Adam from the Wood was incredible and something that I had to go to the brewery in order to try. Schlafly TIPA is absolutely amazing and is readily availlable in my neck of the woods.
Do you know how much a growler from the brewery costs? I might shoot up there on Friday to try some Kiwi Rising. As for my non-whale surprise beers, I'd have to go with Jack's Abby Hoponius Union and Maine Beer Co. Lunch. Both are awesome. Especially since I never really liked IPA's until 2012.
Shorts Brewing Autumn Ale. I was expecting a ho-hum malty ESB and what I got was a pleasantly hoppy ESB. Easily my favorite beer in that category. To my mind it is a perfect September brew to bridge that awkward time between the bright hoppy beers of summer and the the malty and spicy beers of mid-October through November, aka the time when everyone wonders if they should be drinking that pumpkin beer just yet.
Old hat to most of you all, but mine would be SN Celebration Ake. I used to hate IPAs. And then I tried this. I swear that I could hear a chorus of angels sing. I think NG Sasion was also pretty damn amazing. I have a bottle of Serendipity that I wasn't going to drink because I 'm not a huge fan of fruit beers, but since it 's been mentioned here a few times, maybe I should give it a go.
1) Celebration. Not sure why this was my first season for this. Love it. 2) Narwhal....(whale logo notwithstanding). Just found 1/2 case in NY last week. Can't find any more around IL. Amazingly drinkable. 3) Rocky's Revenge. Light on the bourbon.....but perfect for downing a few. Added this to my regular rotation of browns.
white oak jai alai. I'm not the biggest fan of beers with the word "pale" anywhere in the description but these are just amazing.
Ten Fidy. Only in the past year has it been distributed to my area; I know it's got a great rep, but I was not expecting it to blow me away. Green Flash Le Freak. A nice balance of hops and classic Belgian spice. 21st Amendment Monk's Blood surprised me as well.
+1 to Live a Rich Life, one of the best-smelling beers of the year. Which reminds me, Galaxy White IPA smells amazing, too. And I really dug Cucumber Saison.
Narwhal is excellent and still hanging around. Brooklyn BCS amazes me every year. On a more whale scale, Boulevard Rye on Rye blew me away. What a wonderful BA beer. Complex and smooth and if I didn't know it, I would've never guessed the 12% ABV.
I'll go with an English Dark Mild from Yak & Yeti in Arvada, CO. Nice session beer to go along with some delish Indian food: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/19114/81587
