Fat Tire Amber Ale, by New Belgium Brewing Co., Fort Collins
Probably the best-known craft beer made by a small brewer, Fat Tire has become ubiquitous. Its cocoa overtone makes it instantly recognizable, and with a medium-low alcohol content, it’s a great choice if you plan to have a few.
Blue Moon Belgian White, by Coors Brewing Co., Golden
This stealth Coors product represents the introduction to craft beers for many people. It’s a respectable witbier, cloudy golden, citrusy and refreshing. Another good session brew, and a good choice for one of our few remaining warm days.
Dale’s Pale Ale, by Oskar Blues Brewing Co., Lyons
The flagship of Oskar Blues started the canning revolution that’s spreading among craft brewers throughout the U.S. This hoppy wonder proved that beer from a can could have character while being environmentally responsible.
Flashback Anniversary Ale, by Boulder Beer Co., Boulder
BBC, holding its 30th-anniversary celebration at the Boulder Theater on Friday, released this India-style brown ale earlier this year, and it’s still available — grab some while you can. It’s rich and biscuity with cocoa and roasted-malt notes and finishes with a boatload of hops (Cascade hops are added to the brew five times). One of the best beers I’ve had all year.
Woodcut No. 2 Oak Aged Golden Ale, by Odell Brewing Co., Fort Collins
An extreme beer from its flavor to its alcohol content (11 percent by volume) to its price ($25 for a 25.4- ounce bottle), this is a real champagne of beers, right down to the corked bottle. It’s a big, malty brew with a rich mouthfeel whose nose and tongue are redolent of vanilla and oak. A good finish to a night of tastings in anticipation of the nation’s biggest and best beer festival.
