So many beers, So little time… Newbies is your essential map to the “best of the best” and the hottest new craft beers rolling out each week. From the newest Anchor Brewing offering to a new release from Cigar City Brewing – we’ve all kinds of beers that you’ll want to chase down.

So welcome to another edition of Newbies -Your ultimate guide to great new craft beers!

Saison’s Away! (San Francisco, CA) – Ever evolving and pushing the envelope, Anchor Brewinggets it right again with their second release of their Saison Spring Ale. Other than the traditional usage of Belgian yeasts, Saison’s often feature local spices, which here include lemongrass, lemon peel and ginger. While bigger than your average saison at 7.2% ABV, it’s only around till May, so you better get on your horse.

Seize the Session Sour (Tampa Bay, FL) – One of our favorite provocateurs of craft beer experimentation has always been Cigar City Brewing, who’s once again blowing us away with Portmanteau, a Sour Session IPA. Coming off more tart than bitter and weighing in at 4.7% ABV, this one’s already got us thinking about warmer days. is a limited release and appears to only be on tap at the source.

Molé, Molé, Molé (Fort Collins, CO) – For many craft beer fans, Cocoa Molé was their first introduction to New Belgium Brewing’s fancy reserve series called Lips of Faith. This three-chili (chipotle, ancho + guajillo) chocolate porter is beyond labels, though some say it tastes like a spiced Mexican hot chocolate served cold. Or pick up a pint or bomber to put your own spin on it, but be wary, it’s sneaky smooth at 9% ABV.

Oh GUBNA, my GUBNA (Longmont, CO + Brevard, NC) – Yes, those who’ve delighted in the spring tradition of Oskar Blues’GUBNA Imperial IPA returning to shelves can now celebrate twice. Weighing in at 10% ABV and 100+ IBU, this canned beast isn’t one you should pick a fight with, though if you missed its release Friday in Longmont, you can enjoy it fresh at their North Carolina brewery in Brevard this Saturday. 

More Chocolate? (Charlotte, NC) – The brewers at Triple C Brewing didn’t actually throw pretzels into the mash to create their Chocolate Covered Pretzel Stout, they mimicked the flavor with a nifty blend of malts including German Pilsner, Special B, White and Chocolate Wheat. And of course it’s been crafted with cocoa nibs and a dash a salt, then aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels, so it should be an excellent 9.2% ABV choice for dessert.