{"id":378933,"date":"2025-12-29T20:39:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T20:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/378933\/"},"modified":"2025-12-29T20:39:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T20:39:10","slug":"cheers-to-the-games-greatest-brews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/378933\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheers to the game\u2019s greatest brews\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

To start our fifth (!) edition of our attempt to rank the best beers in golf for the year that was, we should make it understood that this exercise is harder to perform than keeping our favorite beverage cool during the summer. No, we ask not for pity, as the job of reflecting back on great rounds and great drinks brings more joy than the 19th hole\u2019s first sip. It\u2019s just that there\u2019s this one simple fact:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Any beer is a good golf beer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The light beer in a can at the muni? Good!<\/p>\n

The imported bottle in the grill room? Good!\u00a0<\/p>\n

The hoppy IPA on draft at the country club? Good!\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no losing here. But some simply go down smoother than the others. And this is an effort to try to name them.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some introductions of our four-person panel. There\u2019s the author, a native of Milwaukee who learned the game on parks department courses \u2014 and grew up across the street from a bar. There\u2019s Chad Underwood, an Ohioan whose travels around the world in pursuit of great golf and beer make the author envious. There\u2019s Scott Coleman, co-founder of Cushwa Brewing Company in Maryland, a brewery that you must visit if you haven\u2019t and one you\u2019ve returned to if you have. There\u2019s Ryan Guthy, one of the co-founders of Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, N.C.,, a brewery whose popularity is unmatched along much of the East Coast.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Our assignments are threefold. We rate:<\/p>\n

\u2013 The best beers with golf in the name, a nod to creativity\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2013 The best golf club beer, a salute to those courses that invest in their own brew\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2013 The best golf beers, a raise of the glass to the game\u2019s greatest brews\u00a0<\/p>\n

Before we begin, two important notes:<\/p>\n

Our rankings should be labeled as a conversation-at-the-bar starter, and not an end all, be all. Regionality plays a large role here, as does taste, and we\u2019re just four golfers who also like their suds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So \u2026 if you think a beer should be in any of the ratings \u2026<\/p>\n

Please email me (nick.piastowski@golf.com<\/a>), or reach out over Twitter (@nickpia<\/a>). Bonus points if you want to mail me a sixer, of course. Then, around next year at this time, I\u2019ll post the ratings again. Shoot, you could end up in the panel even.<\/p>\n

With that, here are the 2025 ratings. Cheers!<\/p>\n

Best beers with golf in the name (top seven, in alphabetical order)\u00a0<\/p>\n


\n \"Ian <\/a><\/p>\n

2024 best golf beers: Our toast to the game\u2019s finest brews\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

By:<\/p>\n


\n Nick Piastowski <\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Azalea by Emancipation Brewing Co.<\/a>, Fairbury, Illinois: Easy pick.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Birdie on a Par 3 by North Pillar Brewing Co<\/a>, Waukesha, Wisconsin: Good beer, good name. One of the reviewers has stopped at this newer brewery a few times, and was happy to see it add a golf beer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Crispy on the Course by Country Club Brewing<\/a>, South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Wrote a reviewer: If there\u2019s anywhere a crispy beer is at home, it\u2019s on the golf course.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Pin High Pilsner by Market Garden Brewing<\/a>, Cleveland: Back again. A portion of the beer\u2019s proceeds are donated to support youth golf educational programs at Cleveland Metroparks Golf Courses.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Ridin\u2019 Birdie by Wrong Crowd Beer Company<\/a>, West Chester, Pennsylvania: A returnee. A contender for the best use of \u2018golf\u2019 in the name.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Tart Path Only by Dogleg Brewing Company<\/a>, Vista, California: We\u2019ll bring this beer back again. But several others at Dogleg could have made this list.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Yippie IPA by St. Andrews Brewing Company<\/a>, Scotland: Another returnee. The St. Andrews Brewing Company is also a sponsor of LPGA pro Gemma Dryburgh, a friend of the ratings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Best golf club beer (top 15, in alphabetical order)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 1854 IPA, brewed for Philadelphia Cricket Club by Conshohocken Brewing Company<\/a>, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania: Back again. A favorite of the panel.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Allegheny Airstrike, brewed for Allegheny Country Club by Links Brewing Company<\/a>, Pittsburgh: Wrote one of our raters: \u201cVery few feelings are as satisfying as seeing your Airstrike arrive on the course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Bandon Pale Ale, brewed for Bandon Dunes by Hop Valley Brewing Company<\/a>, Eugene, Oregon: An obvious returnee. Just a good golf beer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Blue Cup Lite, brewed for Columbia Country Club by Brookeville Beer Farm<\/a>, Brookeville, Maryland: Wrote a reviewer: \u201cEasy-drinking lager to help you traverse the surprising amount of hills on this Chevy Chase, Maryland, gem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Champions Lager, brewed for Scioto Country Club: Said a reviewer: \u201cThe beer from Jack\u2019s home course growing up is a delightfully refreshing beer that can be enjoyed on a hot summer day, preferably after making the turn at the wonderfully redone Andrew Green design.\u201d<\/p>\n


\n \"Beer\" <\/a><\/p>\n

2023 best golf beers? Sit back and crack open our \u2018spirited\u2019 rankings\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

By:<\/p>\n


\n Nick Piastowski <\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cog Hill Long Drive Ale, brewed for Cog Hill Golf & Country Club by Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling<\/a>, Lemont, Illinois: Wrote a reviewer: \u201cBest to down one before breaking out the lumber.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Dyeabolical, brewed for Whistling Straits by Eagle Park Brewing Company<\/a>, Milwaukee: This easily could have fit in the category above.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 False Front, brewed for Rolling Green Golf Club by Levante Brewing Company<\/a>, West Chester, Pennsylvania: Last year, this beer was suggested by a reader, who wrote: \u201cDon\u2019t forget False Front. Made for Rolling Green Golf Club, an homage to architect William Flynn\u2019s dastardly green designs. A delicious IPA, also sold under the name Cloudy and Cumbersome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Fore Y\u2019all Muni Lager, brewed for Charleston Municipal by Freehouse Brewery<\/a>, Charleston, South Carolina: A returnee from last year. We\u2019re always fans of muni beers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Lark Lager, brewed for Meadowlark Golf Course by Laguna Brewing Company<\/a>, Laguna Beach, California: Another beer suggested by a reader, who wrote: \u201cAn easy-drinking session beer with our inception date (1922) and course layout on the can. We also can get it on draft!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Level Par Lager, brewed for Canal Shores Golf Club, by Sketchbook Brewing Company<\/a>, Evanston, Illinois: The brewery\u2019s description of the beer is how every beer should be described: \u201cThe perfect beer for pizza, a round of golf, or a day relaxing in the backyard.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Oakmont 1903, brewed for Oakmont Country Club, by Links Brewing Company<\/a>, Pittsburgh: A must-have at the host of this year\u2019s U.S. Open.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Red Wicker ESB, brewed for Merion by Conshohocken Brewing Company<\/a>, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania: A couple of years ago, one of our raters described the beer this way: \u201cI don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because it\u2019s poured out of a red wicker basket handle, or because I\u2019m on cloud nine after walking the hallowed grounds of Merion, or because I\u2019m in a daze after their world-famous showers, but this beer, poured into a frosty cold mug, is a delight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Stymie, brewed for Columbia Country Club by Logboat Brewing Co.<\/a>, Columbia, Missouri: One of the best golf beers, for a couple of reasons. The taste is great. And so is the attention to detail \u2014 the can is wrapped in a dimpled sticker (!) that shows the logo and course map. The author tried one of these earlier in the year \u2014 and saved one to enjoy after this story was written.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 The Ocean Course Pale Ale, brewed for Kiawah Island Golf Resort by Low Tide Brewing<\/a>, Johns Island, South Carolina: One of the better pale ales you\u2019ll have. Nominated by a few of our raters.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Bonus! A Masters beer! Crow\u2019s Nest Wheat Ale: The author enjoys this one \u2014 after his stories are filed, of course.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Bonus! A club cocktail! KFC, mixed at the Golf Club: Wrote a reviewer: \u201cThis cocktail, which originated at the Golf Club, has been replicated by many clubs throughout the Midwest. A delightful combination of Ketel One, Fresca and cranberry, you won\u2019t be disappointed when you give this one a whirl. I\u2019ve started making it on my own on hot summer days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Best golf beers (top 15, in alphabetical order)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout, Goose Island Beer Co.<\/a>, Chicago: This beauty is meant to be had post-round, as it\u2019s higher in alcohol, but it\u2019s very, very delicious.\u00a0<\/p>\n


\n \"Golf <\/a><\/p>\n

Best golf beers? Best beers with golf in the name? Here\u2019s an unscientific ranking\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

By:<\/p>\n


\n Nick Piastowski <\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Genesee Cream Ale, by Genesee Brewing Company<\/a>, Rochester, N.Y.: Said one of our raters: \u201cAfter my first go-around at Oak Hill East this summer, I was delighted to hear they had Genesee Cream Ale on tap. While I\u2019ve been drinking it for years on my annual trips to the Finger Lakes, this light and easy drinker took on new meaning after a day facing the East course. It was a revelation, and I even bought a 30-pack to bring home with me!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Greenskeeper IPA by Land-Grant Brewing Company<\/a>, Columbus, Ohio: A mainstay on this list.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Guinness Draught by Guinness<\/a>, Dublin, Ireland: Maybe the author\u2019s best beer moment of the year came via a post-round Guinness at the Brazenhead in Dublin.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Heady Topper by The Alchemist<\/a>, Stowe, Vermont: The author\u2019s favorite beer. A bit stronger, but perfect for after the round.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Lakeside Lager, by Ithaca Beer Co.<\/a>, Ithaca, N.Y.: Wrote a reviewer: \u201cAnother post-round beer on my trip to Central New York this year. This lager was full of flavor and packed a punch, yet was light and refreshing. A must-try if you\u2019re up in that area, and a perfect beer after a round in the scorching heat of mid-summer.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Lime Drop, by Wicked Weed Brewing<\/a>, Asheville, N.C.: Wrote Guthy: \u201cOn a hot summer day, this salted lime lager that comes in at 4.8 percent is a must for your golf cart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Michelob Ultra, by Anheuser-Busch InBev<\/a>, St. Louis: Said a reviewer: \u201cYou always need a crusher in your bag. Ultra is very versatile \u2014 whether you want to throw back some beers, need an easy sipper or are counting calories, this beer is always consistent and really made for the game of golf.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Moon Boots, by Sideward Brewing<\/a>, Orlando, Florida: An excellent IPA \u2014 and it\u2019s also served at Bay Hill.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Moon Man Pale Ale, by New Glarus Brewing Company<\/a>, New Glarus, Wisconsin: Wrote a reviewer (and not the native of Wisconsin rater): \u201cI\u2019m a little nervous about this being sacrilegious. Everyone who\u2019s taken a trip to Wisconsin knows about the Spotted Cow farmhouse ale, but on my recent trip to Sand Valley, I found I preferred this pale ale, which I had never seen before. I always found Spotted Cow a little light for my taste, and the Moon Man tastes more like I want my beer to taste to me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Par Punch by Workhorse Brewing Company<\/a>, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania: Easily one of the best beers on this list.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Pernicious, by Wicked Weed Brewing<\/a>, Asheville, N.C.: Up and down the East Coast, Pernicious is quickly becoming the go-to IPA.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 Tempest Hazy IPA, by Narrows Brewing<\/a>, Tacoma, Washington: The author loved this beer after playing a round this summer at Chambers Bay.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014 That\u2019ll Play, by Cushwa Brewing Company<\/a>, Williamsport, Maryland: Wrote Coleman: \u201cBrewed in collaboration with Lock Kyle of Make Golf Fun Again to simply make the game we all love a little more enjoyable. Crisp lager with just the right amount of lime to quench your thirst any time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Yuengling Traditional Lager, by Yuengling<\/a>, Pottsville, Pennsylvania: Said a rater: \u201cFor those who prefer an amber lager, you can never go wrong with choosing \u2018America\u2019s Oldest Brewery.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note: You can read the 2024 rankings here<\/a>, the 2023 rankings here<\/a>, the 2022 rankings here<\/a> and the 2021 rankings here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

“><\/p>\n