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#7
97
Göller Dunkel
Brauerei Göller
"Overall, Göller Dunkel hits all of the marks for what I'm looking for in a dunkel. My biggest issue with the beer is that I only received two bottles from which to judge; both went down much too fast. Seriously though, the only aspect keeping this Dunkel from perfection was a slight tinge of age/oxidation. That aspect alone wouldn't stop me from buying a case of it." - Judge Michael Bury
#6
97
Mexican Empire
Arches Brewing
"A truly remarkable example of the style that showcases high-quality malt and doesn’t seem to sacrifice flavor by using adjuncts like many modern interpretations. If European Lager styles are truly making a comeback, this beer should stand out as one of the reasons why. A world-class Vienna Lager that should be sought out wherever possible." - Judge Sean Coughlin
#5
97
Hofbräu Dunkel
Staatliches Hofbräuhaus
"The venerated Hofbräuhaus invariably comes up in any discussion concerning “classic” or “epic” breweries, and their sublime Münchner Dunkel most certainly contributes to the reverence in which beer aficionados hold the brewery. This beer bursts with lush aromas of sweet caramel and light toffee, accentuated by a solid punch of spicy Munich malt. Yet another demonstration of Hofbräuhaus’s artistry, Münchner Dunkel is a most satisfying beer, as well-suited to a warm spring afternoon as it is to après-ski quaffing." - BC Review
#4
97
Sirène
Arches Brewing
"The pils malt flavor is crackery and grainy. This beer is crisp with medium body and moderate high carbonation. Overall, this beer is supremely well balanced and a world-class brew. Its flavors are individually familiar but come together in a way that is particularly delicious. It's always a fun surprise to find an exciting take on a common style. This is a stellar beer -- one of the best I've had all year." - Judge Jim Koebel
#3
98
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier
Brauerei Heller-Trum
"While rauchbiers may not be every beer drinker’s choice for a session beer and are somewhat of an acquired taste, this is the stuff of liters for beer connoisseurs. Schlenkerla is a world-class beer and a perfect complement to any evening meal." - BC Review
#2
98
Privat
Brauhaus Riegele
"You won’t be disappointed in the very least with Brauhaus Riegele’s Privat. It’s a nigh-perfect interpretation of a Festbier that demands to be imbibed by the boot or the liter. The clean fermentation allows both the malt and hops to shine. You’ll be disappointed if you only picked up a 6-pack, since you'll want many, many more. This highly flavorful yet easy-to-drink beer can be appreciated by the beer connoisseur and the less devoted beer drinker alike." - Judge Michael Bury
#1
99
Prima Pils
Victory Brewing Co.
"Prima Pils, one of Victory’s flagship beers, is nothing less than the quintessential German-style pilsner, rivaling anything that Germany has to offer. The aroma, overflowing with flowery, spicy Saaz hop notes, permeates the room as the beer slips into the glass. Holding true to its Germanic antecedents, Prima Pils is topped by a pillowy, pure white head and fairly glows in the glass, bathing the room in a suffused golden wash of light. As expected, a pleasantly stinging hop bitterness dominates the flavor, but there are gobs of flowery, faintly resinous hop flavors as well. The panel members were effusive in their praise of this brilliantly executed, world-class pilsner, agreeing that this is one of very few beers that is perfectly suited for anything, anytime, anywhere." - BC Review