North 5th Brewery’s Java Drip

The new brewery’s True North series showcases small-batch beers and one of their latest is Java Drip, the Tickle the Floor Scotch ale brewed with coffee. The style’s typical maltiness serves as a nice complement to the coffee’s inherent acridity, resulting in a well-balanced brew delivering just enough coffee essence.

Able Baker’s Bourbon Barrel-Aged Viva The King

This might be my favorite local brew right now, and it’s among the all-time greats. Flavors from the King’s favorite sandwich—peanut butter, banana and chocolate—blend seamlessly, none overpowering. And it drinks way easier than the 11% ABV would suggest. Perfection in a glass.

LV Brewing Company’s Penny O’Reilly’s Irish Red Ale

LV Brewing Company marks the return of lovable curmudgeon Dave Otto to Las Vegas and the brewing system he knew well from his time at PT’s Brewing Company. Following in his tradition of award-winning Irish styles is his Penny O’Reilly’s Red Ale, boasting rye malt flavors in a bounty of breadiness. Welcome back, Dave, you’ve been missed!

Bad Beat Brewing’s Luau Brown Coffee Variant

Coffee can be a tricky adjunct for brewers to work with. Sometimes coffee on the nose falls flat on the palate, while in other instances it can overpower the base beer. In Bad Beat’s Luau Brown creation, the right balance is struck and is even accentuated with bourbon barrel aging and hazelnut flavors abounding. Try this one with dessert if you have the chance.

Big Dog Brewing Company’s Chock‘em Sock‘em Faux Bock

German-style weizenbocks aren’t a style you see brewed in the Valley very often, so kudos to Big Dog’s Dave Pascual for taking this one on, brewed with cacao nibs and vanilla. Pascual excels at Belgian styles but it’s worth the visit to the northwest to see him tackle other European styles just as gracefully.

Lovelady Brewing’s 6 Feet Under

A dual-occasion celebration beer commemorating both the brewery’s sixth anniversary (seems like Lovelady has been a fixture much longer) and Richard Lovelady’s 25th year of brewing, this one is advertised as both an imperial cold IPA and an India pale lager. Call it what you want, it drinks easier than its booziness would lead you to believe. This is how celebrations should be done.

Banger Brewing’s Common Chippy

Local breweries should be lauded when brewing uncommon styles, and unlike its name, the Kentucky Common is as uncommon a style as you’ll find. Think of it as a dark cream ale hinting of chocolate and you’re on the right path. Because we’re not living in early 1900s Louisville when the style was in its heyday, it’s just not a beer you generally come across, so grab one while you can.

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