1. Dogfish Head Burton Baton - This is an imperial pale ale that I first tasted during my great visit to the Dogfish Head Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach last year. It was impressive on day one, and tops my list.
2. Dogfish Head World Wide Stout - Sorry guys, but I just can't resist staying with Sam Calagione and co. for our second selection. While this style may be more appropriate for the colder months, WWS comes in second for me because it is a stout like none other. Rich texture, deep flavor, a unique heavy brew.
3. Stone Russian Imperial Stout - Okay, so I'll throw another dark variety in here. It would be too easy to say this type of beer is Guinness with hops. That's only the starting point. Rich and flavorful and satisfying.
4. Allagash Tripel - This Maine company reached my radar screen recently, and I've been impressed. They do well in the Belgian styles. I like this one the best.
5. Wyerbacher Quad - Support your local brews! Wyerbacher is made in Easton, and the Quad is another one of those complex offerings that have too many things going on with its taste to put in print. Try it.
6. Laughing Dog's The Dogfather - The logo on the front of the bottle is of course from The Godfather film. This is another imperial stout. I'm starting to sense a theme here. Once again, lots going on in every swallow.
7. Russian River's Pliny the Elder - I somehow got my hands on this much-sought-after beer recently. And honestly, I was slightly disappointed. There has been just too much hype. Aside from that, it was a delightful experience. A really great beer. Definitely worthy of any top 10 list. But would I wait two hours in line to get a ticket so I can have one glass? The answer rhymes with "go."
8. Trappist Westvleteren's Quad - Don't ask me how my friend got a hold of this hard-to-find Belgian selection. I just don't know. Represents everything that is good about Trappist brewing. And mysteriously enough, I don't recall there being a label on it.
9. Riverhorse Tripel Horse - Yes, another local brew, this one from Lambertville, New Jersey. I wonder if the Belgians are worried about American brewers copying them so well?
10. King of Hop Imperial IPA - Don't go looking for this beer at your local distributor. You cannot find it anywhere. In fact, only one bottle of it still exists. My brother and I made this about a year ago with homebrewing equipment. We tried to model it after the Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA. Most people who have tried it have told us we were successful. Either that, or they are just trying to be nice. In any event, one last bottle is in my refrigerator, and my brother and I will probably enjoy it at some point, obliterating this one-time brew from existence.
I cannot emphasize enough. Please drink responsibly during Philly Beer Week and the other 51 weeks of the year. Be smart, and be safe! Matt
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Visit Philly Beer Week's official website at http://phillybeerweek.org.
