When you hit your local liquor store or brewery in search of some new beers to try, there are a few we’d recommend keeping an eye out for. Some of these are brand new, some are seasonals making their return, and some were just announced for future release. So next time you’re out scouting some potential fridge-dwellers, look out for these.
Stone 19th Anniversary Thunderstruck IPA
To celebrate their 19th anniversary, Stone sought inspiration from Down Under. Thunderstruck IPA uses four Australian hop varieties—Topaz, Galaxy, Ella, and Vic Secret—along with malt shipped from Australia. The label even packs subtle design elements that speak to the country that inspired it—a dot pattern inspired by aboriginal artists and lightning bolts that might just be an ode to AC/DC. Celebrate close to 20 years of Stone with Thunderstruck and a few shrimp on the barbie. Link
Vault Mosaic Imperial IPA
While the first release of this new can has come and gone (8/15), we’re fans of Vault and wanted to put it on your radar. Boasting a sleek new design, the 16 ouncer is the second canned release from the Pennsylvania brewery (they released Nitro Can Coffee Stout earlier this year). If you’re in on the latest Mosaic hop craze, this is a beer worth seeking out. Link
Smuttlabs Kung Fu Hobo
From the experimental, small-batch division of Smuttynose Brewing Company comes Kung Fu Hobo, a Kölsch with character. The 5% ABV brew boasts a crisp finish and some nice fruitiness. A bit hoppier than other takes on the style, but Smuttlabs makes it work. Link
COAST Blackbeerd Imperial Stout
One of those somewhat under the radar beers that we love is Blackbeerd Imperial Stout from COAST Brewing. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we were thrilled at the news it would be canned for our on-the-go consumption. It’s roasty, boozy, and probably not the canned beer you want to tote to the beach. Link
Wicked Weed Freak of Nature
Wicked Weed is one of those breweries you need to get to. Unfortunately, if you can’t make it over to Asheville, North Carolina, sampling their suds is easier said than done. If you’re going to try and track something down, we’re big fans of the recently bottled hop-bomb, Freak of Nature. The super citrusy and dank brew is worth the trip or trade. Link
Rogue Wasted Sea Star Purple Pale Ale
Rogue has no problem getting experimental with their brews (see: Beard Beer), and their latest is further proof of that fact. Brewed with purple corn nectar, Wasted Sea Star Purple Pale Ale takes on a reddish-purple hue just like the sea stars it’s brewed to support. The name comes from a syndrome that’s wiping out sea stars across the Pacific Coast, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward research to help stop it. Link
Sun King Six Finger Discount
To celebrate six years of very solid brews, Sun King released Six Finger Discount, a sessionable saison that clocks in at just 3.6% ABV. With a fruity and light profile, the saison is perfect for the end of the warm summer months. Bright, dry, and perfect for when you want more than a couple. Link
Funky Buddha Morning Wood
If you’ve sampled Funky Buddha’s Maple Bacon Coffee Porter and fell in boozy love with the beer/breakfast, you’re going to want to try and get a bottle of Morning Wood. Morning Wood is a bourbon barrel-aged version of the aforementioned beer, and, speaking from an on draft experience, it’s crazy good. Morning Wood is getting released in bottles on September 8 at Funky Buddha, and while it will be a zoo, it’s so good it might be worth the insanity. Link
