Beers of the Year: 7. Tyranena Scurvy IPA

Brewery: Tyranena, Lake Mills, Wisconsin

Style: India Pale Ale

ABV: 6.5%

Rating: 4.5 stars


Tyranena made a strong second-half push to be in the running for Brewery of the Year, and this beer was the flagship. It has all the best characteristics of a juicy IPA--hops up front, bitter pines in the back, but the separation is in the middle. Scurvy IPA is loaded with orange flavor, thanks to the orange peels introduced in the brewing process.

I'm usually not too hard to please when it comes to IPAs, so this ranking reflects that in a way, but Tyranena deserved to be rewarded for the half-dozen excellent brews they put out this year. The Scurvy was part of their Brewers Gone Wild! series, one that produced some of the most potent beers of the season. No surprise, the IPA was my favorite.

It has since disappeared from shelves, so get your hands on this one if you see it. Otherwise, wait 'til next summer and buy a four-pack of this, and every other Brewers Gone Wild! offering.