2005 … America’s craft brewers continued the trend of bigger, better beers, and kicked up the creativity and quality of their brews. I always look forward to listing the best of the outstanding elixirs that have passed my palate over the past twelve months. Keep in mind that my criteria are very simply my opinions, encompassing both commercially distributed beers and brewpub-only offerings. Without further delay, let’s begin the top ten countdown.

10. Iron Hill Triple (Iron Hill Brewery, Montgomeryville, Pa.) I’ve been a fan of brewer Larry Horwitz’s abilities since his days at Manayunk Brewing Co. in Philadelphia. Most American triples can be easily discerned from an authentic Belgian triple. His is the exception. Sweet, with subtle bubblegum notes, this is a tasty, strong beer.

9. Franklin’s Imperial Stout (Franklin’s Brewing Company, Hyattsville, Md.) I’m a firm believer that a good imperial stout is cold weather’s best enemy. Franklin’s always has six or eight of their beers on, more than most brewpubs, which is why I will drive an hour to get there. This one, along with the food and the Anarchy Ale and their funky general store, keep me coming back. Runner up: Stoudt’s Fat Dog Imperial Stout.

8. Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Wheat Wine (Harpoon Brewing, Boston, Mass.) Wheat wine is an exceptionally difficult style to perfect. Like barleywine, it needs to age for a few years to truly mellow. This was good; it will be great in a few years. Points to Harpoon, along with Smuttynose Brewing, just for attempting the style.

7.Weyerbacher Decadence (Weyerbacher Brewing, Easton, Pa.) San Diego’s AleSmith Brewing Co. should be hearing footsteps after being voted “America’s Best” by Ratebeer. Weyerbacher is quickly establishing itself as one of the preeminent craft brewers on the East Coast. Decadence is simply a beautifully made beer. The flavors, if the beer is served at the right temperature, are amazing. If you can find it, buy it and lay it down for eBay in 2008.

6. Legend Brewing Imperial IPA (Legend Brewing, Richmond, Va.) Make no mistake, I am first and foremost a hophead. Imperal IPAs are my absolute favorite style of beer. Legend Imperial is a super hoppy, like a West Coast imperial, but wellbalanced. Easily Virginia’s best commercially distributed brewery, and willing to take chances with diverse styles like wit, doppelbock and barleywine, Legend, like Weyerbacher, is going places. They just need wider distribution.

5. Big Al Imperial IPA (Founders Restaurant and Brewery, Alexandria, Va.) Bill Madden, formerly of Founders and before that Capitol City Brewing Co., made this beer for beer geeks and hopheads. It was a “stealth beer,” never advertised at either of his past employers. You had to “be in the know” to ask for it. There is a real void in this region with Bill now out of brewing. Pray that it is temporary.

4. Nut Brown Imperial (Tommyknocker Brewery, Idaho Springs, Colo. ) This is probably the most surprising qualifier of all. This is a big beer (9-10% abv) with some malt presence, but with a strong alcohol complement … and available at a great price. If I ever go broke, I’ll drink this. If I go crazy, I’ll reach for a Bud.

3. Belgian IPA (Triple 7 Casino Brewing Co, Las Vegas, NV) You read it right: a Belgian IPA. This was the most unusual and most exciting beer I tried all year, and proof that you can get a great beer in Vegas. The brewers managed to create a hybrid that captures the sweet, fruity character of a Belgian ale with the hop profile and crispness of an IPA. I tried to make this several years ago, and failed miserably. I’ve since heard of others attempting this style, and can’t wait to see who comes markets the first bottled product commercially.

2. Avery 10th Anniversary Saison (Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, Colo.) This wonderfully crafted saison has a beautiful cloudy golden hue with bubblegum and grassy notes. The taste makes you pause and wonder, and then go back for more. This was an absolutely perfect summer offering.

And the winner (trumpet flourish) for best beer of 2005 is:

1. Double White Ale (Southampton Brewing Co., Southampton, NY) Finally! Someone made a Belgian wit with some backbone. Anyone lucky to get some at this year’s Ommegang sponsored “Belgium Comes to Cooperstown” beer festival raved about this beer, and no wonder. Its bumped up alcohol makes it something to be enjoyed in moderation. Its taste and color and crisp nose make me want to fill a swimming pool with it. This beer is a summer superstar, and should be a regular for those who vacation in the Hamptons. Fortunately, Southampton Brewing has begun to expand their bottle distribution, so those of you in New York and Connecticut and parts of North Jersey may see this show up in your neighborhoods next year.

Remember, second-guessing is always welcome. Feel free to write or email us at Mid-Atlantic Brewing News about your own picks.