Top Beers of 2024: The Journey, the Lists, and What Really Matters

When I sat down to write this blog post, my grand plan was to whip up a list of the top 24 beers of 2024. Easy, right? Just a little Google research, a few taste tests (you know, purely for science), and voilà—a beer lover's dream post. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t that simple.

First off, how do you even narrow it down to just 24 beers? Between the hazy IPAs, fruited sours, barrel-aged stouts, and crispy lagers, it felt like I was betraying half the craft beer world by leaving some out. And let’s not even get into the regional gems that don’t get the love they deserve because you have to basically hike through a mountain range to find them.

Then there’s the drama of trying to figure out what makes a beer “top.” Is it the hype? The untapped ratings? The brewery's vibe? Or is it just that one beer you cracked open after a long day that felt like pure magic in a can? (For the record, I think that last one deserves way more credit.)

Untappd

First up, I dove into Untappd, the app where beer lovers like you and me rate beers based on pure, unfiltered feelings. The reigning champion on Untappd is Pliny the Elder, a DIPA by Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, CA, with over 7,500 5-star ratings. This beer is the holy grail for many craft beer fans, and honestly, the hype is real. Coming in second is Heady Topper by The Alchemist in Stowe, VT—another DIPA that balances big flavors with smooth drinkability, making it a fan favorite. Rounding out the top three is Yuengling’s Traditional Lager from Pottsville, PA. While technically not a craft beer (they make over 2.9 million barrels a year), its "I-can’t-get-this-everywhere" factor keeps it high on the must-try list.

Craft Beer and Brewing

Then I turned to Craft Beer and Brewing’s Top 20 Beers of 2024. Their list is based on blind tastings, intense discussions, and people who basically eat, sleep, and breathe beer. Their #1 pick? Panopticon IPA by Grains of Wrath in Camas, WA—a beer so good it scored a perfect 100. Other standout mentions include the rich Barrelywine Vol. 9 series by Kros Strain in Nebraska and the unique Oude Gueuze 2023 from Boerenerf in Belgium, a funky, sour beer that’s steeped in centuries of brewing tradition.

Beer Snob Bill

And then, there’s Beer Snob Bill’s list—my personal favorites of 2024. While IPAs are my usual go-to, I’ve expanded my horizons this year. Highlights include the decadent Double Astral stout from Third Eye Brewing in Cincinnati, the bold Wandering Infinity imperial stout from Magnanimous Brewing in Tampa, and the dreamy Dreamwalker DIPA from Wax Wings Brewing in Kalamazoo. And let’s not forget OnlyCans by Ascension Brewing—an IPA I would have stockpiled if I’d known Ascension was closing its doors (RIP).

The bottom line? There are endless beers to explore, and no list can truly capture what’s “best.” The best beers are the ones you enjoy the most—the ones that make you go, “Wow, I need another one of these!” Use the lists, apps, and ratings as a guide, but ultimately, trust your own taste buds. Go out, try something new, and enjoy the journey.

Cheers to 2024! 🍻

– BSB