Last year, my good buddy and podcast co-host, Jim, tasked me with coming up with my desert island six-pack. These would be the six beers that I would drink for the rest of my life if that were my only option.
Maine Beer Company – Lunch
Lunch just may be the most well-rounded beer there is. It’s just a bit juicy, just a bit hoppy, making it the perfect beer. Sometimes I overlook it due to its ubiquity, but it’s a beer to savor every sip of. And it’s the best way to start this desert island six-pack.
The Alchemist – Heady Topper
For my taste buds, the IPAs from the Alchemist are my absolute favorite beers. Focal Banger, Rapture, and Crusher are all so good. I have to go with my first intro to Alchemist, Heady Topper. Heady is the hop explosion that I crave. And I would certainly need it in my desert island six pack.
Tree House Brewing Company – Julius
The juicy entry into our desert island six-pack has to be Tree House’s Julius. I love King Julius and all the other incarnations, but I have to stick with the original, the flagship. It’s got a juiciness to it without being heavy or thick.
Tired Hands Brewing Company – Hop Hands
In my opinion, pale ales are often the weaker-tasting little brothers of the IPA. Not Hop Hands. Yes, it’s a less hoppy and lighter beer, but it’s got a taste you won’t soon forget. It’s my favorite pale ale and is great for those warmer days on the desert island.
Southern Tier – Pumking
Although I often consider my “favorite” beers a collection of IPAs, I need some variety for my desert island six-pack. I do love winter ales and Oktoberfests, but my favorite seasonal has to be Pumking. It’s got a lot of spice to it, akin to a liquid pumpkin pie, and adds an autumnal element to this six-pack.
Mayflower Brewing Company – Porter
On the darker side of things, Mayflower’s porter is simply excellent. It’s not the richest porter, but it’s got a delicious roasty flavor, perfect for those cooler nights on the desert island.
With three IPAs, a Pale Ale, a Porter, and a Pumpkin Ale, this desert island six-pack has a sampling of some of my favorite beer styles. It has enough variety to keep me excited, even if I am stranded!
