This month’s Session topic (hosted by A World of Brews) is “Favorite Beer and Beer Judge Wanna Be!”

What is your favorite beer and why?

Hmm, I guess this time, I can’t get by with saying, “The one that’s in my hand?” Fine, I’ll pick one. *huff*

I’ve always had a thing for Nugget Nectar, Tröegs’s Imperial Amber Ale. The description straight from the Tröegs website:

ABV: 7.5%
IBUs: 93ish
Color: Straw-Orange
Malts: Pilsner, Vienna, Munich
Hops: Nugget, Warrior, Tomahawk, Simcoe, Palisade

Most beer enthusiasts will agree that it’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite beer. Even as I’m typing this, I’m thinking of other beers I could have chosen as my favorite. But I’ll stick to my guns here.

I’m not sure why I’m picking this as my favorite, Nugget Nectar just usually comes to mind when I get asked this question. It is an excellent beer, but I don’t really know what sets it apart from all the rest for me. Could be subconscious. Maybe I just like the label or the name, who knows?

So, the idea of this Session was to pick your favorite beer, then review it. I think the closest BJCP style that this beer fits into is Imperial IPA. Here’s my review:

Tröegs Nugget Nectar Ale
Appearance: Orangey-amber with an off-white head. The Munich malt gives it that lovely orange tint (I personally love using Munich in the beers that Tim and I brew). 3/3
Aroma: Herbal, piney, hoppy. A bit of maltiness as well. 9/12
Body: Medium body with moderate carbonation. 4/5
Flavor: Piney hops, balanced against a solid malt backbone. Bold bitterness up front. Finishes with a slight lingering bitterness, but also slightly sweet. 16/20
Overall: The balance swings to the bitter side (as it should!) but is backed by the perfect amount of sweetness. Very drinkable for such a high-IBU beer. Delicious. 8/10
Total score: 40/50