Beer Year in Review #6: Six Already!? I'm Getting Old (2024)

So   how mind blowing is it that I have made it to my sixth year beer review? I'm getting old. lol. Anyway, let's look at the 5 best for the year! 

#5:

Name: Ruthless
Brewer: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Type: Rye IPA
ABV: 6.6%

Grade: B+
From the Brewer: Rye has been a staple grain for millennia — sought after for its stubborn resilience in the field and revered for its unique flavor. Ruthless Rye IPA combines the peppery spice of rye and bright, citrusy hops for complex flavors at once rustic and refined.

My Thoughts: I love rye. So I wish this beer had more of it. Still, not bad. If I see this I will totally drink it again. 

#4:

Name: Scorpion Bowl

Brewer: Stone Brewing

ABV:7.5%

Grade: B+

From the Brewer: To create a recipe so tropical and fruity without the addition of fruit was no feat our team of brewers would leave up to the gods. They took floral and citrus notes from Mosaic, Loral and Mandarina Bavaria hops to dish up a mouthwatering fruit punch to the palate. Get deserted on your own island or share with others. One thing is for sure: there is no need to light this one. It is already on fire.

My Thoughts: Pretty good. I'd recommend it. Not mind blowing but a worthy to try IPA.

#3:

Name: Jade

Type: IPA

Brewer: Foothills Brewing

Location: North Carolina

ABV:7.4%

IBUS: 86

Grade: A-

From the Brewer: Jade. Exotic jewel of the orient. Now a gem of an IPA. Bold, citrusy Pacific Jade hops lend striking tropical fruit notes and a hint of peppery finish to this easy-drinking IPA. Dry hop additions of Chinook and Citra add heady aroma and bold flavor. A special beer to charm the hop lover in you. Go ahead. Get Jaded.

My Thoughts: Fantastic IPA. Love the finish on this one. And doesn't punch you in the face with grapefruit. Win, win! 

#2:

Name: Green Man IPA
Brewer: Green Man Brewery
Type: IPA
Basic Location: Ashville, NC
ABV: 6.2%

Grade: A
From the Brewer: Green Man India Pale Ale is delectably hoppy with a properly balanced body. Generous hop additions give it a wonderful bitterness and pleasant floral nose, while our combination of traditional British malts creates a rich, satisfying flavor and alluring copper color. Our interpretation of the original IPA style is sure to please all hopheads.

My Thoughts:  Very nice and smooth IPA. Easy to drink when the weather is hot. Pretty tasty!

And finally numero uno! #1:

Name: Black and Tan
Brewer: Guinness
Type: Black and Tan
ABV: 5%

Grade: S
Info: A black and tan is a beer cocktail made by layering a pale beer (usually pale ale) and a dark beer (usually stout). In Ireland, the drink is called a half and half.

My Thoughts: A black and tan is a classic drink. The original, traditional black and tan is half Guinness and half Bass Ale. But any porter and lager will do in a pinch. Also some companies sell a black and tan already mixed such as Yuengling. Still nothing beats pouring your own. Oh wait, actually it does! Go to an Irish pub and let them pour it for you! See the pic above. So amazing and delicious. Can't recommend it enough!

There you go. Five killer beers in 2024. Stay tuned for another amazing beer year! And stay tuned, I have one last post before the end of the year. And a new recurring feature too!