Before launching into Tryanuary 2019, here are five of my favorite Portuguese craft beers from 2018:
First up: the very local SIN Mag8 Setais NEIPA from Sintra. 6,3% abv; Meyer lemon peel nose; Tropical fruits on the palate; Creamy & hazy with a lightly bitter end.
Second on my top five beers from Portugal in 2018: Cerveja Letra & Dois Corvos collaboration: Imp5rio Imperial Saison at 10% abv. Aged in Moscatel casks; Stone fruit aromas with a bit of funk; Unctous mouthfeel & bitter orange peel on back end; Hints of spice & golden plum.
A collaboration beer with Letra, aged in Moscatel barrels
Third in top 5 beers from Portugal in 2018: the Cervejeiros Piratas DIPA Arrrggg!!! from the bottle at Adamastor brewpub & again on tap at the Mercado da Cerveja Artesanal in Cascais. Complex, wham with tropical fruits, and a lot of fun. Loved all theirs so far.
Fourth in our 2018 Portugal beer faves: From DoisCorvos, Sorvette Milkshake IPA at 7% abv. Pineapple marischino cherry aromas; Mango creamy flavors; A bit hazy, all good… my first milkshake & I went back for another!
Finally (it was tough to choose) in the top 5 Portugal beers in 2018: Wonderlust from Colossus Craft Brewery, an American IPA with lovely floral aromas & Meyer lemons on the palate. Gorgeous stuff! Honorable mentions to Oitava Colina & Cerveja Musa.
