We’re not going to say these are the 25 best beers in the world. That’s something very, very subjective. We will say that these are 25 beers that are seriously worth trying at some point in your life, however. Some you may have had already, seen at your local liquor store, or noticed on tap somewhere. Others you’ll have to scout out and hunt down. They’re presented in no particular order. To make it easy for you to keep track of how you’re doing, we’ve included a printable checklist for your wallet. Drink up.
1. Heady Topper (The Alchemist)
Perhaps the best IPA you’ll ever taste in a country that has adopted the IPA as its own. This Imperial/Double IPA from The Alchemist in Vermont is actually recommended to be consumed right out of the can. Like a lot on this list, you may have to travel to get it. Alchemist Beer
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2. Dark Lord (Three Floyds)
When a beer has its own holiday (so to speak) you know it’s special. Dark Lord is available one day a year in April (Dark Lord Day) at Three Floyds Brewery in Indiana. It’s an amazing stout you’ll have to plan a trip around. 3Floyds
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3. Schneider Weisse Unser Aventinus
Few beers on this list are as approachable as this Weizenbock. The German beer – always a plus when it comes to wheat beers both dark and light – is full of flavor (banana bread, clove, raisin) and is highly drinkable. Schneider Weisse
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4. Westvleteren XII
Often labeled as the world’s best beer, this Belgian Quad is one of Westvleteren’s three different brews. Tracking some down is not easy since the monks only make enough to support the monastery regardless of the insane demand. It was on sale one day last year in the US and got beer fans in a tizzy. Saint Sixtus
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5. The Abyss (Deschutes Brewery)
The hints of molasses and licorice give this super dark stout serious flavor. It’s balanced but complex and is one of the best Imperial Stouts out there in our book. Deschutes Brewery
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6. Pliny the Elder (Russian River Brewing Co.)
Probably the most adored and revered IPA (even more so than Heady Topper) in the US, Pliny the Elder is a seriously delicious and perfectly balanced brew. Russian River Brewing Co.
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7. Pliny the Younger (Russian River Brewing Co.)
Oh, Pliny the Elder is too easy for you to get your hands on (a great problem to have), well go hunt down some Pliny the Younger. The Triple IPA is another amazing beer from Russian River that’s harder to obtain. Russian River Brewing Co.
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8. Trappistes Rochefort 10
This Belgian Quad packs a punch at over 11% ABV. It’s like port but for beer fans. Abbaye Rochefort
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9. Rogue Chipotle Ale
Rogue’s Chipotle Ale makes the list for its basic interestingness. It’s an amber ale kicked up with some smoked chipotle chile peppers that’s worth trying for the experience alone. It’s also the only beer we’d follow with a glass of milk. Rogue
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10. Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
You could eat straight hop pellets, or you could drink a 120 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head. While it might be better to relax in front of the TV with a bottle of 60 Minute or 90 Minute, the high alcohol and IBUs are worth the headache the next morning. Dogfish Head
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11. Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout
Founders is one of those breweries you can always rely on for consistently good beers. Their CBS (not to be confused with the also awesome, KBS) may be their finest. It’s sweet and frothy and hyped for good reason. Founders Brewing
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12. Saison Dupont
Saisons have been hot for a bit, and if you want to try the gold standard, you’d be wise to get your palms on some from the Dupont brewery. It’s easy drinking after a day of working in the fields. Brasserie Dupont
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13. Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen
Because you’ve always wanted to drink the smell of your grill, there’s this smoked beer from Germany. While it’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea (or pint of lager), it is something you should swig at least once. Besides, who wouldn’t want to drink bacon?? Schlenkerla
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14. AleSmith Speedway Stout
If you’re the kinda guy who seriously enjoys his espresso, Speedway Stout from AleSmith in San Diego is right up your alley. It sports an incredible coffee profile that any coffee and beer fan will enjoy. AleSmith
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