Look, I’m not one for stupid holidays. Particularly the ones that provide zero time off work.
But in between the “talk like a pirate day” and “national spaetzle day” and “rainbow unicorn day” you occasionally find a cause worth celebrating. Like today, August 5: International Beer Day.
If this sounds like a flimsy excuse to drink, well, it is. But it’s on a Friday, which at least makes it slightly more socially acceptable than, say, if it were a Tuesday. Taking advantage of the most popular happy hour of the week should provide plenty of opportunities to celebrate the mixture of hops, barley, water and yeast that’s still being perfected after thousands of years.
Here are 10 different beers worth seeking out for the holiday. Five are international imports. Five are domestic products. In the spirit of inclusion for all types of drinkers, I’ve even hit 10 different beer styles to ensure there’s something for (hopefully) everyone.
Are these the best beers in the world? Nope! But they’re beers I like. Hopefully you will, too.
Klosterbrauerei Andechs Doppelbock Dunkel
Country: Germany
Style: Doppelbock dunkel
Germany makes great beer, likely because the country’s been doing it for nearly a full millennium. If you’re lucky, the bottle shop near you might have half liters of this monastery-brewed marvel that balances malt and fruit and just the right amount of carbonation. And, at 7.1 percent ABV, it packs enough of a kick to get you through even the worst preseason football games.
Lakefront Riverwest Stein Beer
Country: United States
Style: Amber lager
Spotted Cow gets all the hype in Wisconsin, but it’s only available within state limits and, while it’s a good beer, it’s still roughly the 12th best thing New Glarus brews. Instead, let’s head to Milwaukee for an especially drinkable amber that goes down with malty sweetness. Picture a Miller High Life after the Pretty Woman makeover; that’s what this delicious beer is.
Moosehead Lager
Country: Canada
Style: Lager
Moosehead isn’t the best beer made in Canada; it may not crack the top 50, depending on your taste. But there’s something to be said about an eminently drinkable beer that’s been around since 1867. Moosehead is a beautiful all-seasons brew that tastes exactly like you remember.
Firestone Walker Mind Haze
Style: New England IPA
It feels strange featuring a New England IPA from California, but Firestone Walker doesn’t miss with any of its beers, and this cross-coast concoction is no different. This light, juicy pale ale pairs sweet and bitter to create a tasty beer you won’t get sick of drinking.
Fyne Brewing Mills & Hills
Country: Scotland
Style: Imperial stout
I spent about 10 days in Scotland a few years back. While there were a few solid brews criss-crossing Edinburgh and the highlands, Fyne’s selections stood out. I remember a solid pale ale, but this jet black stout was the standout — big, boozy and beautiful. There’s a lot of complex flavor buried within; if you’re in a spot where you can find a bottle (and you don’t have to drive anywhere anytime soon) treat yourself.
Big Sky Moose Drool
Country: United States
Style: Brown ale
It’s not especially unique to pick out Montana’s most recognizable beer — though Montucky Cold Snacks is coming for that crown — but Moose Drool is an almost creamy, flavorful example of a perfect fall/winter beer. It’s not as heavy as some of the porters and brown ales it gets compared to, which can be a feature or a bug depending on what you like.
Blanche de Bruxelles Wit
Country: Belgium
Style: Wheat ale
Belgium’s soft touch with barley and hops shines through almost every beer brewed within its borders. There may be better options out there, but Blanche de Bruxelles makes a fairly available wheat ale that avoids the Trappist heaviness of some of the country’s other high-profile beers. Typically “Belgium” and “all-day drinkable” are booze antonyms. This light white ale is an exception.
Alaskan Husky IPA
Country: United States
Style: India pale ale
You may be able to buy a better local IPA — and you should! Support your local brewers! — but if you’re looking for a great IPA at a relatively inexpensive price, Alaskan’s Husky IPA hits that sweet spot. There’s a beautiful balance of hops and citrus which may not be enough for folks looking to scorch their tongue with bitterness but ultimately makes for an easy-to-drink pale ale.
Einstök Ölgerð Icelandic Wee Heavy
Country: Iceland
Style: Wee heavy
These Scottish-style brews are a bit too dark for me, but Einstok does a great job creating a rich, deep sipper that balances bitterness and roasty malt against an almost herbal backdrop. You might only want one, but you won’t get bored with it.
4 Hands City Wide
Style: American pale ale
St. Louis has a great local brewery scene. None may be better than 4 Hands, which features a wide range of styles and hits on just about every one of them. City Wide hits the APA dividing line between fruit and bitterness, combining citrus and pine in a beer you can drink all day.
