Top 20 Beers of 2023
Introduction
As we approach the end of 2023, we take a lookback at the best beers of the year. Our team of experienced writers and editorshave blind tasted and judged over 1,000 beers throughout the year, and out ofthese, we have selected the top 20 that represent the pinnacle of brewing. Ourcriteria for selection span beyond just taste, to include factors such asinnovation, uniqueness, and regional availability. In this blog post, we willdelve into our blind judging and tasting process and highlight some of the bestbeers of 2023.
Blind judging and tasting processexplained
Blind judging and tasting are critical toproduce unbiased and objective results. Our panel of judges includes beerexperts, certified judges, and professional brewers who have years ofexperience in the industry. Each beer is researched and tasted anonymously toavoid any preconceived biases. We judge each beer based on its aroma, taste,appearance, and mouthfeel and give it a score based on these factors. Only thetop-scoring beers from each category move on to the next stage.
In the final stage, our top writers andeditors taste the selected beers blindly and discuss their opinions. Only thebeers that impress us with their exceptional taste and unique qualities areselected as the Best 20 Beers in 2023.
Criteria for selecting the Best 20Beers in 2023
Our criteria for selecting the best beers of2023 were not just limited to taste. We also looked for unique brewingtechniques, innovative ingredients, and regional availability. Each beer had toscore high on our blind judging criteria, and we considered beers from all overthe world. We also broadened our selection to include a variety of styles, fromclassic pilsners to new experimental brews.
In addition, we wanted to highlight the latesttrends in the beer industry, such as the evolution of hop-forward lagers. Ourtop beer, the 12 West Radial Spines, is an excellent example of this trend.This beer takes the best elements of a classic pilsner and pairs them withcontemporary hops.
In conclusion, the Best 20 Beers in 2023represent the pinnacle of brewing excellence. Through blind judging andtasting, we have selected beers that not only taste exceptional but alsopossess unique and innovative qualities. We hope this list inspires you to trynew beers and explore the exciting world of brewing.
Best 20 Beers in 2023 List
List of the 20 Best Beers
As a beer lover and a writer, I had theprivilege to be part of the panel that assessed and selected the best 20 beersin 2023. Our top writers, editors, and contributors assessed over a thousandbeers blindly before arriving at the 20 best beers in 2023. Here are the beersthat made it to the top 20:
1. 12 West Radial Spines
2. Anchorage Call Us When You Get There
3. Augustiener Pils
4. Bellwoods Bring Out Your Dead
5. Brasserie De La Senne Equinoxio
6. Brouwerij De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis
7. Burial Shadowclock Pilsner
8. Cerebral Weekend Vibes
9. Fantôme De Noël
10. Firestone Walker Parabola
11. Foam Brewers Built to Spill
12. Hill Farmstead Poetica 4
13. Jackie O's Champion Ground
14. Jester King El Cedro
15. Montucky Skies
16. Oxbow Harvest
17. Russian River Consecration
18. Schilling Landbier
19. Sloop Juice Bomb
20. Tröegs Nugget Nectar
Short descriptions and breweries
1. 12 West Radial Spines: This hop-forwardlager is a beautiful blend of pilsner subtlety and contemporary hops. (Brewery:12 West Brewing, AZ)
2. Anchorage Call Us When You Get There: ThisAmerican Wild Ale infuses apricots, vanilla beans, and Brettanomyces yeast tocreate a fruity, crisp beer. (Brewery: Anchorage Brewing Company, AK)
3. Augustiener Pils: One of the greatestpilsners around, with a floral, herby flavor and a crisp, refreshing finish.(Brewery: Augustiner-Bräu, Germany)
4. Bellwoods Bring Out Your Dead: Thisbarrel-aged beer is a blend of 1, 2, and 3-year-old imperial stouts, with notesof chocolate, coffee, and dried fruit. (Brewery: Bellwoods Brewery, Canada)
5. Brasserie De La Senne Equinoxio: A blendedbeer made from three different barrel-aged beers, with flavors of sourcherries, sherry, and oak. (Brewery: Brasserie de la Senne, Belgium)
6. Brouwerij De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis: Acomplex imperial stout with flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and slightsmokiness. (Brewery: Brouwerij De Molen, Netherlands)
7. Burial Shadowclock Pilsner: ThisCzech-style pilsner has notes of honey, grass, and a subtle bitterness.(Brewery: Burial Beer Co., NC)
8. Cerebral Weekend Vibes: A hazy IPA withtropical fruit flavors and aromas of passionfruit and mango. (Brewery: CerebralBrewing, CO)
9. Fantôme De Noël: A spiced farmhouse alewith notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. (Brewery: Brasserie Fantôme,Belgium)
10. Firestone Walker Parabola: A barrel-agedimperial stout that has flavors of toffee, vanilla, and chocolate. (Brewery:Firestone Walker Brewing Company, CA)
11. Foam Brewers Built to Spill: A hazy IPAwith notes of orange, pineapple, and grapefruit. (Brewery: Foam Brewers, VT)
12. Hill Farmstead Poetica 4: A barrel-agedsaison with complex flavors of tartness, pepper, and oak. (Brewery: HillFarmstead Brewery, VT)
13. Jackie O's Champion Ground: A bourbonbarrel-aged imperial coffee stout with flavors of roasted coffee, chocolate,and bourbon. (Brewery: Jackie O's Brewery, OH)
14. Jester King El Cedro: A farmhouse ale agedin gin barrels, with flavors of cedar, herb, and a slight tartness. (Brewery:Jester King Brewery, TX)
15. Montucky Skies: A hazy IPA with flavors ofgrapefruit, citrus, and a piney bitterness. (Brewery: Montucky Cold Snacks, MT)
16. Oxbow Harvest: A saison that has beenbarrel-aged with flavors of tartness, lemon, and oak. (Brewery: Oxbow BrewingCompany, ME)
17. Russian River Consecration: A sour aleaged in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, with flavors of cherries and oak. (Brewery:Russian River Brewing Company, CA)
18. Schilling Landbier: A smooth and crispGerman-style lager with flavors of toasted malt and hops. (Brewery: SchillingBeer Co., NH)
19. Sloop Juice Bomb: A hazy IPA with flavorsof tropical fruit, citrus, and a balanced hop bitterness. (Brewery: SloopBrewing Co., NY)
20. Tröegs Nugget Nectar: A hoppy red ale withflavors of pine, citrus, and a caramel sweetness. (Brewery: Tröegs IndependentBrewing, PA)
Overall, these beers showcase the diverseflavors, styles, and brewing techniques that are pushing the boundaries ofmodern craft beer. Each beer has its unique flavor profile, making them standout from the rest. If you're a beer lover, make sure to try these top-ratedbeers from the best breweries around the world.
My Take on the Best 20 Beers in 2023List
As a beer enthusiast and a participant in theblind panel review, I can attest to the 20 beers on this list being the creamof the crop in craft brewing. The list includes beers that are pushing thelimits of style and flavor, brewed by some of the best breweries from aroundthe world.
IPAs
IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a top-tier style inthe world of craft beer, enjoyed by many beer enthusiasts around the world.This year's list includes some of the best IPAs in the market, showcasingvarious flavors and brewing techniques that will impress even the mostdiscerning palates.
Top IPAs in the list
The top IPAs in this year's list include:
1. Cerebral Weekend Vibes
2. Foam Brewers Built to Spill
3. Montucky Skies
4. Sloop Juice Bomb
Tasting notes and flavors
Cerebral Weekend Vibes is a hazy IPA thatboasts tropical flavors and aromas of passionfruit and mango, balanced with asubtle hop bitterness. Foam Brewers' Built to Spill is also a hazy IPA withnotes of orange, pineapple, and grapefruit, showcasing a perfect balance ofhops and fruit flavors. Montucky Skies, another hazy IPA, has flavors ofgrapefruit, citrus, and a piney taste that would satisfy hopheads. Sloop JuiceBomb is a well-balanced IPA with tropical fruit flavors and a balanced hopbitterness that makes it a crowd-pleaser.
In conclusion, craft beer in 2023 continues toevolve and grow, with brewers striving to create unique and bold flavors thatappeal to the tastes of beer enthusiasts worldwide. The best 20 beers in thisyear's list represent a diverse selection of styles and flavors that showcasethe pinnacle of modern craft brewing. As a beer lover, make it a point toexperience these top-rated beers and appreciate the passion and dedication ofthe brewers behind them.
My Take on the Best 20 Beers in 2023
Stouts and Porters
Of all the beer styles, stouts and portershave always been my favorite. I was thrilled to see that several stouts andporters made the list of the best 20 beers in 2023. Here are my top picks:
Top Stouts and Porters in the list
1. Bellwoods Bring Out Your Dead
2. Brouwerij De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis
3. Firestone Walker Parabola
4. Jackie O's Champion Ground
Each of these beers is a masterpiece in itsown right, showcasing the rich, complex flavors and aromas that make stouts andporters so irresistible.
Tasting notes and flavors
Bellwoods Bring Out Your Dead is a barrel-agedimperial stout that combines notes of chocolate, coffee, and dried fruit tocreate a robust, full-bodied beer that lingers on the palate. Brouwerij DeMolen Hel & Verdoemenis is a complex imperial stout with flavors of darkchocolate, coffee, and slight smokiness, making it a perfect beer to savor on acold winter evening. Firestone Walker Parabola is a barrel-aged imperial stoutthat has flavors of toffee, vanilla, and chocolate, creating a decadent dessertin a glass. Jackie O's Champion Ground is a bourbon barrel-aged imperial coffeestout with flavors of roasted coffee, chocolate, and bourbon that meld togetherbeautifully.
Of course, these are just my top picks forstouts and porters from the best 20 beers in 2023. Every beer on the list isworth trying, especially if you're a beer enthusiast who is always on thelookout for the next great brew. From hop-forward lagers to complex farmhouseales, the list has something for every palate. So why not grab a friend andhead to your local brewery or beer bar to experience the very best in brewingtoday?
My Take on the Best 20 Beers in 2023
Stouts and Porters
As a lover of stouts and porters, I waspleased to see that some of the best ones made the list of the top 20 beers in2023. After hours of blind tasting and lively discussion, four stouts andporters emerged as true standouts.
Top Stouts and Porters in the List
1. Bellwoods Bring Out Your Dead
2. Brouwerij De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis
3. Firestone Walker Parabola
4. Jackie O's Champion Ground
Each of these beers showcases the richness andcomplexity that stouts and porters are known for, with unique flavors that makethem truly exceptional.
Tasting Notes and Flavors
Bellwoods Bring Out Your Dead, a barrel-agedimperial stout, is a sensory symphony of chocolate, coffee, and dried fruitflavors that linger on the palate. Brouwerij De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis, acomplex imperial stout, boasts flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint ofsmokiness that make it the perfect beer for a cold winter evening. FirestoneWalker Parabola, a barrel-aged imperial stout, blends toffee, vanilla, andchocolate for a sinfully decadent dessert in a glass. Jackie O's Champion Ground,a bourbon barrel-aged imperial coffee stout, melds the flavors of roastedcoffee, chocolate, and bourbon to create a harmonious and satisfyingexperience.
Lagers and Pilsners
While stouts and porters are my personalfavorite, I can't deny the allure of a well-crafted lager or pilsner. Thisyear, the list of the best 20 beers in 2023 includes a hop-forward lager thathas garnered praise for its innovation and exceptional quality.
Top Lagers and Pilsners in the List
1. 12 West Radial Spines
The 12 West Radial Spines is a prime exampleof the evolution of hop-forward lagers, marrying the subtlety and nuance oftraditional lagers with contemporary hops. The result is a refreshing beer thatboasts great drinkability and regionally-sourced ingredients.
Tasting Notes and Flavors
The intersecting flavors of pilsner and hopscomplement each other in this beer, with notes of citrus, tropical fruits, anda touch of biscuity malt. Its refreshing character and subtle bitterness makeit the perfect beer for any occasion.
In conclusion, the list of the best 20 beersin 2023 offers a diverse range of styles and flavors, showcasing the very bestin brewing today. Whether you prefer stouts and porters or lagers and pilsners,there is something for everyone on this list. I look forward to trying all ofthese exceptional beers and discovering new favorites in the years to come.
My Take on the Best 20 Beers in 2023
Sours and Wild Ales
While stouts and porters have always been myfavorite style of beer, I have a deep appreciation for sours and wild ales. Iwas pleased to see that several beers from this category made the list of thebest 20 beers in 2023. Here are my top picks:
Top Sours and Wild Ales in the list
1. Fonta Flora American Solera
2. Rare Barrel Increasingly Infinite
3. The Referend Biere de Coupage
4. Troon Brewing Not a Sphere, a Hemisphere
Each of these beers is a unique representationof the sours and wild ale style, showcasing the creativity and skill of thebrewer.
Tasting notes and flavors
Fonta Flora American Solera is a mixed-culturesaison that has been aged in oak foudres with local North Carolina honey andginger. The result is a complex beer with notes of tartness, spice, and asubtle sweetness from the honey. Rare Barrel Increasingly Infinite is abarrel-aged beer that has undergone a secondary fermentation with raspberries,blueberries, and boysenberries. The fruit adds a bright, fruity flavor to thebeer, while the barrel aging imparts notes of oak and vanilla. The ReferendBiere de Coupage is a blend of spontaneously fermented ale and barrel-aged sourbeer, creating a beer with layers of funk, acidity, and complexity. TroonBrewing Not a Sphere, a Hemisphere is a farmhouse-style ale aged in oak barrelswith raspberries and Brettanomyces yeast, creating a beer with a hint offruitiness and funk.
The sours and wild ales on the best 20 beerslist represent some of the most innovative and exciting beers being brewedtoday. Whether you're a sour beer aficionado or are just curious about thestyle, these beers are worth seeking out and trying for yourself.
Overall, the best 20 beers in 2023 are atestament to the skill and creativity of today's brewers. With a diverse rangeof styles and flavors, there is something for every beer lover on this list. Ilook forward to discovering even more exciting beers in the years to come.
My Take on the Best 20 Beers in 2023
Sours and Wild Ales
As an avid beer enthusiast, I always lookforward to the annual Best 20 Beers list from Craft Beer & Brewing. The2023 list did not disappoint, with a fantastic selection of beers fromdifferent categories. Amongst them were some sensational Sours and Wild Alesthat caught my attention.
Top Sours and Wild Ales in the list
1. Fonta Flora American Solera
2. Rare Barrel Increasingly Infinite
3. The Referend Biere de Coupage
4. Troon Brewing Not a Sphere, a Hemisphere
The Fonta Flora American Solera made it to thevery top of my list for its unique blend of North Carolina honey and gingerflavors with its tartness. The Rare Barrel Increasingly Infinite, with itsbarrel-aged fermentation with raspberries, blueberries, and boysenberries,offers a bright fruity feel with hints of oak and vanilla. I particularlyenjoyed the mixed flavors of The Referend Biere de Coupage with its spontaneousfermentation ale, and barrel-aged sour beer layers of funk, acidity, andcomplexity. Finally, the Troon Brewing Not a Sphere, a Hemisphere with itsfarmhouse-style ale aged in oak barrels with raspberries and Brettanomycesyeast, created a beer with a mild fruitiness and funk.
Tasting notes and flavors
Fonta Flora American Solera is an excellentoption for beer lovers who appreciate unique flavors. Blending the beer withNorth Carolina honey and ginger resulted in multiple notes of tartness mixedwith spice and a subtle sweetness.
Rare Barrel Increasingly Infinite has all theflavors that beer lovers expect in a wild ale. The second fermentation withraspberries, blueberries, and boysenberries, and barrel aging adds fresh,fruity flavors with hints of vanilla.
The Referend Biere de Coupage is anoutstanding barrel-aged sour beer, with its unique blend of sour ale andbarrel-aged sour beer, offering different flavors to stir an explosion oftaste. The beer has layers of funk, acidity, and complexity that make itunique.
Troon Brewing Not a Sphere, a Hemisphere is anexcellent example of a farmhouse-style ale, aged in oak barrels withraspberries and Brettanomyces yeast. The alcohol's fruitiness and funk workwell together, providing a reasonably easy-to-drink beer with fermented yeastand raspberry notes.
The sours and wild ales mentioned in the best20 beers list showcases how innovation and creativity can take beer to newheights and offer something different for everyone's taste buds. Whether a sourbeer enthusiast or a curious beer drinker looking for something exciting totry, this list offers options worth checking out.
Belgians and Trappists
Belgian beers and ales have a rich, longhistory. They continue to captivate people worldwide with their distinctiveflavors and brewing techniques. It wasfantastic to see several Belgian and Trappist beers made Craft Beer &Brewing's list of the best 20 beers of 2023.
Top Belgians and Trappists in thelist
1. St. Bernardus Abt 12
2. Drie Fonteinen Oude Geuze
3. Westvleteren XII
4. Fantôme Saison
St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a Belgian beer with ahistory dating back to 1946. The beer is dark and potent with rich malt flavorsand hints of dark fruits, sweet caramel, and roasted malt.
Drie Fonteinen Oude Geuze is a top-fermentedsour beer that offers a mix of different vintages of young and old lambicbeers, resulting in a complex and unique taste experience.
Westvleteren XII is widely considered one ofBelgium's best beers, made by the Trappist monks of the Saint Sixtus Abbey,with a limited production of 6000 barrels per year. The Westvleteren XII offerscomplex dark fruit flavors, rich malts, and a velvety finish.
Fantôme Saison is a traditional Belgian saisonbeer with a unique mix of spices, including coriander and ginger. It isnaturally carbonated in bottles and has a funky, spicy taste with a dry finish.
Tasting notes and flavors
St. Bernardus Abt 12 has complex, rich maltflavors with a mix of dark fruits like raisins, prunes, and figs, and hints ofsweet caramel and roasted malt. The beer is velvety and smooth with a full bodythat coats the palate.
Drie Fonteinen Oude Geuze has a complex mix ofdifferent lambic beers aged for several years, resulting in a sour beer that istart and funky with notes of fruit and a dry finish.
Westvleteren XII offers a mix of differentflavors, adding layers of dark fruit, caramel, and chocolate. The beer offerssubtle hints of dark figs that develop into a velvety and rich finish.
Fantôme Saison is a spicy Belgian saison witha blend of spices such as coriander and ginger. The beer is naturallycarbonated in the bottles, resulting in significant amounts of CO2 with alively, crisp finish.
Overall, the best 20 beers list offers aglimpse into the talent of today's brewers and their innovative approaches tobrewing. It showcases breweries from different countries and styles, providingsomething different for every beer enthusiast's taste.
My Top Picks from the Best 20 Beersin 2023: Americans and Double/Imperial IPAs
As a lover of hoppy beers, I was thrilled tosee several American and Double/Imperial IPAs on the list of the best 20 beersin 2023. Here are my top picks:
Top American and Double/Imperial IPAsin the list
1. Russian River Pliny the Elder
2. Trillium Congress St.
3. Tree House Alter Ego
4. Hill Farmstead Society & Solitude #7
Each of these beers showcases the bold andflavorful hop profiles that have made American and Double/Imperial IPAs sopopular.
Tasting notes and flavors
Russian River Pliny the Elder is a classicexample of the style, with a piney and citrusy hop profile and a cleanbitterness. Trillium Congress St. is a New England-style IPA with a juicy andtropical hop flavor, while Tree House Alter Ego has a similar flavor profilewith a touch of resinous bitterness. Hill Farmstead Society & Solitude #7is a complex Double/Imperial IPA with notes of floral, citrus, and pine.
These American and Double/Imperial IPAs areall exceptional beers, showcasing the best of what this style has to offer.With a range of different hop profiles and flavor profiles, there is somethingfor everyone in this category.
Overall, the best 20 beers in 2023 showcasethe diversity and innovation of the craft beer industry. From classic styles tocutting-edge experimentation, these beers represent the finest that brewing hasto offer. Whether you're a die-hard beer enthusiast or just enjoy trying newthings, these beers are definitely worth seeking out and trying for yourself. Assomeone who appreciates the classic styles of beer, I was delighted to see someEnglish and Irish Ales represented in the list of the best 20 beers in 2023.Here are my top picks:
Top English and Irish Ales in thelist
1. Fuller's ESB
2. O'Hara's Irish Stout
3. Timothy Taylor's Landlord
4. Theakston Old Peculier
Each of these beers represents the heritageand craftsmanship that goes into creating traditional ales, with a focus onbalance and drinkability.
Tasting notes and flavors
Fuller's ESB is a classic English ale with amalty sweetness balanced by an earthy hop bitterness. O'Hara's Irish Stout is asmooth and creamy stout with notes of coffee and chocolate. Timothy Taylor'sLandlord is a well-balanced bitter with a floral hop aroma and a clean finish.Theakston Old Peculier is a rich and full-bodied ale with flavors of dark fruitand a hint of caramel.
These English and Irish Ales may not be asbold and hop-forward as some of the other beers on the list, but their subtletyand complexity make them no less impressive. They represent the centuries-oldbrewing traditions of these regions and showcase the skill and creativity ofthe brewers who continue to perfect these styles.
Overall, the best 20 beers in 2023 offersomething for everyone, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts to classic ales. Whatthey all have in common is quality and innovation, whether it's through newtakes on classic styles or experimentation with new techniques and ingredients.As someone who loves trying new beers and exploring the diversity of the craftbeer world, I can't wait to seek out and try these top-rated brews for myself.
My Top Picks from the Best 20 Beersin 2023: Americans and Double/Imperial IPAs
Being a lover of hoppy beers, I was ecstaticto see several American and Double/Imperial IPAs on the list of the best 20beers in 2023. Out of all the exceptional beers on the list, I have decided topick my top American and Double/Imperial IPAs.
Top American and Double/Imperial IPAsin the list
1. Russian River Pliny the Elder
2. Trillium Congress St.
3. Tree House Alter Ego
4. Hill Farmstead Society & Solitude #7
What I like about these beers, in particular,is that they showcase the bold and flavorful hop profiles that make Americanand Double/Imperial IPAs so appealing to hop enthusiasts like myself.
Tasting notes and flavors
Russian River Pliny the Elder is a classicexample of the style, with a piney and citrusy hop profile and a cleanbitterness. Trillium Congress St. is a New England-style IPA with a juicy andtropical hop flavor, while Tree House Alter Ego has a similar flavor profilewith a touch of resinous bitterness. Hill Farmstead Society & Solitude #7is a complex Double/Imperial IPA with notes of floral, citrus, and pine.
These American and Double/Imperial IPAs areall standout beers and serve as a testament to the range and diversity of thestyle. Each beer offers a unique flavor profile and offers something for everyhop enthusiast to appreciate.
Overall summary and impressions ofthe Best 20 Beers in 2023
The Best 20 Beers in 2023 showcase the ongoingdiversity and innovation of the craft beer industry. This year's list exhibitsa broad range of styles, from new and trendy to old-school and classic. Withover a thousand beers being judged blind and narrowed down to the final 20,it's undeniable that these beers represent the best that the industry has tooffer.
Why these beers stood out
One factor that makes the beers stand out fromthe millions of other beers in the market is the passion and creativity thateach brewery brings to their craft. These beers embody the artistry and talentof both experienced and aspiring brewers, and the beer industry willundoubtedly continue to push the envelope further.
Future expectations for craft beerindustry
As we move further into the future, Ianticipate that the craft beer industry will continue to progress and evolvetremendously. New innovations and technological advancements will allow brewersto create even more creative and unique flavors and styles, expanding theoptions for us consumers. I can't wait to see what's in store for the future ofcraft beer.
