Every time we get to a new round I try to find a new way to approach it, something to say about these beers to either justify their place or explain why I think they are classic. And it hasn’t been until recently we’ve started hearing what you think, as the number of people who have stopped by our corner of the internet has exploded recently. So I tell you what (Anytime you can quote Hank Hill in your review it’s a good day), lets get back to basics:

Here we have division one winner Southern Tier Phin & Matt’s Extraordinary Ale. To catch you up on flavors and other interesting facts about it I recommend you check out my round 1 and round 2 reviews that are considerably more substantive. Now, I don’t think it would be right to review this beer today without talking about the beers it beat and why, namely the titans it took out in the last two rounds. The DogFish Head is one of the best beers there is, and this upstart managed to topple it because for what the 90 Minute IPA had, this Extraordinary Ale also has but has better. The progression of flavors that start caramelized and doughy progress to something lighter so that while you may be getting full, the beer isn’t going to get thicker and hard to finish. A solid change from beers that hit with the hops first and then try to plug in some sweetness. On its IPA crushing tour, the Extraordinary Ale also defeated the Magic Hat Lucky Kat which was fierce in its own right, toppling Guiness in the opening round. Again for many of the same reasons as the 90 Minute win. The way this particular beer is structured is what separates it from almost every other IPA, Lager, Pils, and Hefeweizen that could be lumped into the same category. Different is good. Hell, different is Extraordinary, and this Ale certainly lives up to its name.

So that should be it right? The Troegs HopBack Amber Ale should just grab its half-barrel and head on home right? Yeah, not happening. The HopBack Amber managed to claw its way through Division 2 in a series of matches where it looked like it would be swept. For the poetic and harmonious reviews of the flavors, check Round 1 and Round 2. I’ve thought this beer would be going home in each of the last two matches against the Flying Dog Old Scratch, another Amber with exceptional flavors, and the Star Island Single which was simply a beer that was unparalleled in terms of originality. That being said, the HopBack deserves credit because it is an exceptional beer, one that was brewed in the same vein is its opponent today, but with a little different emphasis. This beer also leads with a malted flavor, albeit a very light one, and concentrates its efforts on the hoppy finish. Spicy, strong, but not overpowering, what makes the HopBack a worthy beer is how it leads you on as you drink it. The initial taste of “that’s all?” is followed quickly by the big finish that leaves the drinker contented. This beer reminds me of spicier peppers that taste kinda average at first but the heat builds over time. If you have the patience to let the flavor of this beer build, it will become a favorite of yours.

UPDATE: Click Here for Match Results!