Homebrewers are hopheads is what it looks like it shows. No refutation of the results, they are what they are, and I certainly align with most of the picks, as one who digs IPAs and generally has one or more around the house. But, wow, in the top 10 it was a bit IPA-centric.

Lots of IPAs. (I've had 42 of their top-ranked beers.) I like the idea of "Best Portfolio" list.

Haven't tried the nitro Milk Stout from left hand. Solid list, always some obvious omissions, and yes, very ipa and Sierra Nevada heavy. These guys based in Chico or what?

AHA is the Boulder-based, GABF-sponsoring, 1979 legalization of home-brewing-inspired brainchild of Charlie "Relax, have a homebrew" Papazian. Zymurgy is just one of the many happy spin-offs of Charlie's leading role in the revitalization of brewing in America.

quote: quote: Originally posted by FoamDome AHA is the Boulder-based, GABF-sponsoring, 1979 legalization of home-brewing-inspired brainchild of Charlie "Relax, have a homebrew" Papazian. Zymurgy is just one of the many happy spin-offs of Charlie's leading role in the revitalization of brewing in America.

Which raises an interesting question. What role did hops and the love of hops (which is certainly greater in the US than in somewhere like Germany) have on the revitalization of brewing in America? If not for hops, would anyone have caught on to craft beer like we have today? Sure, there are "gateway" beer concepts to get folks into craft brewing, but homebrewing and craft beer consumption are rampant right now and still growing. With all those IPAs in the favorites, I wonder where it would be in excitement level without the hops in the extreme. I honestly would be less excited about beer. I think 1 in 2 beers that I drink at home (or maybe even far more?) are hoppy for sure, IPA a lot. (I note the above fully aware that IPAs and then dIPAs were some of the early style crazes. They are not unlke Barrel-Aged and Sour crazes, except for the fact that they've endured time and fad-moments, and they remain among the top favorites regardless of the decade or whim of the moment. Hops are an enduring part of the American Beer craze!)

As I drink my own homebrewed IPA I cheer at the #2 slot of Bells. I also cheer at Racer 5 and zombie dust and that hopslam is #4. That said, I am planning on brewing a blonde with basswood flowers and basswood honey in a week.[|)]

quote: Originally posted by mattfungus As I drink my own homebrewed IPA I cheer at the #2 slot of Bells. I also cheer at Racer 5 and zombie dust and that hopslam is #4.

Working now still on my most recent keg of Flower Power, and I have to say, this is up there among my top IPAs, worth of placing on that list somewhere.

quote: Originally posted by eaglefan538 quote: quote: Originally posted by mattfungus As I drink my own homebrewed IPA I cheer at the #2 slot of Bells. I also cheer at Racer 5 and zombie dust and that hopslam is #4. Working now still on my most recent keg of Flower Power, and I have to say, this is up there among my top IPAs, worth of placing on that list somewhere.

Ironically mine has elderberry flowers, whats in yours or is it just floral hops only?

quote: Originally posted by mattfungus quote: quote: Originally posted by eaglefan538 quote: quote: quote: Originally posted by mattfungus As I drink my own homebrewed IPA I cheer at the #2 slot of Bells. I also cheer at Racer 5 and zombie dust and that hopslam is #4. Working now still on my most recent keg of Flower Power, and I have to say, this is up there among my top IPAs, worth of placing on that list somewhere. Ironically mine has elderberry flowers, whats in yours or is it just floral hops only?

Sorry, not a homebrew. This is Ithaca's Flower Power. Just floral hops as far as I can taste or know.

quote: Originally posted by eaglefan538 quote: quote: Originally posted by mattfungus As I drink my own homebrewed IPA I cheer at the #2 slot of Bells. I also cheer at Racer 5 and zombie dust and that hopslam is #4. Working now still on my most recent keg of Flower Power, and I have to say, this is up there among my top IPAs, worth of placing on that list somewhere.

Local grocer just got Flower Power at their growler station for $8 I'll be getting a fill this weekend!