The World's 10 Best Beers

Guinness Draught, St. James’s Gate, Dublin, Ireland

The definitive dry Irish stout, this dark beer is neither heavy nor overly bitter. It is the stout by which all other stouts are compared, the beer that created the persistent "did you know they serve it at room temperature in Ireland?" claim from that kid you knew in college who spent a semester in Dublin. Guinness was the beer that defined "beer snobbery" in the 1990’s, and continues to be held in the highest regard by beer lovers around the world.

Bells Hopslam, Bells Brewery, Michigan, USA

A double IPA brewed with Northwest hop varietals may not seem like much to write home about. Perhaps its the elusive nature of Hopslam, causing frantic calls to every beer store in town on just the faintest hint of the rumor they obtained five six-packs. No, it’s probably the touch of honey that permeates each sip, both as the start and the finish on the palette. Or the brilliant hopping schedule, creating a beer citrusy, crisp, bitter, and aromatic. No, it’s probably the honey.

Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Founders Brewing Company, Michigan, USA

Taking its incredibly popular Breakfast Stout to the next level may have seemed an impossible task for Founders. Cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels you say? Yeah, that’ll do it. An imperial stout in a class of its own, brewed with chocolate and coffee, the KBS is truly for the breakfast aficionado who demands a touch of bourbon with their breakfast beer.

Cantillon Gueuze 100% Lambic, Brasserie Cantillon, Anderlecht, Belgium

Pale golden in color, with a nose both floral and citric, a balanced tartness with hints of green apple and a mild carbonation. This beer has been compared to rieslings and champagnes.

Heady Topper, The Alchemist, Vermont, USA

Incredibly difficult to procure (unless you live within 20 miles of the brewery), this Vermont double IPA is beloved by beer enthusiasts around the world. Award-winning and elusive, this beer sells out the minute it hits the shelves — though rumor is it may soon be available for wider distribution.

Rochefort Trappistes 10, Brasserie Rochefort, Rochefort, Belgium

A traditional Belgian Quadrupel, the Rochefort "Blue Cap" is one of the few true Trappist beers, brewed at a monastery, the process watched over by monks. At 11.3 percent, this beer is malty and dark, with hints of plum and apricot at colder temperatures, and a complexity that only expands the closer this beer gets to true cellar temperature. A slow-sipping beer with the complexity of a fine scotch or wine.

Orval, Brasserie d'Orval, Florenville, Belgium

An orange, coppery body with a gigantic white head, the smell full of yeast, lemons, and a light — not overpowering — funk. Floral, citric, and complex, this is a medium-bodied, dry beer.

Enjoy by IPA, Stone Brewing, California, USA

Clear golden amber, bright tropical fruits in the nose. Exceptionally sweet for a double IPA with grapefruit flavors with a medium carbonation.

Saison DuPont, Brasserie Dupont, Tourpes-Leuze, Belgium

A hazy amber, this beer pours a large white head and has an aroma of fresh baked bread and pear notes. Fresh, dry, and spicy, with a light body, this beer is considered exemplary of a saison.

Pliny the Elder, Russian River Brewing Company, California, USA

Hazy, coppery gold in color with an aroma of pine and tropical fruits. Crisp, with perfectly balanced hops and a taste of fresh grapefruit. This beer has taken the gold medal in the World Beer Cup and The Great American Beer Festival.

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