October started with a trip to Baltimore, continued with both days at Great American Beer Festival and ended with a visit to one of my favorite Denver metro area breweries.
Cent Septante-cinq
Chimay
Belgian Blonde, 6.5% ABV
When I’m in Baltimore, I always try to go to Max’s Taphouse in Fell’s Point. It’s one of the best craft beer bars in the country (plus, it has a cool haunted history). I sampled a bunch of great beers from the Baltimore area, but they always have a great selection of imported beers, too. When I saw this on the menu, I knew I had to try it. Trappist beers are how I first fell in love with craft beer. For as much flavor as this beer had, it was bright and refreshing. Lots of sweet orange and honey flavors going on.
Fresher Than Fresh
Trap Door Brewing
Fresh Hop IPA, 7% ABV
Over the course of two days, I enjoyed a lot of beers at Great American Beer Festival. However, this one really stood out to me. I love trying Fresh Hop IPAs at GABF because many great breweries from the Pacific Northwest bring theirs, and they’re all good. This one was my favorite, and it also happens to have won gold at GABF in 2024 and 2025. Fresh and crisp with tons of berry and tropical fruit character from a boatload of fresh Mosaic hops.
Execrator
Resolute Brewing Company
Doppelbock, 10% ABV
The weather finally started to cool down in Denver later in the month and this beer was perfect for a gloomy, cold day. Deliciously malty, with notes of caramel and dates. It has a bit of alcohol warming, but that was welcome when I enjoyed it.
