As each year draws to a close, it invites warmth and nostalgia, compelling us to revisit the memorable experiences and flavors we encountered. For beer enthusiasts, this means reflecting on those extraordinary brews that fundamentally altered our perception of what beer can be. In this exploration, I detail my top eight beers from 2024—each a testament to creativity, craftsmanship, and the joy of drinking beer with friends and family.
The Cask Wonders of ForeLand Beer
Nestled in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, I stumbled upon ForeLand Beer—a charming brewery that instantly felt like home. The experience escalated during a sun-soaked happy hour with my friend, renowned beer writer Jeff Alworth. Among the pours that day was a delightful cask collaboration with Kings and Daughters from Hood River. Served in a rustic German glass adorned with a Christmas motif in March, this beer was handcrafted using a traditional hand pump, resulting in a rich, lower carbonation experience. Cask ales in the U.S. have seen a resurgence, and this particular brew epitomized the essence of what these beers can offer. Its toasty malt backbone effortlessly etched itself into my memory as the pinnacle of my West Coast beer journey.
My home state of Connecticut boasts a slew of outstanding breweries, but none shines quite like Counter Weight Brewing. Known for their impressive accolades, including multiple medals from prestigious competitions, their rauchbock captured my attention on a brisk January day. The smoky lift of this dark lager resonated deeply, marrying complexity with a comforting warmth—a perfect companion for winter’s chill. Its 6.2% ABV made it an accessible delight, capable of warming both body and spirit.
Hill Farmstead’s Plum Revelation
After witnessing the breathtaking tranquility of a total solar eclipse, I ventured to the highly esteemed Hill Farmstead Brewery in Vermont. There, I tasted a mixed fermentation sour that left a lasting impression—an ephemeral brew crafted with plum. This unique fruit can be a challenging ingredient due to its subtlety, but using plum pomace added vibrant depth to the beer. The 2% ABV encouraged savoring every sip, with rich plum notes unfolding delicately on my palate.
Offset Bier Co.’s Blissful IPA
While visiting my sister in Utah, we discovered Offset Bier Co., a laid-back brewery in the vicinity of Park City. The DOPO IPA, a well-balanced 5% ABV series of hoppy delights, struck the right chord for a casual outing. Bursting with the lively characteristics of Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, and Simcoe hops, this beer was the ideal refreshment for an afternoon adventure. It was no surprise when Craft Beer and Brewing magazine recognized this gem in their “best of” selection that year.
A visit to Cleveland’s Masthead brewery couldn’t be missed while in Ohio, and I was eager to indulge in their acclaimed hazy IPA after enjoying a Reds game at Knockback Nat’s dive bar. As a New Englander familiar with the origins of hazy IPAs, I set my expectations high. The first sip delivered an explosion of juicy orange flavors and a mouthfeel that was both lush and refreshing. At 6.7% ABV, I quickly found myself ordering a second round, savoring the essence of this perfectly crafted brew.
Old Peculier’s Timeless Allure
In the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, I found myself in the quaint village of Hadrow and stepped into the Green Dragon pub—famed for its tie to the beloved series, “All Creatures Great and Small.” Here, I indulged in Old Peculier, a character-rich ale brewed in Yorkshire since the early 1800s. The deep cherry and toast flavors of this 5.6% ABV beer embraced me as I reveled in both the historic setting and the timeless beverage.
Third Eye Brewing’s Pumpkin Delight
Amid the eclectic beer offerings at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, I ventured into Third Eye Brewing’s booth and was reignited with the flavors of fall through their pumpkin beer. Unlike many variants that did not resonate with me, this 6.3% ABV brew struck a remarkable balance between pumpkin pie essence and a roasty character that made it utterly memorable. Even within the festival’s bustling environment, it beckoned me back for more.
The Refreshing Twist of Cerveza Fervor
Lastly, my October wandering led me to Merida, Mexico—an experience punctuated by spontaneity and local delights. With renowned brewmaster Paul Segura, we ventured into a local taproom where we were introduced to a vibrant West Coast IPA from Cerveza Fervor. This small brewery, only established in 2021, crafted a refreshing 5.6% ABV beer that effectively captured the essence of hops even in steamy surroundings. Enthralled, I quickly returned for more pints throughout my stay.
As I sip on the memories of 2024, I cherish the connections made, the flavors tasted, and the unifying power of beer. Here’s to another year of exploration, conversation, and camaraderie—cheers to the brews that bring us all together!