National Beer Day: A Quality Brew Checklist to Celebrating As a Beer Lover Should

Photo: Thomas Barwick (Getty Images)

Sunday, April 7 is National Beer Day so it goes without saying next week is going to have a rough start.

Even though we aren’t a certified cicerone, we’re definitely beer enthusiasts who’ve enjoyed our fair share of beer over the years. And we aren’t talking about the cases you find at the grocery store, either. From IPAs and stouts to porters and pale ales (not to mention lagers, pilsners, and any number of barrel-aged imperial), we’ve rounded up enough beers for a good old-fashioned bender. I mean, what else is a national observance day for, right?

Brews News: The Best Beach Beers For Spring Break 2019

Here are our favorite beers by category. If you don’t agree, or you want to chime in with your favorites, hit us up on social media.

Bartender Approved: Light Beers To Put A Spring In Your Step

Follow Mandatory on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

National Beer Day

Wheat Beer: Allagash White

Any introduction to the American craft wheat beer should start with Allagash White. The famous Portland, Maine brewery makes this classic interpretation of the Belgian-style wheat beer with oats, malted wheat, and un-malted raw wheat.

Also try these: UFO White, Avery White Rascal, and Bell’s Oberon

Photo: Allagash
Sour: Brooklyn Bel Air Sour

The sour style has really exploded on the scene in the last few years. The category has a few different styles, including Oud Bruin, Lambic, Flemish Red, Berliner Weisse, and Gose. But, one of our favorite sour beers comes from Brooklyn. Its Bel Air is tart, tangy, and the perfect amount of refreshment for a hot day.

Also try these: New Belgium La Folie, Westbrook Gose, and Odell Brombeere

Photo: Brooklyn
IPA: Firestone Walker Easy Jack

This 4.5 percent ABV session IPA is big on juicy, floral flavor with a nice hint of hops to make even the most ardent hop fans satisfied. Take it to the beach or sip it while you grill up some burgers. You won’t be disappointed.

Also try these: Creature Comforts Tropicalia, Maine Beer Lunch, and Stone Enjoy By IPA

Photo: Firestone Walker
Jack's Abby House Lager

Jack’s Abby makes only one style of beer and they’re pretty good at it. Their House Lager is golden in color, sweet, and malty, and pretty much tastes like the way you imagine Germany to taste like if it was somehow made into a beer.

Also try these: Ballast Point Longfin, Victory Lager, and 21st Amendment El Sully

Photo: Jack’s Abby
Stout: Oskar Blues Barrel-Aged Ten Fidy

This 12.9 percent ABV barrel-aged stout definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. That alcohol can catch up to you fast. But, we love it because even with the high alcohol content it remains smooth, rich, and very drinkable. The bourbon barrel aging adds caramel and vanilla flavors to the already well-made stout.

Also try these: Prairie BOMB!, Bourbon County Stout, and Deschutes The Abyss

Photo: Oskar Blues
New England-Style IPA: New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA

Colorado’s New Belgium makes our favorite New England-style IPA even though it’s located pretty far away from New England. It’s hazy, juicy, and everything we love about the style.

Also try these: Two Roads Two Juicy, Brew Dog Hazy Jane, and Samuel Adams New England IPA

Photo: New Belgium