The Best Beers I Had in 2025
Throughout the year, I try a lot of different beers. Between my favorite spots in Denver, the breweries I visit when I travel and stuff I pick up at the store, it’s hard to pick just a handful of favorite beers from the past year. My criteria for the “Best Beers” is whether or not I can still conjure up a memory of the flavors, smells and feelings I had when I first tried the beer. These are the ones that stand out for me in 2025. When I think about them, I can still remember the little nuances of how they tasted and the joy they brought me while trying them.
Final Summit
Outer Range Brewing
French-Style Farmhouse Ale, 7% ABV
Outer Range is one of the best breweries around, and they’re most famous for their IPAs. Rightfully so, but their other beers should not be overlooked. I’ve never had a beer I didn’t enjoy from Outer Range, and this one hit me with the right notes at the right time. This beer has a sweet and fruity nose that’s reminiscent of pear, apricot, hay and coriander. It has a sweet honey taste that’s balanced by a sharp spiciness.
La Petite Kriek
Side Project Brewing
Missouri Saison with Cherries, 6% ABV
Side Project was, without a doubt, one of my favorite breweries I visited in St. Louis. It’s evident they view brewing as a craft to honor and hone through meticulous planning, execution and repetition. The Kriek (pictured on the right in the photo) really stuck with me. It’s an Oak Aged Brettanomyces Lager which was then finished on a blend of Michigan Montmorency and Balaton Cherries. The color is beautiful and the tartness is well balanced with malt and cherry sweetness. I experienced a hint of coconut flavor that I found really enjoyable. Through experimentation and dedication, they’ve created a truly special beer that I’m still thinking about.
American Brown Ale
Civil Life Brewing Company
American Brown Ale, 4.8% ABV
To me, Civil Life Brewing is what craft beer is all about—great atmosphere, community, friendly and knowledgable staff and excellent beer. This Brown Ale (along with everything else we tried) was exceptional. Malty, caramely and toasty with hints of citrus, chocolate and dark roasted coffee. Brown Ale seems like a simple style, which is exactly what makes brewing a world-class version so challenging. This was one of the best Brown Ales I’ve ever had. I hope to visit Civil Life again in the near future.
Superdamp
Comrade Brewing
Fresh Hop American IPA, 6.9% ABV
In my opinion, any IPA made by Comrade should be on a best of list, but I view this specific beer as the crown jewel. This fresh hopped version of their flagship Superpower IPA was boosted with Strata, giving off notes of white peach and grape that intermingle with the prominent pine and citrus flavors of the base beer. It’s hard to make Superpower better than it already is, but the fresh hopped version did it. This year’s batch was incredible.
Shades of Purple
Breakside Brewing
American Pale Ale, 5.5% ABV
I have no idea how many beers I tried at GABF this year, but this was by far my favorite. The addition of the lavender to the already very good base ale created a sweet, floral taste that was reminiscent of the best honey. The hops simply added to it and contributed to the balance of the beer. Brewing with botanicals is challenging, and Breakside clearly understands what they’re doing. The overall effect was harmonious and like nothing else I tried at the festival. Sadly, all I remembered to capture was this awful photo of the Breakside banner 🙃
Bligh’s Barleywine Ale
Dry Dock Brewing Company
Barleywine Ale, 13% ABV
When I went to Dry Dock to celebrate their 20th anniversary, I had no idea they were planning on relocating in a matter of months. I’m glad I was able to make it to their anniversary party and taste the most recent batch of Bligh’s one last time in the location that I’ve become accustomed to. This big beer has a strong caramel backbone supporting oak and whiskey flavors with hints of dark fruit. The aroma and flavor start to blend pretty quickly as you drink it, developing notes of toffee and coconut. I don’t drink a ton of Barleywine, but this is one of my favorites.
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