April did not bring many rain showers this year, but it did bring a trip to Richmond, a bottle share, and some killer events and releases at Burial. Of the 94 beers I tried in April, here were the best of the best:
Triple Farmer and Margaret Maggie from Fidens Brewing Company in Albany, NY
Is it a “My Top Beers” blog without a couple of Fidens bangers? Triple Farmer is a Triple IPA with Citra, Galaxy, Mosaic and Nelson hops that I am sure has been featured on this blog before. Margaret Maggie is a Double IPA with Citra and Cashmere hops. Both of these are fantastic examples of the Fidens haze game and were delicious.
Coconut Diablo Forever from The Answer Brewpub in Richmond, VA
Coconut Diablo Forever is Double Forever Imperial Milk Stout with toasted coconut. This was an absolute banger and a beer I have thought about multiple times since having it. The Answer’s dark beer game always impresses!
I Don’t Know Me collaboration from Burial Beer in Asheville, NC and Other Half Brewing in New York, NY
I Don’t Know Me is a Triple IPA triple dry hopped with Burial’s hand-selected Mosaic and Simcoe, Indie Hops Strata, Sabro, and Strata CGX Powder. This is part of Burial’s Dream Candy series and another collaboration they rocked out with Other Half.
Bourbon Barrel Aged Ego Death Compost Cookie (2024) from Resident Culture Brewing Company in Charlotte, NC
The Compost Cookie edition of BBA Ego Death is a blend of Imperials Stouts aged in Willett Sour Mash Bourbon, Willett Sour Mash Rye, and Yellowstone Kentucky Bourbon barrels for a period of 18-27 months then conditioned on toasted hazelnuts and cacao nibs, then further conditioned on butterscotch chips, dark chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and graham crackers. It tastes even more ridiculously delicious than it sounds!
The Mania collaboration from Burial Beer in Asheville, NC and Fidens Brewing in Albany, NY
The Mania is a Triple IPA triple dry hopped with Mosaic and Motueka T90 and Mosaic and Motueka Cryo. Yes, I have in fact had this beer on tap 3 times and have 2 cans in the fridge. Incredible beer from two of the best!
Queen City and From Sandusky With Love from CLAG Brewing Company in Sandusky, OH
Queen City is an Imperial IPA and From Sandusky With Love is an Imperial IPA with Citra, Galaxy and Strata hops. Lucky for me Mekong in Richmond had some stellar CLAG taps on when I was in town, and these two were particularly delicious! Can’t wait to get back to Sandusky this summer and restock on their juicy goodness.
Symbology: Fehu from Conclave Brewing
Fehu from the Symbology series at Conclave is a Triple IPA that is bursting with flavor. Every beer I’ve ever had from Conclave has been super impressive—I need to get up to visit their taproom and try even more!
Barrel-Aged Chocolate Covered Nut Brittle from Trillium Brewing Company in Boston, MA
This beer is an Imperial Stout with roasted peanuts, cacoa nibs, vanilla and milk sugar. While Trillium is known for their Hazy IPAs and even their Sours, the Stout game quietly is crushing it as well.
Deth’s Tar (2024) from Revolution Brewing in Chicago, IL
Deth’s Tar is an Imperial Oatmeal Stout aged in borbon-soaked American oak barrels. This is part of Revolution’s Deep Wood Series that is always incredible. I was stoked to get my hands on these cans while up in Michigan!
