What better way to celebrate an anniversary than with brand spanking new beers?Well thats exactly what Port Brewing, North Coast Brewing, and Avery Brewing are doing as they release special limited beers in honor of their respected anniversaries.

Port Brewing, hailing from San Diego, California, has a hop fetish; in no way is this a bad thing.Their recently released 3^rd Anniversary Ale is a double IPA, following in the footsteps of last years release of 2^nd Anniversary Ale, which was also a double IPA.The nose on this baby is yeasty with mild citrusy and floral hops.The aromas aren't a big indication of the flavor, as 3^rd Anniversary Ale starts off sweet before hastily turning into one of the more bitter beers around.The sweetness returns slightly in the finish, but the bitter hops will dominate even the most hardy of palates.This 10% ABV brew is only for the most die hard of hop heads, and would go groovy with some sharp cheddar or a fat stogie.

Avery Brewing Company released their Sixteen Anniversary Ale earlier this month.Sixteen is a unique and refreshing take on the saison style, and it is flying off the shelves.Fruits are all over the palate and nose, with peaches being the dominant and surprising yet pleasing one.Jasmine and honey are also added to this brew, and when combined with the “unmistakable” Belgian yeast, a fine beer is born.Look for a blend of spices to toy with the palate, while the light and dry finish is classic of the style.Avery Sixteen is a perplexing brew, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy it.

North Coast Brewing is celebrating Anniversary number twelve with Old Rasputin XII, a bourbon barrel aged version of their popular imperial stout.Previous versions of barrel aged Old Rasputin have been available at the brewery only, consequentially this is the first time it is available bottled.Still, the supply on this phenomenal brew will be modest at best.XII has a nose of bourbon and dark malts, with chocolate being the dominant aroma.The bourbon in the flavor is a fantastic medium and not over the top like some of us expected XII would be due to it being 11.2% ABV.We found ourselves comparing XII to Founder’s KBS, our other favorite bourbon barrel imperial stout.XII has less coffee and bourbon flavors than KBS, possibly resulting in a more balanced beer.One thing they have in common besides being two of the premier bourbon barrel aged beers around is the premium price tag.If you are willing to dish out the dough, XII won't disappoint.

All three of the above mentioned beers hit their marks, no doubt resulting in blissful anniversaries for their respected breweries.We would like to wish upon them another year of outstanding beer!