Taste of Tops - Tempe, AZ

I travel to the Phoenix area about once a month, and I swing by Taste of Tops every time. Tops is a liquor store that opened up a bar right next door.  It’s small, pretty quiet, and the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. Tops is definitely a place for people who like beer.  They usually have 20 or less beers on tap and it’s a different list every time I go.  FYI, the picture at the top of my blog with the chalk board and the taps is from Tops.

On my most recent visit a rep from New Belgium was there giving out free samples in 12oz cans. I figure that drinking from cans is the new thing…and I guess drinking beer out of 12oz cans reminds me of my childhood…

I had already ordered a Sah'tea from Dogfish Head before the rep from New Belgium showed up.  The bar tender had a funny look on his face when he handed it to me.  “What?” I asked.  He kind of shrugged and walked away.  I took a sip and have to say it’s not my favorite.  Up until this point, I’ve enjoyed every one of Dogfish’s beers, but this one has a different flavor that some may find exciting…I don’t.  The bartender admitted it wasn’t his favorite either.  On the other hand, I love really hoppy bears like the 60/90/120 Minute IPA from Dogfish and many people are turned off by hops. The Sah'tea on the other hand was very light-bodied, spiced, and had a unique aftertaste.

Along with my Sah’tea, I ordered some pork pad thai from the restaurant next door, and yes, they do deliver to Tops.  After finishing the Sah’tea, I moved to a Port Mongo Double IPA which has to be one of my favorite IPA’s right now.  Everyone is brewing IPA’s, it’s getting a bit ridiculous, but the Port Mongo stood apart. Not MEGA hoppy, but big hoppy, a bit refreshing with the classic IPA taste.

If a brewer is reading this, please stop making new IPA’s, we have enough, we need more good Barley Wines.

The last beer I ordered was Mikkeller/3Floyds Boogoop.  It’s a full bodied, IPA (ish), hoppy, malty beer.  Really good stuff.  Every time I’ve gone to Tops, I’ve had a good conversation with either the bartenders or with the locals who frequent the bar.  I recommend waiting until after summer to visit Tempe, it’s too damn hot right now. But when you do, whether if it’s for a business meeting or for some Tempe sightseeing…stop in and grab a beer.

 FYI, new favorite name for a blog.  If you can watch the whole webisode, god bless you…I hope they are drunk.

http://www.twobeerqueers.com/2012/05/12/mikkeller-three-floyds-boogoop/