All time favorite 'shelf' APA?

I was in Charleston, and ran into some 8 day old One Claw. Pretty good stuff, much better IMO than their IPA.

 

New Glarus Moon Man

 

I'd have to say it would be a toss up between Toppling Goliath's Psuedosue, and Ballast Point's Grunion. Though can never go wrong with Sierra Nevada, or Deschutes Mirror Pond. I'd also say Red Chair for sure if it wasn't seasonal.

 

Lagunitas

 

My two current favorites on the shelf are:

MBC - Mo
Alesmith - X

Thanks to all the hype over Lunch and Another One, Mo (and Peeper) are regularly accessible. In my experience, Mo is especially sublime on draft, but I'll gladly settle for the 1-2 week old bottles that seem to be the norm around here.

I just ordered a case of Alesmith's X for my store and had to try it for... educational purposes. Refined and graceful like MBC, but bitter and piney all the same, I definitely see myself needing further education. Pumped for Alesmith 6pks, even if they come in at Ballast Point prices.

 

Stoneface APA is great

 

Southern Tier Live

 

I agree with Grunion - first favorite. Followed by SNPA, Ten Hills and Fresh Hop Pale Ale from Great Divide.

Edit* How the hell did I forget about Odd Sides Citra Pale Ale???? That actually IS my favorite....Maybe because I cant' get it off a Virginia shelf....

 

Alpha King

 

I need to amend my original post. I just had Alpine's Hoppy Birthday last night and I would now have to rank that as my top APA. Just an incredible beer. The aroma was like someone jammed a pine tree up my nose but not so overly bitter on the palate. I love this beer.

 

Here on BA, my highest-rated APAs are:

• Alesmith X
• BP Grunion
• Deschutes Red Chair
• SNPA
• FW Pale 31
• Stone Pale Ale (RIP)
  
  

 

Invasion

 

Sierra Nevada, which is everywhere, and Great Lakes Burning River, which unfortunately you can't get in my neck of the woods

 

Victory Headwaters or DC Brau the Public

 

Hop Trip, SNPA, Red Chair

 

Envie, SNPA, Dales

 

Deschutes Red Chair. Unfortunately, just a seasonal. It's #1 on my list of beers that ought to be available year round.

 

Dale's Pale

 

I'll vote for Daisy Cutter but honestly even DC doesn't come close to ZD or Pseudo Sue. That's why I rarely buy a pale ale off the shelf. May as well buy a good shelf IPA which for me here in Florida is Jai Alai.

 

Southern Tier Live
MBC Mo/Peeper
OB Dale's
Lagunitas Dogtown
FW Pale 31