Every year offers a chance to reflect on the standout beers that left an impression. Here are eight brews from 2024 that truly captivated my palate, in no particular order:

Best Beer: ForeLand/Kings and Daughters Traveler Rest Best Bitter

On a sunny day in Portland, Oregon, I visited ForeLand Beer for happy hour with a friend. The cask collaboration with Kings and Daughters served in a festive, German-style glass was delightful. Cask beers, which are often warmer and lower in CO2 than kegged beers, have gained popularity in the U.S. This one, with its toasty malt backbone, remains a highlight from my West Coast trip.

Top Beer: Counter Weight Rauchbock

Connecticut’s Counter Weight Brewery is recognized for its exceptional lagers, and the rauchbock is no exception. On a chilly January day, I was encouraged by the friendly staff to try this smoked lager that boasts rich, smoky flavors and a light kick of alcohol at 6.2% ABV—an ideal choice for the cold weather.

Top Beer: Hill Farmstead Charlie: Plum Low-Alcohol Farmstead® Ale Aged on Organic Plum Pomace

After witnessing a stunning total solar eclipse, I enjoyed this low-alcohol sour at Hill Farmstead Brewery in Vermont. The beer, with its deep purple hue and robust plum flavors, was crafted from plum pomace, showcasing the fruit beautifully, and contained only 2% ABV.

Top Beer: Offset DOPO IPA

During a visit to Utah, I stopped by Offset Bier Co., where the relaxed atmosphere perfectly complemented the DOPO IPA. This refreshing 5% ABV brew, made with a mix of hops, was perfect for outdoor activities and even earned a spot on Craft Beer and Brewing magazine’s best-of list.

Top Beer: Masthead Hazy Headlines Hazy IPA

In Ohio, I tried Masthead’s hazy IPA at a dive bar after a Reds game. Light, juicy, and completely drinkable, this 6.7% ABV beer met my high expectations from New England’s hazy IPA standards and quickly became a favorite.

Theakston Old Peculier Old Ale

After a walk in the Yorkshire Dales, I enjoyed a pint of Theakston’s Old Peculier in a quaint village pub. With its rich cherry and toast notes, this classic U.K. ale, brewed since the early 1800s, was a highlight of my trip.

Third Eye Gourd-Darn It Pumpkin Stout

At the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, I discovered this pumpkin stout from Third Eye Brewing. With balanced pumpkin pie flavors and a roasty profile, this 6.3% ABV brew impressed me enough to go back for seconds.

Cerveza Fervor West Coast IPA

While exploring Merida, Mexico, I stopped by a local taproom where I tried the Cerveza Fervor West Coast IPA. With its fresh hop character, this 5.6% ABV IPA exceeded my expectations for a beer brewed in a hot climate, and I happily returned for more during my visit.

Cheers to the great beers enjoyed with friends and family in 2024, and here’s to another year filled with exceptional brews that bring people together.