This post was co-authored (really the recipe was co-cooked) by @taylorbarstow

At some point during the winter, I inevitably will get a serious craving for some delicious and wholesome braised beef short ribs. With winter waning, a few of us on a ‘dudes night’ decided to do something we rarely all do together: cook. It was really rainy out, and all of us were thinking about drinking some dark beer, so Guinness was the answer for both the glasses and the dish. After shopping around a bit with Taylor and Kippy, we found ourselves in the North End, at Sulmona Meat Market on Parmenter Street – classic, old school Italian butcher and had some beautiful short ribs that we decided to have the butcher leave whole and not chop in half like usual short rib cuts.

The cuts of beef will look rather large as you can see in the pictures, but this was cool with us all around.  We decided to use a combination of braising liquids, all brought together with the classic French mirepoix of onions, carrots and celery.  Braising liquids included Gunniess, chicken stock (you can use beef too of course) and a touch of coffee.  We decided to pair the dish with some creamy Parmesan polenta and some of the braising liquid on the plate.  I’d also consider serving some blanched and sauteed bitter dark greens – or really whatever you like.  The beauty of short ribs is that they’re so damn tender “falling off the bone” that you tend to forget whatever else is on the plate.  Here’s what to do:

Before starting, remember that these short ribs can take up to 3 hours to cook!!!  So start early with them!

• 4-6 Whole (or 8-12 halved) short ribs – the freshest you can find – Grass-fed beef preferred!
• 1 large (or 2 medium) carrots – roughly chopped
• 2-3 stalks celery – washed and cubed
• 1 large white onion – diced
• 3 cloves of garlic – smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• A few stalks of parsley
• 2 pint cans of Guinness stout
• 2 cups chicken or beef stock
• 1/2 cup coffee (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

First thing you want to do is locate a good heavy bottomed pot to use for the braise.  I’ll sometimes use a large roasting pan that I cover with tinfoil if I have too many ribs to fit in my Le Creuset dutch oven.  Once you’ve got your equipment, preheat your oven to 350 F.

Season the short ribs thoroughly with salt and a small amount of pepper and set aside.  Heat your pot over medium/high heat and add a few glugs of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pot.  When the oil is just about smoking hot, add the ribs and brown on all sides, then remove the ribs and set aside.

Lower the heat to medium/low and add all of the vegetables, including the parsley and bay leaves and mix to combine and cook until softened – around 5-7 minutes.  Add the braising liquid and bring to a simmer, then add the short ribs back into the pot, cover with a heavy lid and place into the preheated oven.

The time you want to cook your short ribs is really up to you, but I would advise AT LEAST 2 hours.  My rule of thumb I learned from Taylor Barstow and it basically goes like this: cook the short ribs until they are basically completely falling apart and the bone comes out easily.

The last part really pulls the dish together: Start a saute pan over medium high heat and a just a tiny bit of olive oil.  When the pan is really hot, add the short ribs and sear them on each side to add a little bit if texture back to the short ribs (a little crust for your meat).  Once they’re done, serve along side polenta or whatever you’d like and enjoy immediately!

Ok, so back to the list.  The following is the top 10 of the Top Beers in America post.  These beers that are mentioned here are my favorite beverages in any season.  I’m not separating these out by type (lager, bock, IPA, etc…) – that post might come later on.  I am also trying to keep this list to beers that are “fairly accessible” nationally, though there will be some that may be only available on either coast or in the middle.  I’m also not limiting this to ‘year round’ beers…there may be a few that are only available seasonally.  If you agree or disagree let me know, I welcome any input!  Here goes my top 10:  (ABV = Alcohol content)

**Bonus Beer**: Yuengling Traditional Lager, Yuengling Beer Company, Pottsville, PA

Yuengling Lager is brewed in the oldest brewery in the United States.  Opened in 1829 in Pottsvile, PA, Yuengling has been producing their Traditional Lager pretty much ever since.  While the beer itself has gotten a face lift or two over the years, the recipe for this Lager has its roots in the grand traditions and method of German beer makers where the Yuengling family emigrated from.  While you can only find Yuengling in certain eastern states, I highly recommend trying one the next time you’re in Philadelphia or New York City.  It’s light, crisp and refreshing – a bit of sweetness and a clean finish make it extremely drinkable.
Food Pairing: Philly Cheesesteak – Ordered “Wiz With” – Don’t let ‘em fool you, it’s the only way to go.

10. Long Trail Double Bag Long Trail Brewery, Bridgewater Corners, VT

Look out for this beer my friends.  A few bottles of this stuff will set you on your rear end, that’s for sure.  Aside from Double Bag’s reputation around the New England region for being one of the stronger ale’s of choice, I think the Double Bag stands out for it’s stellar color and robust flavors.  Next time you get some of this stuff, pour it into a glass and enjoy the aromas before drinking.  The first taste notes I got are toffee and a bit of citrus, but then it finishes pretty hoppy and then very clean.  Very drinkable for the amount of alcohol it contains, so watch out.  ABV: 7.2%
Food Pairing: I think this would go great with a Pasta dish with some hearty Ragu.

9. Sam Adams Hallertau Imperial Pilsner Boston Beer Company, Jamaica Plain, MA

A few years back I got the opportunity to take a brewery tour of the Sam Adams operation in Jamaica Plain, just south of Boston.  I was both impressed by the simplicity of the operation and the openness of the people who were working there.  Though I really do enjoy Sam Winter Lager and find it the most drinkable of the Sam Adams family, I do believe that their Imperial Pilsner is the best beer they produce.  This beer is right up there with Pliny the Elder for bringing the most amount of hops to the table.  It’s intense, almost overwhelming.  One tip I’d give you is to get this beer very cold.  It’s a treat to enjoy on special occasions.  ABV: 8.8%
Food Pairing: Ribeye Steak – or something that will stand up to it…it’s a force to be reckoned with.

8. Victory Prima Pils Victory Brewing Company, Downington, PA

First of all, thanks to Rob Childs for turning me on to the Victory line-up.  All three of their beers that I’ve tried have been very good – Golden Monkey, Hop Devil and Prima Pils.  The Prima Pils is here because I think it’s hands down the best pilsner being produced in America today.  Pouring it into a glass, the aromas are of wheat and bread, a clean taste – like a super good PBR or Bud.  This beer is great in the summer, but good at anytime.  If you’re a fan of light beer, give the Prima Pils a shot.  ABV: 5.3%
Food Pairing: Swordfish, salmon, sea bass….or just burgers and dogs.

7. Geary’s Summer Ale D.L. Geary Brewing Company, Portland, ME

This beer is close to my heart, as I grew up heading to the Maine coast for vacation in the summertime.  This beer was always the choice Summer Ale (along with Shipyard summer) to chill with.  The beer has great citrus flavor and aroma – though not strong enough to overpower the hops, which are subtle but there.  This isn’t a totally light summer beer, but very refreshing on a hot day.  ABV: 6%
Food Pairing: If you happen to find yourself in Maine in the summer, grab a 6-pack, a few lobsters and cook them in ocean water from the beach (if available) and you’ll satisfy your soul.

6. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE

Beers #6, 5 and 3 are the best IPA’s that I believe are being produced in our country today.  I’m going to start the lineup with a beer from a truly great brewery: Dogfish Head.  To be honest, I have always drank more of their 60 Minute IPA and Raison D’Etre brews, which are both more widely available than the 90 Minute.  This brew is citrus in the nose with a heavy malt taste and clean finish…definitely enjoy it from a glass.  It’s less hoppy than your typical “Imperial IPA”.  The alcohol content is up there, likely the reason for it being sold in the unique 4-packs.  If you can find this beer locally, pick some up – it’s a treat.  ABV: 9%
Food Pairing: Spicy pork chops with ancho chili sauce

5. Bridgeport India Pale Ale Bridgeport Brewing Company, Portland, OR

Our buddy Walters turned me onto this beer when he was working at the brewpub up in Portland, OR.  I had always wanted to try it and then finally discovered it in a Safeway (of all places) in Oakland, CA.  This is a truly great IPA.  Lots of hoppiness, but incredibly well balanced at the same time.  The taste packs lemon and citrus, with that perfect sort of clean malt aftertaste.  This beer is great on any occasion, plus the bottles are sweet.  ABV: 5.5%
Food Pairing: Cedar plank roasted wild northwest salmon

4. Mirror Pond Pale Ale Deschutes Brewing Company, Bend, OR

Mirror Pond falls at #3, and this was a tough call.  Initially this was my favorite beer on the west coast, and it’s one of the most unique labels in the beer store and really jumps out at you.  Trying Mirror Pond for the first time is like a dream come true.  It’s so smooth you almost think it’s not even a beer at all.  It pours a beautiful dark amber color that just looks like someone knew what they were doing.  Its hop and bitterness levels aren’t that intense, but are still there to be enjoyed.  Deschutes is the only brewery to have 2 beers make my top 20, and if you’re ever in Bend, OR, go to the brewery but get there early, it’s always packed.  ABV: 5%
Food Pairing: Love this beer with Sushi

3. Racer 5 IPA Bear Republic Brewing Company, Healdsburg, CA

Ok, top 3 time.  Racer 5 sits at the top of the beer chain that has been started in the little brewery hotbed around the Santa Rosa, CA area.  This brew is awesome – great hoppiness, a little bitterness, but also some fruit and floral notes.  Pours a great deep golden color (like the NorCal hills in the summertime) that is just so inviting.  This brew will not disappoint, it will only grow on you over time.  The alcohol content is a little high, but you definitely cannot taste it.  This is the best American IPA I’ve ever had.  ABV: 7%
Food Pairing: Risotto with Barolo or Saffron or something big.

2. Rogue Dead Guy Ale Rogue Ale’s Brewery, Newport, OR

Rogue Dead Guy is here because it’s my favorite of the Rogue Ales.  It’s also the stain of Rogue that you’re most likely able to find in your area (if you’re lucky).  But this is tough because Rogue produces what seems like 150 different types of beer and most of them are really good.  Dead Guy is so simple and so easy to drink – it’s fairly sweet in the nose, with a hint of malt.  The taste is a little toasty and a little citrus, but very clean all around.  The color of this beer is perhaps its most impressive quality – it’s almost what I’d call a bright orange, it literally shines in the glass.  If I can find Dead Guy, I’m usually buying it.  Tough call here at #2.  ABV: 6.5%
Food Pairing: Great pub brew to grab with a burger that you know is going to be good.

1. Ipswich Original Ale Mercury Brewing Company, Ipswich, MA

That’s right, my number 1 beer is Ipswich Original Ale from Mercury Brewing – in my opinion the best all around beer in America.  There are simply no flaws with this beer at all.  If you were to pour this beer to someone who doesn’t even like beer, they would be hard to argue that this isn’t a thoughtful and well constructed beverage.  It pours that classic bright amber color, with a great white head.  It’s flavors are perfectly balanced, a little bitterness, but incredibly easy to drink.  It’s smoothness is something that I really value and look for in a beer.  It’s alcohol content isn’t overwhelming (which is good so you can enjoy more than one).  If you can find Ipswich Ale in your area, I (obviously) highly recommend it – it won’t disappoint.
Food Pairing: Mussels, clams, other shellfish – or just on its own.  ABV: 5.4%

So this concludes this years list of the top 20 beers.  If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them below.  Cheers!

In case you didn’t know, a period of prohibition (production and sale of alcoholic beverages illegal)  took place in the United States between the years of 1920 and 1933.  This wasn’t just some common law, it was an amendment to the constitution (the 18th).  During the Great Depression prohibition become increasingly unpopular (as you might imagine), so FDR led a reform movement and the government eventually repealed it in 1933 with the 21st amendment.  Few breweries survived this period and did so by rapidly converting their beverages into non-alcoholic malt drinks.  These were the large commercial breweries, many of which are around today.

Microbrewing in America really didn’t begin until 1979 when a law was passed legalizing the home brewing of beer and a new craft was born.  But enough history, let’s get to the list.

These beers that are mentioned here are my favorite beverages in any season.  I’m not separating these out by type (lager, bock, pale ale, etc…) – that post might come later on.  I am also trying to keep this list to beers that are “fairly accessible” nationally, though there will be some that may be only available on either coast or in the middle.  I’m also not limiting this to ‘year round’ beers…there may be a few that are only available seasonally.  If you agree or disagree let me know, I welcome any input!  Here goes:  (ABV = Alcohol content)

For Part 2 (the top 10), please click here

**Bonus Beer!!!** Pabst Blue Ribbon Pabst Brewing Company, Milwaukee, WI

PBR is here because it is hands down the best light American-style lager on the market (and has been for years).  Though it’s recently been brewed on a contract basis by the Miller Corporation, its classic balance of full body and ever present bready, grainy flavor brings it to the top of the heap of lite beers that are produced in America today.  When it’s time to bust out the beruit balls or beer die, Pabst is the go to choice.  ABV: 4.74%
Food Pairing: Burgers, sausage, pulled pork…anything that gets near a grill

Now down to business:

20. Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale Anderson Valley Brewing, Boonville, CA

Crisp and refreshing, the Boonville Amber is quite possibly the best amber on the market today.  In my opinion, blowing away other popular ambers such as Fat Tire from New Belgium.  Slightly fruity with a great balance of hops (not too overpowering) and not as toasty as some ambers out there.  This beer almost appears like a brown ale, rather than overly red.  I’m not usually a huge fan of amber ales, but this one rules. ABV: 5.8%
Food Pairing: Grilled fish (salmon or swordfish)

19. Harpoon IPA Harpoon Brewery, Boston, MA

The flagship beer of the Harpoon lineup, this beer is classic Boston and you can surely find it on draft in almost any bar across northern New England.  Harpoon’s take on the IPA is not quite as hoppy or bitter as some of the other IPA’s that you will find, but it’s medium body and light, floral finish make it very easy to drink.  A great ‘entry-level’ IPA and a great brewery in general.  Harpoon makes some other very good beers, especially their UFO Hefeweizen and Winter Warmer. ABV: 5.9%
Food Pairing: Spicy chili, Thai or Chinese noodles and curries

18. New Belgium 2 Below New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO

New Belgium is known by most beer connoisseurs for it’s infamous Fat Tire Amber, but after trying many of their ales, I believe that the 2 Below is the best beer coming out of Fort Collins.  Only available during the winter, the 2 Below is incredibly comforting and warming, with a great toasty aroma, hints of coffee and a great sweetness with a clean finish. The 2 Below isn’t as hoppy as an IPA, but not quite as dark as a porter or stout. It’s also not as fruity as some winter lagers you’ll find.  ABV: 6.6%
Food Pairing: Winter vegetable soup, braised duck and chicken legs

17. Shipyard Old Thumper ESA Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, ME

Old Thumper served as my introduction to darker beer.  It’s brewed at the restaurant I used to cook at – Federal Jack’s in Kennebunkport, ME. and mass produced by the Shipyard Brewery in Portland, ME.  Thumper is akin to a traditional English style pub ale, though it’s taste has sweetness and depth of flavor.  It’s mildly carbonated and perfect on a crisp autumn day.  Best beer Shipyard produces.  ABV: 5.9%
Food Pairing: Try it with fish and chips – It won’t disappoint.

16. Anchor Porter Anchor Brewing, San Francisco, CA

Anchor is another American classic and a San Francisco icon.  Their Porter is perhaps less known than their flagship Anchor Steam lager, though I’m usually able to find it in any larger sized liquor store.  It’s certainly my favorite of the Anchor varieties as well.  The Anchor Porter has all of what you’re looking for in a Porter – sweet, smoky flavor that is reminiscent of coffee and caramel.  This stuff doesn’t get old.  ABV: 5.6%
Food Pairing: Try it with braised beef short ribs (and use it to braise them in too!)

15. Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale Smuttynose Brewing Company, Portsmouth, NH

Recently rated the best brown ale in the northeast, the old brown dog ale is a great example of a British brown from America.  Don’t compare it to Newcastle, because it’s depth of flavor far exceeds it.  The old brown dog is fairly complex, roasty malt, light caramel flavor with a clean aftertaste, mild on the hops – just as a brown ale should be.  ABV: 5.7%
Food Pairing: Shepherd’s Pie (made the real way with Lamb)

14. Brooklyn Lager Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, NY

If I had to describe Brooklyn Lager to someone who had never tried it, I’d definitely say that it’s extremely drinkable.  This beer is so mild and mellow that you almost forget it’s beer at all.  Mellow hops, smooth all the way around and very little aftertaste, Brooklyn Lager has to be one of the best beers to just chill with.  Definitely in rotation in my fridge.  ABV: 5.2%
Food Pairing: Go out to your favorite taqueria, grab yourself a burrito and a Brooklyn Lager and you’ll have a great meal.

13. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico, CA

Perhaps the most widely available brew on this list (aside from PBR), Sierra Nevada is probably one of the first great beers I gained appreciation for.  It’s got a lot of hops for a pale ale, and because of this it almost resembles an IPA.  The hoppiness is classic west coast, and you’d be crazy not to get one on draft the next time you’re in San Francisco.  Flavor has lots of citrus and pine notes…is there any wonder why it’s one of the most popular beers out there?  ABV: 5.6%
Food Pairing: Smoked Chicken or Pork

12. Pliny the Elder Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, CA

Going from perhaps the most popular and widely available craft brew on this list to perhaps the least…this beer is here because it’s simply awesome.  If you LOVE hops (not just like, but love), then you’ll dig this beer.  We used to be able to get it on tap at Ben and Nicks and Barclay’s in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, but you may find it in some gourmet beer and wine stores around the country.  If you find it, give it a shot.  It’s a double IPA with lots of awesome floral flavor.  A classic.  ABV: 8%
Food Pairing: Cuban Sandwich (what I used to order with it)

11. Black Butte Porter Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR

This Porter is the beer I tried from the Dechutes Brewery in Bend, and it immediately became a favorite of mine.  The brew is dark and comforting, with subtle coffee and chocolate flavors.  What sets this porter apart though is the slight level of hoppiness that you find.  Most porters are don’t have any of that classic bitterness, but this one has a little.  On another note, Oregon is my favorite beer producing state in the country, perhaps because I find them so fresh (many, many breweries in this country use Cascade hops from the mountains in the Pacific NW – so Oregon breweries get the freshest hops in their beers).  This is not the last Oregon brew you will find on this list.  ABV: 5.5%
Food Pairing: Good desert beer – order it with a cheese plate.

Part 2 (10-1) coming soon!