to the “goes down easy” list and say that Stone’s Cali-Belgique IPA deserves some consideration…
Other beers for the bitter Ohio winter:
Great Divide Hibernation Ale
Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale
Founders Breakfast Stout
Posted by Chuck on January 25, 2011 at 4:35 PM
Interesting. It’s cool to see Ska catching on in the Midwest. Here’s my top five, in no particular order:
Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Steamworks Colorado Kolsch
Avery IPA
Ska ESB
Ska Ten Pin Porter
Incidentally, I write the Beer at 6512 blog out of Durango, and I try to keep close tabs on Ska and Durango’s other breweries.
http://beerat6512.blogspot.com/