We now move on in our beer journey to the Mid-Atlantic states we have discovered that humans do not live by bread alone! They also have a fine selection of beer to choose from.
Below you will find our top choices:
New York
Brooklyn Lager – Brooklyn Brewing Company
The IPA’s are going strong throughout the country, but there are still many of us who enjoy the amber gold color of a larger as it comes out of the tap and fills our pint glass. America Unraveled has ranked Brooklyn Lager (5.2% ABV) as the number one beer in New York. As I write this review it is a day in the 90’s and I can’t wait to be sitting on my porch pouring a Brooklyn Lager and enjoying its attractive bitterness and its floral hop aroma.
Brooklyn Lager is known for what is called “dry hopping”. This is an old practice when the beer is steeped with fresh hops as it undergoes a lengthy and cold period of maturation. The write up for Brooklyn Lager on their web page says that “Dry hopping is largely a British technique which is used by Brooklyn Brewing, Brooklyn, New York, in a Vienna style beer to create an American original.” I find that Brooklyn Lager to be wonderfully smooth and refreshing beer and in my mind, it is an American original.
New Jersey
River Horse Tripel Ale – River Horse Brewing Company
River Horse Tripel Ale (10% ABV) brewed by River Horse Brewing Company, Ewing, New Jersey, is America Unraveled’s pick for the number one beer in New Jersey. This Belgian style Tripel Ale is brewed with spices and fermented with a Trappist yeast strain which brings out a variety of flavors. This beer doesn’t just have a whiff of hops but has a lot of hops. The taste is exceptional and different for that reason. There is definitely a spicy finish to the beer.
When it is poured into a glass, it appears to have a cloudy orange color with a small head which dissipates quickly after it is poured. When it is first sipped the aftertaste has a very hoppy finish which is expected when you are drinking a good Belgian Tripel. This beer is really brewed to be shared with friends over time and not to be quickly consumed. One very pleased customer was quoted saying: “Nice beer to have when you want a few slowly quaffed brews.”
Pennsylvania
Nugget Nectar – Troegs Brewing Company
Troegs Brewing Company’s Nugget Nectar ( 7.5% ABV), an American Amber/Red Ale is ranked at the top by America Unraveled as the best beer in Pennsylvania. If you like hops pour some Nugget Nectar into a glass and your needs, have been met. This beer is brewed with whole flower Nugget hops which bring out a flavor of citrus, resin, and pine.
The taste is bold and rich with flavors. There is a lot going on Troegs Nugget Nectar. When it is poured into a pint glass the color is clear amber with active bubbles. When you have taken your first sip, you will find that there is a surprising mild bitter hoppy aftertaste. Overall this is truly a drinkable beer and a beer that you will enjoy from your first sip to your last. Troegs nailed it with this American Amber/Red Ale. If you travel to Hershey, Pennsylvania, be sure to stop in to the brewery to check out their other choices.
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