Critic's Choice Top 12

Hop hog?

 

stone and wood, LCPA, Hop Hog.

 

Really? Coopers Vintage? That seemed like a pile of yuck. Can't wait to see S&W take this. Talk about filling a niche...

Still waiting to try Temptress. Can't seem to find it anywhere at the moment.

 

...also, why on earth is hop hog not on there? If it's not one of the best IPAs I've had in a long time, I don't know what to think of this scene.

 

Presumably Hop Hog is one of three remaining, tbeckett. But not everyone loves it. I certainly prefer Coopers Vintage to it.

 

I wouldn't say its a lay down misere though. Still some good beers that haven't appeared on that list.

 

hmmm, so Wild Thing too leftfield for this list? - i.e. not in line with Beer Geeks both here and on RB?

 

Not sure, can't find anything on a quick search to see who the 39 critics are as to whether it is too "leftfield"

 

last year it was way down on the list. it was in the top 100 but not in the 30's.
These are critics and for a book. So the beers will be a bit more delicate and approachable. Reality is Imperial Stouts are not going to be as hip as a APA or IPA. Beer geeks know better

 

Number 3 just announced:

3. Little Creatures Pale Ale
4. Holgate Temptress
5. Bridge Road Chevalier Saison
6. Little creatures Big Dipper
7. Matilda Bay Alpha
8. Knappstein
9. Mountain Goat Hightail
10. Murray's Angry Man Pale
11. Coopers Vintage
12 Bridge Road / Nogne O India Saison

Edit: Actually giving it some more thought it seems a little odd seeing Big Dipper in there as there is no guarantee it will be made again, so a person would buy the book, read the tasting notes and then go searching for a beer that is no longer around.

 

it was an approachable IPA, errrrrrrrr, DIPA. Nose of a DIPA but body of an IPA. Still a good beer.
This is about getting people onto craft. They will not find the Dipper but will find the next small batch beer and will buy it due to name.

 

Oh there are people and places that hoard in this country

 

Oh man, the whole Big Dipper thing is ridiculous. People still coming in asking for it. We sold out on launch day, which is what... six months ago?

 

I think the India Saison is also a one-off - tho might be wrong.

 

Wouldn't be surprised if it's still on shelves around Glebe somewhere

 

I've seen somewhere that the India Saison will be brewed again (and soon).

 

Yes, the Saison is available. At least I hope so or I shudder to think what is in the kegs we have. We have managed to get 7 of the top 10 on tap. Sadly no Coopers or LC DIPA is left and obviously Knappstein is in bottles. Re. the 39 that voted Mr Kennedy. I trust them all. I saw the list (not in order) when it was decided upon, and it's been tough keeping silent... It is good to have something like this though and hopefully entice a few more people into craft brews. Damn hard organising to get all the beers to the pub on time though.