Craft beer aficionados know that each year often brings surprising discoveries. A sip here and a taste there can redefine your understanding of what this diverse beverage can really achieve. In 2024, I encountered several beers that prompted me to reevaluate my perceptions and experience of the brewing craft. Here, I’ll highlight eight exceptional brews that captured my palate and imagination, all showcased in varying locales.
One of my most memorable moments took place on a bright day in Portland, Oregon. I found myself in a cozy, newly established brewery, ForeLand Beer, enjoying happy hour with a fellow beer enthusiast and writer, Jeff Alworth. The highlight of that outing was a collaborative brew between ForeLand and Kings and Daughters from Hood River, Oregon, served from a cask. As it happens, this method of serving beer is rooted in tradition and adds nuance—less carbonation and a slightly warmer temperature allowed the rich flavors to shine. The nostalgic German-style glass did not go unnoticed, playfully nodding to the holiday spirit even though it was March. The toasted malt backbone of that cask ale remains etched in my memory, embodying the delightful spirit of craft brewing.
Heading back East, I found myself in Connecticut, where I visited Counter Weight Brewing. Celebrated for producing some of the finest lagers around, Counter Weight has racked up accolades from prestigious beer competitions such as the Great American Beer Festival. It was a chilly January visit, and the tasting room buzzed with warmth and camaraderie. My decision, guided by the friendly recommendations from staff member Manny, to try their rauchbock was serendipitous. This 6.2% ABV smoked lager resonated deeply with its rich, dark profile, subtly mingling smokiness and a touch of warmth, making it ideal for the winter chill.
Later in the year, I had the fortune of witnessing a solar eclipse that left me spellbound. To complement the moment, I decided to explore Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro Bend, Vermont, which is frequently hailed as one of the world’s best breweries. Here, I encountered a low-alcohol mixed fermentation sour that made a lasting impression. With an alcohol content of just 2%, this intriguing beer burst with luscious plum flavors derived from pomace, the residual from juicing fruits. It stood out for its vibrant dark purple hue and demonstrated that lower ABVs could indeed be explosive in flavor.
During a visit to Utah, I discovered Offset Bier Co., a charming brewery just outside Park City. The laid-back atmosphere of their tasting room encouraged social interaction and relaxation. I sampled their DOPO IPA—a delightful concoction featuring a harmonious blend of Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, and Simcoe hops with a modest 5% ABV. This beer proved to be a refreshing companion during outdoor activities, and it gained recognition in Craft Beer and Brewing magazine’s “best of” list, cementing its reputation.
A Cincinnati Classic Experience
Cincinnati’s burgeoning beer scene commanded my attention next; I found myself indulging in a hazy IPA from Masthead Brewing. After a Reds game, I entered Knockback Nat’s dive bar atmosphere, where expectations were high given the origins of the hazy IPA. Nevertheless, this particular brew exceeded them all. The hazy, 6.7% ABV IPA burst with juicy orange flavors and an inviting mouthfeel, leaving me craving another pint in no time.
September arrived with an opportunity for international exploration. While strolling through England’s picturesque Yorkshire Dales, I settled into the Green Dragon pub in Hadrow, known from the PBS series “All Creatures Great and Small.” Here, I tasted Old Peculier, a revered ale with a long-standing brewing heritage dating back to the early 1800s. The 5.6% ABV brew’s rich cherry and toasted notes offered a sense of history and craftsmanship that spoke volumes about British brewing traditions.
Distinct Flavors in the Air of Mexico
In October, a trip to Merida, Mexico, introduced me to Cerveza Fervor, a budding brewery that turned heads with its West Coast IPA. Encountering a fresh beer in a taproom pulsating with local life was invigorating. With a moderate 5.6% ABV, the hoppy characteristics and refreshing profile stood out. Tasting this beer brought home a lesson: climate constraints in brewing can lead to innovation and creativity that truly captivates.
As I reflect on these eight standout experiences from 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the connections fostered over a shared love of beer. Each pint and every gathering encapsulated a spirit of togetherness and discovery. I look forward to another year of exploration, camaraderie, and new flavors in the ever-evolving world of craft beer. Cheers!