The Daily Muddle

Last year, I posted my inaugural Beer of the Year Awards on BuzzonBeer.com. It was a lot of fun and a great way to cap the year. It was a little bit of a struggle to remember the beers from 2008 because I had not kept any record of them.  Fortunately, this year I have kept record of most of the beers I have tried over 2009 via BuzzonBeer.  So – here is my 2009 BOY Awards – enjoy!

Hoppin' Frog's Bodacious Black & Tan

5.  Hoppin’ Frog’s Bodacious Black & Tan

I really enjoy black & tan’s and don’t think you see enough of them around.  This beer gave Zach the idea for this little contest and it turned out to be a lot of fun (even if we never came up with a winner).  One of my favorite things about black & tan’s is that they are just enjoyable to drink.  The flavors mix so well (usually!) and balance each other out (again…usually!) for an almost always enjoyable beer.  Anyways – the place I usually buy beer has a large selection and I think this is the only black & tan.  Confuses me a little.  If you stumble upon this guy, definitely give it a try…heck, if you stumble upon any black and tan…give it a try.  As an aside, I had several Hoppin’ Frog brews during 2009 and they are all very good.  I would recommend most – this just happened to be my favorite.

Big Sky's Moose Drool

Big Sky was easily my brewer of the year and Moose Drool (possibly the best name for a beer ever) was my 2nd favorite brew of theirs over the course of 2009.  It is a brown ale, but has a distinct taste that I can’t really put a finger on.  It almost turned me off at first, but after awhile I really started to enjoy it.  A lot.  If you ever stumble upon Moose Drool or any Big Sky brew, I can’t recommend them more.

Southern Tier's Unearthly Imperial IPA

3.  Southern Tier’s Unearthly Imperial IPA

I was really really impressed by this beer.  Sometimes imperial’s can be overpowering with all the alcohol, but not this guy.  It was actually really smooth and had nice balance.  As Zach pointed out (and thanks for the picture), it is a little pricey, but if you can find it on the cheaper side, definitely check it out.

2.  Big Sky’s IPA (far left)

Big Sky's IPA

Big Sky’s second appearance on my 2009 BOY Awards and for good reason.  Big Sky puts a distinct spin on several types of classical brews and this IPA is no exception.  It almost has a fruity taste to it, which doesn’t sound appealing, but it works very well.  Again, as with most Big Sky brews, you may be taken back at first due its unorthodox taste, but give it a chance and I’m sure you will start enjoying.  I am currently living in the midwest, but am hoping to return to the east coast.  To my dismay, Illinois is the furthest east Big Sky distributes.  Can we somehow get them to change this?  Seriously?  I think a letter needs to be written.

Ska Brewing's Modus Hoperandi IPA

1. Ska Brewing’s Modus Hoperandi IPA

At over $11 a 6-pack this is certainly a pricey beer, but it is so darn good it is worth it.  Just so good.  My BOY Awards are a little IPA heavy, but this IPA didn’t really have any competition for the top spot.  This beer appeared at my local liquor store in late October and I was attracted due to it coming in a can.  I picked some up neglecting to look 2 inches down the shelf at the price, but am thrilled I didn’t because I may have never bought any if I did.  It ended up being my BOY.  There is nothing really exotic about it like Big Sky’s IPA, but it is one of the most flavorful and drinkable IPA’s I have ever come across.  Wolaver’s IPA and Bear Republic’s Racer 5 were my top 2 BOY in 2008 and I think Modus takes them both out.  I’ve scoured for more Ska Brewing (sound on this page – ick) brews, but haven’t been able to find any.  Another beer I will desperately miss if my move back to the east coast occurs soon (strangest distribution for a brewer I’ve ever seen by the way: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, New Mexico).

So that’s it folks.  Another year in the books.  I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful if you’re ever roaming around your local liquor store looking for something new to try!

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