While New Belgium‘s transformation through the years from kick-ass Colorado craft brewer to pretty big time national brewer resulted in a predictable decline in quality of the product, it must be acknowledged that the Trippel remains a not-half-bad Belgian for your basic no-special-occasion drinking pleasure. 1554 isn’t bad, either. I wish Fat Tire was what it was back in 1993,

Okay, so I’m a pimp for Elliott Bay. But this lager is  incredible. Rich, although not as heavy as a stout, and aged in Heaven Hills bourbon casks. The result is a sour robust enough for the snob (in the house!) but not one that will weigh you down if you prefer lighter body beers (although the ABV may well

Oh. Muhgod. If I blindfolded you and held this to your nose you’d think you were smelling a tart red wine vinegar. But give it a taste. Pure magic. Brewed back in early 2010 to commemorate Elliott Bay Brewing’s 1000th batch (hence the name), this anniversary brew was divided into four separate barrels. This year’s release has been aging since then

Maybe I’m biased, but I’ve always felt like holiday brews should be bold, audacious even. Laurelwood’s seasonal pumpkin strikes a lovely note body-wise – it’s a nicely balanced amber that’s very “drinkable” (although I hate that term).