Best Craft Beers That Are No Longer Made
Craft beer has gained immense popularity over the last few years, and beer enthusiasts are always on the hunt for new and unique flavors. However, some of the best craft beers that developed a cult following are no longer in production. These beers were once the pride of their respective breweries and left a lasting impression on the beer community. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the best craft beers that are no longer made.
1. Westvleteren 12
Westvleteren 12, also known as the "best beer in the world," was brewed by the Trappist monks of the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Belgium. This beer was only sold at the abbey and was so popular that it had to be rationed. The brewery decided to stop selling the beer internationally in 2013, making it extremely difficult to find.
2. Pliny the Younger
Pliny the Younger was a triple IPA brewed by Russian River Brewing Company in California. This beer was only available for two weeks each year and was highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. The brewery stopped production of Pliny the Younger in 2020, stating that they wanted to focus on other beers.
3. Dark Lord
Dark Lord was an imperial stout brewed by Three Floyds Brewing in Indiana. The beer was only released once a year on "Dark Lord Day" and was only available for a few hours. The brewery stopped production of Dark Lord in 2020, but they still offer variations of the beer.
4. Black Tuesday
Black Tuesday was an imperial stout brewed by The Bruery in California. This beer was only released once a year and was highly sought after by beer collectors. The brewery stopped producing Black Tuesday in 2020, but they still offer variations of the beer.
5. Heady Topper
Heady Topper was an American double IPA brewed by The Alchemist Brewery in Vermont. This beer was only available at the brewery and was highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. The brewery stopped production of Heady Topper in 2020, but they still offer other beers.
6. King Henry
King Henry was a barleywine brewed by Goose Island Brewery in Illinois. This beer was only released once in 2010 and quickly became a cult favorite. The brewery has not produced King Henry since then, making it a rare find for beer collectors.
7. Abyss
Abyss was an imperial stout brewed by Deschutes Brewery in Oregon. This beer was only released once a year and was highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. The brewery stopped production of Abyss in 2020, but they still offer variations of the beer.
8. Bourbon County Brand Stout Rare
Bourbon County Brand Stout Rare was an imperial stout brewed by Goose Island Brewery in Illinois. This beer was aged in barrels for two years, giving it a unique flavor. The brewery stopped production of Bourbon County Brand Stout Rare in 2015, making it a rare find for beer collectors.
9. La Folie
La Folie was a sour brown ale brewed by New Belgium Brewing in Colorado. This beer was only released once a year and was highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. The brewery stopped production of La Folie in 2020, but they still offer variations of the beer.
10. Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder was an American double IPA brewed by Russian River Brewing Company in California. This beer was highly sought after by beer enthusiasts and was named the "best beer in America" by the American Homebrewers Association. The brewery still produces Pliny the Elder, but it is not as widely available as it once was.
Although these beers are no longer in production, their legacy lives on in the beer community. Beer enthusiasts still talk about their unique flavors and reminisce about the times they were able to taste them. If you ever come across one of these rare beers, consider yourself lucky!
