Autumn brews, for 'sipping' only

If you think of an everyday Pilsner as a family sedan, said Rob Kasper in the Baltimore Sun, “then Imperial Pilsner is a turbo-charged sports car.” Definitely not a brew for beginners, Imperial is a highly hopped beer loaded with extra flavors and aimed at the connoisseur. Several craft breweries around the country are producing Imperials this fall. All are “sippers, not gulpers,” with about a nine percent alcohol content by volume. These three are among the best:

Rogue ($14 for 750-ml ceramic bottle with reclosable lid) This American take on a European classic “packs a wallop.” Made by Rogue Ales in Newport, Ore., the smooth, malty brew can even be sipped late at night, like brandy.

Golden Era ($14 for four 12-oz. bottles) From Dogfish Head Brewing in Milton, Del., comes a golden, tangy beer that “hopheads cherish.”

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Samuel Adams Hallertau ($10 for four 12-oz.bottles) The bitter flavor of this Boston beer just might take your breath away. “Something to sip while nibbling a big blue cheese.”