Best of 2010

It is that time of year again, and just like last year I am going to present my favourites in 2010. In 2009 I had one post for every category, but this year I will present all my winners in this post.

I have had a fine year, and I have tasted many nice beers. My time in Sweden in 2010 was special, as I could drink myself through the very good selection at Systembolaget. I would also like to thank those of you readers I have had the opportunity to meet during the year. Beer is a fine entry point for nice conversations!

As always my best of 2010 list is highly subjective, and I have only included beers I have been drinking this year.

Best pale lager
Kout na Šumavě 12° (unfiltered version)

Just like last year this is my pale lager winner. This is a fantastic beer! I would also give credit to Brooklyn Lager, which finally is available in bottles here in Norway at Vinmonopolet.

Best dark lager
Budvar Černý

This dark lager from Budweiser Budvar in the Czech Republic is a fantastic beer. Runners up this year are Kout na Šumavě's dark lager and Carl's Special from Carlsberg.

Best wheat beer
Paulaner Hefeweizen

This is the wheat beer I normally buy at home. It is a delicious beer. I did not try Primátor's weizen this year. Otherwise it would probably be the winner. Another favourite this year is Weihenstephaner.

Best ale
Ægir IPA

The Norwegian craft brewery Ægir produces the ale I normally drink both at home and when I find it on tap. Ægir's IPA is a great beer! Other favorites this year are Primátor Stout, Nøgne Ø's 100 and Haandbryggeriet's IPA.

Best Norwegian bar
Den gode nabo (Trondheim)

There was no doubt at all. Among the bars I have visited in 2010, this was the best in Norway. It had a great beer selection and a nice atmosphere. Runners up this year are the Bergen based bars Kontoret, Henrik and Naboen.

Best beer blog
Shut Up About Barclay Perkins

Just like last year, Ronald Pattinson's blog is my favorite. Other good reads are these blogs: Pivní Filosof, Fuggled, Knut Albert, The Beer Nut, Boak & Bailey and of course Cooking Lager.

Best beer experience in 2010
Visiting Plzeň

It was great visiting the Pilsner Urquell brewery. I also liked my stay at Purkmistr.