At some point, we’ve all stood before the shelves at a store, stared at the price tag and wondered, “Is this beer worth the price they are asking?” Even as the prices of six-packs have climbed into the teens for some, there are other beers, the ones we justify for special occasions and celebrations, that creep above $30 per bottle. Before this tasting, the editors of All About Beer Magazine scoured shops across the country, ran up a hefty tab and brought the bottles to San Francisco. There, we asked a panel of beer writers, judges and Cicerones to taste the beers blind. We didn’t reveal the price tag on any of the beers until the end, so as to not bias the panelists.
This blind panel was held at Old Devil Moon, one of San Francisco’s newest and best beer bars. From a well-chosen beer list, to nitro coffee on tap and a stellar po’ boy menu, make it a point to visit this voodoo-themed spot in the Mission.
Panelists
Jay R. Brooks—Editor, Brookston Beer Bulletin
Chris Cohen—Old Devil Moon, certified Cicerone, national BJCP judge
John Holl [Head Panelist]—Editor, All About Beer Magazine
Andrew Kelley—Owner, Old Devil Moon, certified Cicerone
Steve Shapiro—Writer, BeerbyBART.com
Gail Ann Williams—Writer, BeerbyBART.com
Highly Recommended
Hill Farmstead Works of Love -$30
Chimay Grande Réserve Ale Barrel Aged – $45
The Bruery Poterie – $31
Recommended
3 Fonteinen Intense Red – $49
Lost Abbey Ad Idem – $42
The Rare Barrel Ensorcelled – $30
Del Ducato Beersel Mattina – $31
Off Color Hell Broth – $32
Tilquin Stout Rullquin – $33
Scaldis Prestige De Nuits – $50
Also Tasted
Cascade Elderberry – $32
BFM Abbaye De Saint Bon-Chien 2014 – $55