In the world of craft beers, 2023 was a year that brought forth some extraordinary brews that left enthusiasts craving for more. As we reflect on the year that was, we’re thrilled to present to you the definitive list of the “Top 10 Craft Beers With the Most 5-Star Check-Ins of 2023.” These beers not only captured the hearts of beer aficionados but also garnered an impressive number of five-star ratings on Untappd, making them stand out in a crowd of exceptional brews.
10. Duvel – Duvel Moortgat
Style: Belgian Strong Golden Ale
ABV: 8.5%
IBU: 33
Total Ratings: 744,023
The journey through the world of craft beer begins in Belgium, a country known for its rich beer history and tradition. Duvel Moortgat’s Duvel, a Belgian Strong Golden Ale, earned its place in the top ten with a remarkable 3.7k five-star check-ins in 2023. Duvel is often considered the epitome of Belgian beer craftsmanship.
Brewed with pure spring water, barley, aromatic Slovenian and Czech hops, and a yeast strain selected by Victor Moortgat in the 1920s, Duvel is a beer that demands time, attention, and care. At 8.5% ABV, it packs a boozy punch, but its smoothness keeps beer enthusiasts coming back for more. Every sip tells a story of Belgian brewing excellence, making Duvel a true gem in the world of craft beer.
9. Hopslam Ale – Bell’s Brewery
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double
ABV: 10%
IBU: 65
Total Ratings: 44,261
Bell’s Brewery, known for its exceptional releases, brings us Hopslam Ale (2022), a beer that lives up to its name. This double IPA showcases a complex hopping schedule with six different hop varietals on the hot side and a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe.
Hopslam delights with bold punches of grapefruit, stone fruit, and floral notes. But it’s not just about the hops; Bell’s masterfully balances the beer with a substantial malt bill and a touch of honey, creating a harmonious blend. At 10% ABV, this beer is a hoppy wonder that’s surprisingly drinkable. With nearly 4k five-star check-ins in 2023, Hopslam Ale continues to impress craft beer enthusiasts with its exceptional flavor profile.
8. Focal Banger – The Alchemist
Style: IPA – American
ABV: 7%
IBU: 90
Total Ratings: 384,846
From The Alchemist, known for its iconic beers, comes Focal Banger, an American IPA that garnered over 4k five-star check-ins on Untappd in 2023. This beer showcases revered Pacific Northwest hops like Citra and Mosaic, making it a standout in its own right.
Focal Banger is a true banger among IPAs, delighting beer enthusiasts with its hoppy character and balanced flavors. With a total of 384,846 ratings, it’s clear that Focal Banger has earned its place among the top craft beers of 2023.
7. Trappist Westvleteren 12 – Brouwerij De Sint-Sixtusabdij van Westvleteren
Style: Belgian Quadrupel
ABV: 10.2%
IBU: 38
Total Ratings: 268,078
Trappist Westvleteren 12, affectionately known as “Westie 12,” is a beer shrouded in legend. Considered one of the rarest beers globally, it’s brewed by monks once a week to support their abbey. The process of acquiring Westie 12 involves making appointments, traveling to Belgium, and lining up to secure a taste of this elusive beer.
With just over 4k five-star check-ins on Untappd in 2023, Westie 12 has achieved cult status among craft beer connoisseurs. Its notes of dried fruit and brown sugar make every sip an exquisite experience. This beer is not just a beverage; it’s a journey that beer enthusiasts are willing to embark on.
6. King Julius – Tree House Brewing Company
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double
ABV: 8.2%
IBU: 85
Total Ratings: 117,331
King Julius, from Tree House Brewing Company, reigns supreme in the world of double IPAs. In 2023, it just missed the top five by a handful of five-star ratings but secured a respectable spot with 4.5k five-star ratings.
This American double IPA showcases the magic of Pacific Northwest hops, including Citra and Mosaic. King Julius is a true “king” among IPAs, offering a delightful hop-forward experience. With an ABV of 8.2%, it’s a beer that stands tall in the craft beer landscape.
5. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing
Style: Pale Ale – American
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 62
Total Ratings: 864,328
Zombie Dust, a top American Pale Ale, made its mark in 2023 with almost 5k five-star check-ins. Known for its robust hop profile, Zombie Dust takes your taste buds on a thrilling journey, much like a horde of relentless zombies.
This legendary pale ale has secured its place in the top five, and its popularity is undeniable. With its almost 5k five-star check-ins in 2023, Zombie Dust continues to be a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts, proving that it’s a beer that never dies.
4. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery
Style: IPA – American
ABV: 7%
IBU: 55
Total Ratings: 1.61M+
Bell’s Brewery, a renowned establishment in the craft beer world, presents Two Hearted Ale. With over 5.8k five-star check-ins in 2023, this beer stands as a testament to its excellence.
Ranked as the “Best Beer in America” for four consecutive years, Two Hearted Ale has a remarkable history. It all began with a single hop and a dedicated brewer. This Centennial-hopped IPA boasts aromatic pine, citrus, and floral notes. It’s a beer that captures the essence of American craft brewing and holds a special place in the hearts of beer lovers nationwide.
3. Traditional Lager – Yuengling Brewery
Style: Lager – American Amber / Red
ABV: 4.5%
IBU: 12
Total Ratings: 1.8M+
Yuengling’s Traditional Lager, an iconic American beer, continues to captivate beer enthusiasts with its rich amber color and subtly sweet, roasted caramel notes. With over 8.5k five-star check-ins in 2023, it’s clear that this lager resonates with many.
Traditional Lager has earned its place as a top-checked-in beer, and its legacy as an original lager in the American beer landscape endures. With a history that spans generations, it’s an OG lager that continues to shine.
2. Heady Topper – The Alchemist
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double
ABV: 8%
IBU: 100
Total Ratings: 862,129
The Alchemist makes a second appearance on this list with Heady Topper, a beer that secured just shy of 10k five-star check-ins in 2023. This double IPA has played a significant role in shaping the craft beer landscape.
Heady Topper is synonymous with The Alchemist, and its journey to fame is a testament to its quality. Originally available only in Vermont, this hoppy masterpiece became a cult favorite, known for its fresh, direct-from-the-can consumption. Today, it’s more accessible, but its status as a life-changing beer remains intact.
1. Pliny the Elder – Russian River Brewing Company
Style: IPA – Imperial / Double
ABV: 8%
IBU: 100
Total Ratings: 825,332
Topping our list is Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Company, a beer that dominated the craft beer scene in 2023. With an astonishing 10.6k five-star check-ins, Pliny the Elder continues to set the standard for double IPAs.
Russian River Brewing Company, founded by Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, is a pioneer in the craft beer world. Pliny the Elder, with its hop-forward profile and aromatic notes, was a trailblazer for double IPAs. It’s a beer that not only shaped the craft beer landscape but also left an indelible mark on beer enthusiasts worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2023 brought forth a remarkable array of craft beers, each with its unique story and flavor profile. These top 10 craft beers, based on the number of five-star check-ins, have left a lasting impression on the world of craft beer. As we look ahead to the future, we can’t wait to see what new and exciting brews will grace our glasses in the years to come.
Faq’s
Q1. What is the significance of five-star check-ins in the craft beer community?
Five-star check-ins in the craft beer community represent the highest level of appreciation and approval for a particular beer. Craft beer enthusiasts use these ratings to share their experiences and highlight exceptional brews. Beers with a high number of five-star check-ins are often considered outstanding and are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
Q2. Why are Belgian beers, like Duvel, celebrated in the craft beer world?
Belgian beers, including Duvel, are celebrated in the craft beer world for their rich history, complex flavors, and traditional brewing techniques. Belgium has a long-standing beer culture, and Belgian breweries produce a wide range of unique beer styles, from pale ales to quads. Duvel, in particular, is revered for its craftsmanship and distinct flavor profile.
Q3. What makes Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Company so iconic?
Pliny the Elder is iconic because it played a pivotal role in popularizing the double IPA style and has consistently received high acclaim from beer enthusiasts. It is known for its hop-forward character, balanced flavor, and aromatic notes. Pliny the Elder’s reputation as one of the best double IPAs has solidified its status as a must-try beer in the craft beer world.
Q4. Why is Heady Topper from The Alchemist considered a game-changer in the craft beer industry?
Heady Topper is considered a game-changer because it revolutionized the way craft beer is consumed and distributed. It introduced the concept of “drink fresh from the can” to preserve hop flavors, and its limited distribution created a sense of rarity and exclusivity. Heady Topper’s influence on the craft beer landscape is undeniable, and it remains a highly sought-after beer.
Q5. What is the role of Yuengling’s Traditional Lager in American beer history?
Yuengling’s Traditional Lager holds a special place in American beer history as one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the United States. It represents a classic American amber lager style and has a loyal following. Traditional Lager’s enduring popularity reflects its heritage and the timeless appeal of well-crafted lagers.
Q6. Why are rare beers like Trappist Westvleteren 12 so highly regarded in the craft beer community?
Rare beers like Trappist Westvleteren 12 are highly regarded because of their scarcity, exceptional quality, and the unique experiences associated with acquiring and tasting them. These beers often have limited availability and are produced by Trappist monasteries or small, traditional breweries. Their rarity and storied histories make them coveted by beer enthusiasts.
