MEKONG

I can't believe I haven't written about this Richmond, VA jewel already. Mekong has won best craft beer bar in the nation two years straight (www.craftbeer.com) and the vote is coming up again. I'm hoping for a Threepeat 'cause this place is so special. The sickest beer selection, great staff, great food and amazing patrons. An amazing spot to learn about new beer styles and meet new people who are very enthusiastic about beer without any type of attitude. 

An Bui, the Chief Beer Officer is one of the greatest hosts of all time, as his knowledge and passion for beer is conveyed through generosity, finding those gateway beers for countless people.  A truly one of a kind experience/must visit destination. 

Monday Night all 50 taps are only $5...even Abbaye De Saint Bon Chien, which is on tap all year long!

Here, Beer is truly The Answer and be sure the try the Mekong Chicken Wings ;)

www.mekongisforbeerlovers.com

Brick Kiln

I consider Barleywine the Haymaker of beer in a sense. They're usually for the colder months and have a Big Ben like ABV, huge and you'll be on your way in no time. Jackie O's has a great track record with big beers and this is no exception. Remember Bambi meets Godillza? Sub out Bambi with The Raisinettes and you got Brick Killn.

www.jackieos.com

Grätzer Ale

The Grief/Dystopia split 7" record came with a razor blade and grim suggestion. This beer collab between 3 Floyd's and New Belgium looks the part, adorned with blood red ink and Zombies gaining speed to ghost ride the bicycles they've just stolen, but this dark pouring, smokey & lightly sour ale, drinks like a fresh breeze on a spring day. Light and crushable at 4.5%. Would be sick with cherries and chocolate. 

www.3floyds.com

www.newbelgium.com

Tired Hands Brewing

This small batch brewery in Ardmore, PA specializes in awesome. With a focus on farmhouse style, Saisons, Sours and a love for hops (think IPA Wrestlemania), all the beers here scream excellence. I have not had a bad beer from them. Tired Hands stands in a class of their own with all their beer having its own character among a sea of breweries who have similar idea. The pub itself has an ever changing beer and food menu to keep anyone coming back. TH is in my opinion, also a gateway for change, as I've seen many non beer folk converted within its halls. There is truly something here for everyone and if you haven't been already, pack your bags now. Cheers to TH for creating something simple, special and initiating change for beer drinkers. 

**A Tsunami of people flooded the pub upon the opening of their two year release party this past weekend, reaching capacity in just four minutes. 

www.tiredhands.com

Bohemian Pils

I want it to rain this beer and then I want to float down a river of it with a giant stein. So crisp, so clean and ever so refreshing. Low ABV, high flavor, endless guzzling. The only US pilsner that has made me feel like I'm in Prague drinking the freshest Czech pilsners from a Tank Bar. Possibly the best US style Czech pils. Benchmark beer. 

www.hardywood.com

Jever!

I love this German beer. Easy drinking pilsner that enables you to anchor yourself to any bar and talk about anything for hours and actually make sense. Session city.  They should hand this out at marathons instead of Gatorade. Reinheitsgebot, a lot.

www.jever.de

Bourbon Sour Porter

Almanac Brewing of San Francisco has it's own unique approach, coining the phrase "Farm To Barrel",  where they select a certain farm for each beer in the named series exclusively.

Tart, vanilla, bourbon and chocolate are what lurks in this gracefully complex beer. Lots of work went into this beer! Developed in twice used bourbon barells, (first bourbon, then beer) impregnated with sour cultures, then left to mutate and take on the qualities of it's host barrel and contents kinda how The Thing imitates other life forms. Don't let this one get away.

www.almanacbeer.com