Top 5 Favorite Beers

There are only a few things in the world I'm passionate about: My nephews, natural hair, John, spicy food, the environment, my dog, garlic, sleep,  Hairbo gummie bears, and beer. Craft and microbrews to be specific. I never drink liquor. I get way too sloppy and it doesn't taste that good. I much rather have a nice, cold brew. On occasion I do switch it up to a Captain and ginger ale. Or lately I've been on a cosmo kick, but I just drink it in a tall glass. Martini glasses are too soft.

Anyway, I love beer. More than anything. I plan on planning my pregnancy around the release dates of my favorite beet. One of John and I's dreams is to open up a brewery. I literally don't respect people that drink bad beer. It's not just a drink to me, it's a lifestyle. Someone asked me last night what my Top 5 favorite brews are and I wanted to share it with you guys.

1) Great Lakes Brewing Company Christmas Ale ABV: 7.5%

This was easy. A no brainer. When people tell me they don't like this beer, my response is, "Oh, so you just don't like good shit?" This is by far the best beer I've ever tasted in my life. It's made with honey, ginger, cinnamon and yuletide cheer. Mother fucking yuletide cheer! This beer is available November - December and if you're awesome enough to go to the Great Lakes Burning River Fest in July, you can also get fresh Christmas Ale there. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

There are other Christmas Ales out here in these streets, but no one, NO ONE, gets it right like Great Lakes.

2) Great Lakes Brewing Company Blackout Stout ABV: 9%

You'll see a trend with my beers in the fact that I love my local brewery, but Blackout Stout is another home run from Great Lakes. A malty, Russian Imperial Stout with hints of coffee and mocha. Now ladies, do not think, "Oh, I like coffee and mocha. I'll like this beer." This beer isn't for the weak of heart. It's a man's beer and an expensive 4 pack so I would hate for anyone to waste such deliciousness. They also have a barrel aged Blackout Stout that I've been dying to try, but it's a Brewpub exclusive so I have to make the 40 minute drive to Cleveland to get some. Lame.

Blackout Stout is named after that awesome blackout in 2003 in the Northeast half of the country. This beer is available November - January so if you want to try some, you better find some soon before it's all gone.

3) Southern Tier PumpKING Ale ABV: 9%

This is a new one added to my line up this past fall. Southern Tier, from Lakewood, New York, releases this AMAZING seasonal in August. You can only get it on draft or in a big daddy bottle, but both ways are heavenly delicious. This has to probably be the strongest, best tasting beer that isn't a porter or stout. It taste like a pumpkin roll. Yoummy, yummy! It shuts the beer game down.

4) Great Lakes Brewing Company Conway's Irish Ale ABV: 6.5%

Another beer from Great Lakes, duh! Conway's Irish Ale is one of their spring seasonals and just came out this week. It screams St. Patrick's day. It's a malty Irish Ale with a beautiful red color. The weakest of the bunch, but still packs a punch. So head out to the nearest bar and give this one a taste.

5) Southern Tier Creme Brulee Imperial Stout ABV: 10%

The first time I had this beer, I literally said, "Oh my god, basegod." (You either get it or not) I heard angels. In a dark periond where no beer had stolen my heart since Christmas Ale, this was a breath of fresh air. A rich, sweet, imperial stout with strong notes of vanilla. It taste like a creme brulee. Yes, it's sweet, yummy and delicious, but I know a lot of people who still don't like this one because it's too dark, but I like my beer like I like my men, dark and tasty. 

This beer only comes on draft or in the big daddy bottle also and is released in June.

I hope that you all get out there and drink (responsibly). If you like beer, and you like good shit, give some of these a try. I'd love to know what you think.