There used to be a thing about American beer... it went along the lines of American beer is pretty much equivalent to drinking water.
Well, if we were drinking the stuff from our college days, we'd have to agree with that. Actually, we'd rather be drinking water than Natty Ice or Keystone.
But lucky for us and the rest of the world, American's have upped their game in the beer department.
Craft breweries have surged in the past few years, developing hoppy, unique, flavorful brews that are worth shelling out some extra cash to enjoy.
New York City has a pretty impressive craft beer scene. We've already put together the NYC breweries to visit, if you haven't already.
If you're not so into the tours, but want to down some dope NY craft beer, we've put together a list of the best NY beers to drink on American Beer Day that isn't named Coors or Budweiser.
We're lucky we're living in NYC, where you can grab some beer from the local corner store or your favorite bodega. Hopefully, your favorite place to shop for brews carries some awesome craft beers like these.
1. All Green Everything - Other Half Brewing Co.
First and foremost, this beer's can is pretty darn awesome. It's a dark lime green can with the title, "All Green Everything" in small font across the center.
The "All Green Everything" is a triple IPA with a fruity flavor. You won't realize how much alcohol is in this beer until you stand up. It packs a pretty mean punch with an ABV of 10.50%.
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This is definitely a great beer to drink outside on a fall day while watching football before it get's too cold to breathe.
2. Oktoberfest - Brooklyn Brewery
This one is pretty easy to find in NYC around this time of year. The bottles have a pretty awesome blue and silver diamond pattern on its label.
If you're looking for something thats great for both quality and quantity, we'd recommend Brooklyn Brewery's "Oktoberfest." It's full-bodied with light hops and an ABV of only 5.5%.
While session beers are typically around 4% ABV (as in beers to drink a lot of without getting too schwifty), this beer is too good to pass up a couple while out with friends.
3. Double Barrel Jesus - Evil Twin
nocobeerblog After dinner walks w/ @eviltwinbrewing #doublebarreljesus #imperial #stout #barrelaged in #bourbonbarrels . . #opencontainer #catchmeifyoucan #drinkcraft #eviltwin #nectarofthegods #imperialstout #beergeek #craftbeer #craftbeernotcrapbeer #craftbrew #craftnotcrap #craftbeerporn #beergeek #beersnob #beerme #beerporn #beertography #brewing #brewtography #instabeer #coloRADo #nocobeerblog #fortcollins #beer #fall #leaves
If you're a stout fan, you'll definitely savor Evil Twin's "Double Barrel Jesus." Of course, this is another one that has a pretty hefty ABV at 12%.
This is a thick, dark Imperial stout with a full chocolate, vanilla bourbon flavor. It's a rich, creamy beer that is great to sip as the days get colder.
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It may be a bit heavier on the price tag, but its complex flavor and fudge like mouthfeel is more than worth it.
4. Hennepin - Ommegang
If you're a big Game of Thrones fan, you've probably been tempted to buy one of Ommegang's five beers dedicated to the show.
However, you should purchase "Hennepin," which is Ommegang's version of a Belgian Saison. This one is also pretty easy to find, sold in a corked bottle. It's got an ABV of 7.70%.
It's got a dry, citrusy yeasty flavor that is fairly common in traditional Saisons with some additional spicy notes.
,5. Pumpkin Ale - Horsehead Brewing
circlembeverage Pumpkinhead Brewery released their 6.8% ABV Pumpkin beer. Pumpkin ale is brewed and fermented with pumpkin. It contains aromas such as ginger, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and toasty malts but contains flavors such as nutmeg, oak, vanilla, gingerbread, and of course pumpkin! It contains moderate carbonation but is creamy and easy to drink. Rating a 93 on Beer Advocate! 🍺🎃🍺🎃🍺🎃🍺🎃🍺🎃🍺🎃🍺🎃🍺🎃🍺🎃🍺🎃 #circlembeverage #circlem #craftbeer #beer #pumpkinbeer #rockypoint #longisland #pumpkinale #horseheadbrewing #limitedrelease #beeraddict #beeradvocate
It's the fall, which means pumpkin is the spice of the season. This is one of the best pumpkin flavored beers to come out of the state of NY. With an ABV of 6.60%, it's pretty middle of the line when it comes to beers.
Our only complaint about pumpkin beers is that the accompanying spices (think nutmeg, clove, cinnamon) overpower the pumpkin flavor.
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Horsehead Brewing's "Pumpkin Ale" is the perfect balance of seasonal spice, pumpkin, and beer. It's incredibly easy to drink one (or a few).
6. Rye Pale Ale - The Bronx Brewery
Rye beers are excellent, and if you haven't tried one, you should definitely grab this one from The Bronx Brewery.
"Rye Pale Ale" from The Bronx Brewery has a pretty moderate caramel flavor, but is spicier than sweet due to the rye. It has an ABV of 6.30%.
The rye also gives this brew a fuller body than a regular Pale Ale. It's a lot smoother and creamier than you would expect.
7. Afterimage - Grimm Artisanal Ales
yankeerunner77 Big Gracias to @foodtownexpress and @_jaycin_ for helping make this share with my homie @veenatnora possible. #craftbeer #grimm #afterimage #ipaglass #instabrew #beertography #beerart #beercaps #craftcans #passionfruitjuice #jugodemaracuya #iloveipa #igshare #virtualshare #shecallsmegina #poppingwhalezandginas
This Double IPA has an ABV of 8.0%, and is certainly not for the faint of heart. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Grimm Artisanal Ales is a two person operation, producing many beers in single batches.
"Afterimage" is Grimm's first beer to be sold in cans rather than in batches. With a citrusy, smooth hoppy flavor, this beer is definitely for IPA lovers.
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It's a bit more balanced than many overpowering DIPAs. Grab some cans of these before they're gone.
Check out 5 Year-Round Rooftop Bars You Should Visit in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]