Philadelphia’s many microbrews

Seven of us recently convened a “comprehensive tasting of the fresh flavors being crafted” by local brewers, said Craig LeBan in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Blind-tasting 28 beers from 18 breweries, we found that “the best of the tasting’s heavy-hitting brews were as much about balance as power.” These three stood out.

McKenzie Brew House Bière de Garde

A unanimous choice for best brew, this “rustic amber farmhouse ale” was inspired by brews of the French-Belgian border. An “ethereally balanced cola-colored brew,” it’s full of complex flavors that are “lightly sour and yeasty, earthy but well-rounded, with a hint of dark and fruity sweetness.”

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Flying Fish Exit 16

This double IPA is “made with three kinds of rice,” giving it a surprisingly light body that contrasts with its rich, complex taste.

Tröegs Flying Mouflan

At 9.3 percent alcohol content, this barley-wine-style brew was the most powerful of the three. It boasts “two personalities.” As a young brew, it is “vibrant with citrusy hops,” but when it ages it becomes “something profoundly mellow.”