Three Floyds makes eight year-round beers, plus a seasonal brew each month. We asked four experts where someone unfamiliar with its beers should start, as well as their favorite Three Floyds beer.
Ray Daniels
Cicerone beer certification program founder
Where to start
: Gumballhead. It’s a hoppy America wheat beer that’s very drinkable, but it gives you an idea of what direction they’re going in. If you like that beer, you’ll probably like a lot of what they do.
Favorite
: Gorch Fock. It’s a great, drinkable summer beer with a distinct German character.
Michael Roper
owner of the Hopleaf
Where to start:
Alpha King. It has been their flagship for many years, and it defines them: an American pale ale that’s still drinkable and not over the top. It’s such a refreshing and go-to beer.
Favorite:
I hate to cave to the trendiness of Zombie Dust, but I love that beer. It has a nice little crisp bite, and it’s a little piney, but not too piney. It is almost indescribably delicious.
Adam Vavrick
beer manager, Binny’s Lincoln Park
Where to start:
Anything on tap at the pub. They always have a bunch of fun stuff, and they’re the things you can’t find in stores or in bottles.
Favorite:
Jinx Proof. It’s so easy drinking, crisp, light and full of flavor. It’s everything a lager should be.
Nick Floyd
owner and founder, Three Floyds
Where to start:
Gumballhead. It’s the most accessible. People who like Blue Moon can drink it, but it still appeals to beer geeks.
Favorite:
Rye Da Tiger. It’s my favorite because it hasn’t been made yet. It will be a double rye IPA that comes out this summer: big, giant, caramel, rye, flower with kumquat aroma with hops from New Zealand.
