What’s a more appropriate way to kick off the new year than sharing my current top 4 breweries? I am more of a beer connoisseur than let’s say a wino or anything else. Wino is the last thing I would classify as since I only know if I like it or not. I couldn’t tell you that this wine has mmmm let’s say cherry blossoms with an undertone of freshly baked oats in the summer wind. What? Not to bash winos, I just love my beer…and Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, Patrõn, etc. Well that’s another post possibly.

1. Numero Uno – ROGUE brewery

This Oregon based brewery has not only created an amazing image with supreme marketing tactics; the beers are phenomenal. I’ve been a big fan of ROGUE beer since my first days of college when I moved out to Flagstaff, AZ where I had the chance to acquire a taste for good old microbrews. The first ROGUE I ever had was a bomber (22 U.S. fl oz) of Shakespeare Stout and I actually dropped it out of the car before going to a party. It was meant to be. The bomber hit the cement and didn’t break so I picked it up to enjoy a new relaxing chocolaty flavor. I also had the chance to visit the brewery at it’s Portland location last New Years, which was so awesome! The brewery had ROGUE beers I’d never seen before. Oh, and they distill their own rum! Visit Site

2. Numero Dos – Stone Brewing Co

This brewery located in Southern California, San Diego is my second choice and definitely deserves it. Although Stone may not have some of the more flavorful beers such as ROGUE, they have some beers that will make your hair stand up. If you like strong and hoppy brews then Stone beers will hit home. The bottles are defined by illustrations of gargoyles and notations on the back claiming you may not be worthy to drink this beer if… Stone’s standard beers range between 4.4% – 7.7% in alc/vol and their seasonal beers range between 10.5% – 11.4% alc/vol. One of these includes the Double Bastard which is a turbo charged Arrogant Bastard. Every year around November or December they release this full force with a massive 3 liter bottle to double your arrogance. And you have to know how to use a key to unlock this bad boy. Visit Site

2. Numero Tres – New Belgium Brewing

This eco-friendly and consistently tasty brewery located in Colorado is my third choice. Sometimes it is actually my first choice because the beers are so good and right on all the time. Every year in Flagstaff, AZ around October, New Belgium Brewing hosts the annual Fat Tire Festival (aka Tour de Fat). You should be able to find more locations and dates on their site. I went to a couple of the festivals during college, which were held downtown at Wheeler Park. Unfortunately due to the growth and other circumstantial reasons, the Tour de Fat has been canceled in Flagstaff, AZ. This is sad news even for me now living in Dallas, TX. Visit Site

4. Numero Cuatro – Saint Arnold Brewing Company

After Shiner started tasting funny I had to pick a new brewery to represent Texas and that has become Saint Arnold Brewery, Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery located in Houston, Texas. I actually like this Brewery better than I used to like Shiner now that I think of it because the beers are so delicious. Visit Site

Happy New Year! Drink Beer! Be Safe!

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