213: Special Episode: The Best in Beer 2021

It’s been another challenging year for hospitality, for get-togethers, for travel, and thus for beer—yet despite it all, our blind review panel, editors, and writers at Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine® have tasted through thousands of beers, meticulously cataloguing our opinions to arrive at what we believe are the very finest. That yearlong process culminates in the December-January issue, which features the Best 20 Beers in 2021. (It’s available now.)

In this annual special edition of the podcast, we share the stories behind the selection of these 20 pinnacles of craft brewing, and we walk through the results of our reader survey in which you shared your thoughts on the top beers and breweries right now.

*This episode is brought to you by: *

G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): For nearly 30 years, G&D Chillers has set the mark for quality equipment you can rely on. G&D stands above the rest as the only chiller manufacturer that engineers your glycol piping for free. G&D stands alone as the only chiller manufacturer with an in house team of installers and engineers with 30 years of real world, field labor experience in breweries, wineries and distilleries. Contact the total glycol system design experts today at gdchillers.com.

BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) This episode is sponsored by BSG CraftBrewing. Explore a whole universe of hop sensory with unique varieties like Cashmere, Comet, Triumph, El Dorado, and many more. Sourced directly from growers and processed at BSG’s FSSC-certified facility in Yakima to bring you only the very best hops, from farmer to fermenter. For contracting, spot sales, and more info, reach out to us at LetsTalkHops@bsgcraft.com.

Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The world of craft beer is a different place now. Margins are more important than ever, so why not lower your ingredient cost? Craft juice concentrates from Old Orchard are the cost-effective solution for your fruit-forward needs. Old Orchard produces high volumes of their retail juice brand, so economies of scale keep prices low for their bulk supply program. A little concentrate goes a long way, and you won't lose some of it through filtering like you would with purees. To start increasing your margins now, head on over to www.oldorchard.com/brewer.

ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): What if you could take your favorite recipe and make a nonalcoholic version without sacrificing the flavor, color or beer quality? N/A? No Problem! The Alchemator from ProBrew uses proprietary membrane technology to strip the alcohol from the beer without sacrificing all the elements – like flavor and color - that make the beer great! Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? The Alchemator from ProBrew. NA? No Problem! Email contact@probrew.com for more info.

Mountain Rose Herbs (https://mountainroseherbs.com): This episode is brought to you by Mountain Rose Herbs, purveyors of the highest quality, organic herbs, spices, and teas. Whether you want to add depth to your next golden tripel with classic notes of cinnamon, pepper and clove, or artfully layer exotic, zesty grains of paradise into a perfect ale, adding botanicals to your brewing is an easy way to customize a delicious flavor profile. Mountain Rose Herbs has been providing organic herbs and spices to chefs, herbalists, and dedicated brewers for more than three decades. Learn more at mountainroseherbs.com and get 10% off of any and all orders with the code “craftbeer10”.

Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): As a brewery owner, you know how important it is to keep your machines running so you don't have to deal with the hassle caused by contamination, recalls and downtime. Clarion makes food-grade lubricants to protect your equipment from the wear and tear that results in breakdowns that cut into your bottom line. Clarion gives you peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best: pouring out great-tasting beverages. Learn more at www.clarionlubricants.com