Best Craft Beers That Are No Longer Made: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Hey there, readers! Welcome to our epic journey through the annals of craft beer history. Today, we’re diving into the tantalizing world of beers that have sadly become extinct, leaving us with nothing but fond memories and a thirst for the unquenchable. So, sit back, relax, and let’s raise a virtual glass to the best craft beers that are no longer made.
The Pioneers of Craft Beer
In the early days of craft beer, passion-driven brewers pushed the boundaries of flavor, creating audacious libations that changed the course of beer history. One such beer was Anchor Liberty Ale, a pioneering IPA that debuted in 1975. Its bold hop profile and assertive bitterness paved the way for the American IPA revolution.
Another trailblazer was New Albion Ale, brewed in the 1980s. This California-style pale ale showcased the vibrant flavors of American hops, becoming a symbol of the craft beer movement’s embrace of local ingredients.
The Cult Classics
As craft beer exploded in popularity, certain brews achieved almost mythical status. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA was one such beer, renowned for its insanely hoppy flavor. With a staggering 90 IBUs, it was a test for even the most hardened hopheads.
Another cult favorite was Stone Vertical Epic 2014. This Russian Imperial Stout was aged in bourbon barrels for two years, resulting in a complex and decadent brew that epitomized the art of barrel-aging.
The Lost Treasures
Unfortunately, not all great beers manage to survive the fickle winds of commerce. Many beloved brews have faded into obscurity, leaving behind only a lingering sense of nostalgia. Avery Samael’s Ale was one such beer, a Belgian-style quadrupel that was discontinued in 2015. Its rich maltiness and spicy notes made it a masterpiece of the dark arts.
Another lost treasure is Rogue Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout. This rich and creamy stout was a testament to the versatility of oats, showcasing its ability to lend a silky smoothness to any brew. It was sadly discontinued in 2018, much to the dismay of its loyal fans.
The Extinct Brewers
In the unpredictable landscape of the brewing industry, even some of the most successful breweries are forced to close their doors. When this happens, the beers they produced often meet the same unfortunate fate. Stone Cali-Belgique Pale Ale was one such casualty, a Belgian-style pale ale that was discontinued when Stone Brewing Company closed its Berkeley taproom in 2019.
Another example is Lagunitas Imperial Pilsner. This crisp and hoppy lager was discontinued in 2020 when Lagunitas Brewing Company decided to focus on its core lineup.
| Beer | Brewery | Style | ABV% | IBU | Last Brewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor Liberty Ale | Anchor Brewing Company | IPA | 5.9 | 45 | 1994 |
| New Albion Ale | New Albion Brewing Company | California Common | 5.0 | 30 | 1994 |
| Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA | Dogfish Head Craft Brewery | IPA | 9.0 | 90 | 2019 |
| Stone Vertical Epic 2014 | Stone Brewing Company | Russian Imperial Stout | 11.5 | 60 | 2016 |
| Avery Samael’s Ale | Avery Brewing Company | Belgian Quadrupel | 12.0 | 30 | 2015 |
| Rogue Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout | Rogue Ales | Oatmeal Stout | 6.2 | 30 | 2018 |
| Stone Cali-Belgique Pale Ale | Stone Brewing Company | Belgian Pale Ale | 6.0 | 40 | 2019 |
| Lagunitas Imperial Pilsner | Lagunitas Brewing Company | Imperial Pilsner | 7.5 | 70 | 2020 |
Conclusion
As we mourn the passing of these beloved craft beers, we can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the joy they brought us. They pushed the boundaries of flavor, ignited our passion for craft beer, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re ever feeling nostalgic for a taste of the past, be sure to check out our other articles on extinct beers. We delve into the stories behind their demise, the passionate brewers who created them, and the memories they left behind for the craft beer community.
FAQ about Best Craft Beers That Are No Longer Made
What are some of the best craft beers that are no longer made?
- Anchor Christmas Ale
- Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
- Founders Imperial Stout
- Goose Island Bourbon County Stout
- Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout
- Lost Abbey Angel’s Share
- North Coast Old Rasputin XII
- Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine
- Stone Imperial Russian Stout
- Weyerbacher Heresy
Why are these beers no longer made?
There are many reasons why a craft beer may no longer be made. Some reasons include:
- The brewery closed.
- The demand for the beer decreased.
- The ingredients became too expensive or difficult to source.
- The beer’s style fell out of favor with consumers.
Can I still find these beers anywhere?
It is possible to find these beers in a few ways:
- At beer festivals.
- At vintage beer stores.
- Online retailers.
How much do these beers cost?
The cost of these beers will vary depending on the beer, the retailer, and the year it was bottled. Generally, these beers will cost more than the average craft beer.
Are these beers still good?
Whether or not a beer that is no longer made is still good is a matter of opinion. Some people believe that these beers will continue to age well, while others believe that they will start to decline in quality over time.
What are some similar beers that I can try?
If you are looking for a beer that is similar to one of the beers that is no longer made, there are a few options that you can try. Some options include:
- Anchor Christmas Ale - Anchor Christmas Warmer
- Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA - Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
- Founders Imperial Stout - Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout
- Goose Island Bourbon County Stout - Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Rare
- Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout - Great Divide Smoked Yeti Imperial Stout
- Lost Abbey Angel’s Share - Lost Abbey Cuvee de Tomme
- North Coast Old Rasputin XII - North Coast Old Rasputin Imperial Stout
- Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine - Sierra Nevada Barleywine Style Ale
- Stone Imperial Russian Stout - Stone Xocoveza Stout
- Weyerbacher Heresy - Weyerbacher Insanity