2BG`s Beers of the Year 2018

OK. So this is impossible really. Last year, we didn't even try but, this year, we have a little list of memorable beers. No winners, just lots of admirable ales. We believe that beers can be situational and subjective; if that fourth pint of Magnet after a point away at Oakwell was your best then... that's fine.

Ergo, in no especial order, the Best of British:-

Imperial Cherry Stout - Marble . A Winter beer supped at a Summer bottle share but still epic. Limited edition too. Deep and rewarding.

A rare marvel, indeed.

Green Path IPA by Burnt Mill at The Broadfield. This Sussex, possibly Suffolk, brewery do occasionally appear at select spots around the Steel City. Tidy tackle. Trust. 

One true path.

Divine Elements by Black Iris. Again, this was possibly at the Broady too. Great beers these days, this Derby collective have moved up many a gear over the past 18 months or so.

The Green Tea one - Abbeydale and the Birdhouse Tea Company. Summer supping. Refreshing and beautifully balanced. A meeting of marvellous minds, we think.

Also, along the same lines, Gunnamatta from Yeastie Boys. A stronger brew, 6.6% from Berkshire.

Loopaloosa - by Neepsend Brewey at Bar Stewards and the Sheaf View and Steel City CAMRA festival. OK, we can`t really recall what it was called but it was one of the very finest beers from over 100 already produced by Neepsend at Neepsend. Award-winning ale from one of our own, we've enjoyed it on keg and cask . Great job.

Brut IPA by Almasty at the Steel City fest. One of 2018's break-through brewers at another fantastic Sheffield CAMRA beer festival. We both like this new style but, between Dan and Wee Beefy, this cask didn't last long. Abbeydale do a decent Brut too fwiw - Splash It!

Pressure Drop`s Mimic -  was also a moment to remember at Kelham Island museum.

Sounds of Islay - Buxton from their Cellar bar. Big and smoky. Nice place (small and not smoky).
We loved Buxton`s Cranachan this year too. Many supped and a glorious result when Danny took this to a Beer Central bottle share. Winner!

To the regiment----- !

Tokyo, Dog G and I Wanna Be Your Dog - Brewdog. Really can't say enough good stuff about the beers at our most local anarchistic ale providers. A bar for all seasons, we have seldom been short of a decent drink on Division Street in 2018. The G had SSSOOOO much going on but nailed it. Coffee, habaneros, chocolate - yes! AND then age on rye whiskey barrels. 17% or something? Heavyweight and probably the Champion. This year has been a good one, especially if you like the dark side...

THE G.