Premium beers at premium prices
A New York Times panel gave these five beers a top rating. All have been aged in oak barrels.
The country’s in a recession and I’m recommending a $35 bottle of beer, said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. “What? Am I insane?” Normally, that would be a possible explanation. But the unpasteurized, unfiltered, limited-edition vintage ale brewed by Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes in Switzerland is a perfect example of the brewer’s art—superbly complex, “bright in the mouth,” bracing, and tart. It ranked first in a recent tasting by a Times panel of 25 beers that are aged, like some wines and whiskeys, in oak barrels. Our top five:
Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes 2006 Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien, Switzerland (11 percent alcohol; 25.4 oz, $34.95) “Bracing and complex,” with refreshing tart spice and sour fruit flavors.
Pennichuck 2008 Pozharnik Espresso Russian Imperial Stout, Milford, N.H. (10 percent alcohol; 33.8 oz, $17.95) A balanced, full-bodied stout with flavors of coffee and bitter chocolate.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Bavik Petrus Aged Pale, Belgium (7.3 percent alcohol, 11.2 oz, $3.50) “Best value. Golden, complex, and refreshing.”
Jolly Pumpkin La Roja Amber Ale, Dexter, Mich. (7.2 percent alcohol; 25.4 oz, $9.50) Robust, carbonated, funky.
Dogfish Head Burton Baton Imperial India Pale Ale Milton, Del. (10 percent alcohol; 12 oz, $4.60) A cloudy ale with a sweet malt and hoppy flavor.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Easy listening: the best audiobooks
The Week Recommends Swap hefty hardbacks for hands-free reading this summer
-
Sharenting: does covering children's faces on social media protect them?
In The Spotlight Privacy trend has 'trickled down' from celebrity parents but it may not protect your kids
-
Syria's returning refugees
The Explainer Thousands of Syrian refugees are going back to their homeland but conditions there remain extremely challenging