Karl Strauss Makes Wine Enthusiast’s Top 25 Beer List

Karl Strauss is one of 25 handpicked craft beers to make it onto Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 25 Beers of 2012 list.

As the nation’s premiere wine and spirits publication, Wine Enthusiast Magazine reviews a limited number of craft beers each month. In 2012, Karl Strauss had an impressive 10 reviews in the publication, with its 23^rd Anniversary Old Ale landing a spot on the Top 25 list.

The company is one of the few breweries with single-state distribution to make the list. Wine Enthusiast says, “The list does include a couple of high-scoring items that might not be widely distributed or are extremely limited in production. These are beer treasures that are definitely worth the hunt.” Karl Strauss Brewmaster, Paul Segura, agrees that the beer is worth seeking out; “Our 23d Anniversary Ale is one of my all-time favorites. After a year in bourbon barrels it’s still becoming more complex with time. It’s an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious publication and I think even the most hardcore wine drinkers can appreciate our 23^rdAnniversary ale.”

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, an industry leader and valued consumer rankings resource, ranked the 23^rd Anniversary Old Ale #21 on its countdown with a 92/100. The review says, “Aged for 12 months in Bourbon barrels, this is a robust beer that exhibits strength and balance. Fruity notes of dried fig, date and raisin are infused with accents of toffee, molasses and sweet spice. Rich, oak-driven flavors of vanilla, coconut and charred sugar—like coconut crème brûlée—flood the creamy palate, giving way to secondary flavors of caramel drizzled plum and candied orange peel. Even though the alcohol is high, the beer never comes across as hot, but it closes with a lovely warming sensation.”

The complete list of Top 25 reviews will be featured in the upcoming December issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine. For more information on Karl Strauss’ Barrel-Aged Anniversary series, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.
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