Lauren's Top 5 Beers from SAVOR 2012

  

SAVOR rocked!  Connecting small and independent craft breweries and craft beer lovers from across the country, the Brewers Association recently hosted the nation’s premier craft beer and food pairing event here in DC.

In its fifth year running, SAVOR offered 4,000 epicurean enthusiasts the rare opportunity to meet the personalities behind their favorite beers from all regions of the country.  I'm a beer fan so I've been looking forward to this event since the 2011 SAVOR.  Held at the National Building Museum, SAVOR featured 74 small and independent craft brewers from 32 states representing every region in the United States.

After a night full of beer tasting, I narrowed it down to my top 5 favorites. 

Blue Point White IPA:  The White IPA is an unfiltered European-style white ale with a fresh American IPA finish.  I don't typically like IPAs, but this one had much less bitterness.

Flying Fish Brewing Company Exit 4 American Trippel:  This inspired Belgian-style Trippel had a hazy golden hue and the aroma of citrus with hints of banana and clove.  Loved it!

Laurelwood Orchid Thai Wit Beer:  I always love wit beer and this one had amazing floral notes.

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Mocha Belgique:  This beer would go great with dessert.  They used Brazilian coffee with cocoa nibs to give it a rich mocha flavor.

Maui Brewing Company La Perouse White:  Another Belgian inspired witbier brewed with wheat and European Pilsner malts, spiced with coriander and fresh local Mandarin oranges.  I just can't get enough of Belgian style beers.  They take me back to my days in Holland sitting on the promenade in the sun and getting my first taste of Hoegaarden.  Oh, the memories...

After all of the wonderful sipping, we got to take one home with us!  This year, Boulevard Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. partnered to create Terra Incognita.  It was the perfect parting gift!  We'll miss you SAVOR.  We hope you return to greet us again in DC someday!