Craft Beer NYC

This summer brew was not that memorable.  The even balanced amber ale from San Francisco has been around since 1984.   50% Malted Wheat, and a top fermented yeast give this a full body head when poured from the bottle or on draft. The label design is nothing interesting, the muted colors make the anchor lost in the background.  Only available April through October, from west coast hops. 5.5 out of 10 Anchors Away ABV 4.5% http://www.anchorbrewing.com

Hershey, Pennsylvania is home to many fun thing, one of which is the Troegs' brewery which has planted a foothold on the craft brewery scene of the Mid-Atlantic since 1996.  This robust and spicy wheat beer has a very unique flavor.  This is a blend of northern German hops and German wheat yeast, with a touch of banana.  The result is a nice blend of sugar and spice, which I enjoyed ice cold at the recommended temperature of 45 degrees.  Remember to swirl your bottle to unleash the yeast beast when enjoying at home! This is a true fall classic.  Currently available on draft at Amsterdam Tavern on the Upper West Side near Columbia. 8.5 out of 10 Hershey Bars ABV 4.8%

Another entry from the San Francisco craft brewery, this amber ale stacks up very well with the competition.  The flapper lady on the label make me feel like I'm in a Nick and Nora Thin Man flick.  Is that the ghost of Johnny Depp eyeing us through the mailslot as he prepares for a dangerous re-imagination of a pop icon that might be best left untainted? The ale has a nice spicy overtone, and has the feel of a light IPA.  The brew masters at Speakeasy manage to cross pollinate between caramel malts and strong hopping very well.  I strongly recommend this for anyone who rides on the hoppy side of brown ale's when a good IPA has gone missing. 6.1% ABV 7 out of 10 flapper hats of delight! http://goodbeer.com/wordpress/prohibition-ale/

This unique fun little brew was commisioned to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Monty Python back in 1999.   14 years later- it's still going strong.   Ironically we only saw this for the first time this August at West Side Market.  I'm on the lookout for other Black Sheep brew's but according to their website The Holy Grail is the most popular in the US and Canada.   A nice variety of english malts and hops, this ale has a surprising fruity nose and an even bitter aroma suitable for a queen.   Tempering over burning witches provides a nice crisp finish. 4.7% ABV 6 out of 10 Spamalot's

A mysterious prophet once said that Left Handed people rule the world!  That might not be true, but we control the important parts of cultural life of all kinds including beer.  Left Hand Brewery was actually named after a Native chief, Niwot whose tribe spent winters in the Colorado area.  Niwot is the Southern Arapahoe word for Left Hand.  Has anyone remembered grabbing those cans of Guinness that have a nitrous capsule.   The folks at Left Hand have been the first brewers in the world to bottle the nitrous powered stout without the capsule being in the bottom of the bottle or can.   The Milk Stout has amazing flavor with hints of coffee, chocolate, if poured hard out of the bottle to unleash the creamy head of delight.  This is a true champion, can't compare to Guinness, but its a must try for anyone looking for a great American Stout.  9.0 out of 10 'South Paws' ABV 6.0%

River Horse Brewery from New Jersey is a new entry in the craft beer scene.  Started in 2007, based in Ewing, NJ, they have a diverse portfolio of brews.  Honestly I was not impressed by the Belgian Tripel Ale, it was overly bitter and not smooth at all.  The strong % provides a nasty aftertaste, and no River Horse can save the day- or is it a Hippo on the label? 10% ABV 4 out of 10 Jimmy Hoffa's-  keep it buried in the swamp http://www.riverhorse.com/html/started.php

Breckenridge Brewery is one of the original local breweries from Colorado that started in the early 90's.   Now available in 32 states- they are now producing over 50,000 barrels annually and have gotten into NYC Markets.   The Lucky IPA was the first Breckenridge selection I have tasted.   A decent IPA- bold smooth flavor filled with some of the best mountain hops Amarilla, Magnum, Perle, Cascade, Apollo, Fuggle, and Goldings.   The subtle tribute to the Tivoli Brewery History is an interesting American tale.  Started back in 1861 with the Gold Rush-  Colorado was home to the 2nd longest continuously operating brewery in the country when it closed in the 1960's.   Yuengling still tops the crown from Pennsylvania as the oldest. http://tivolibrewingco.com/the-tivoli-story/ 6.2% ABV 7.5 out of the 10 Denver Gold Nuggets http://www.breckbrew.com/about/story