Best Beer Of 2019 Is Named After Framingham Locals

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The best beer brewed in America in 2019 is a local creation, and definitely worth a try — but keep in mind that high alcohol content.

Wine Enthusiast released its list of the best 25 beers released in America in 2019, and Jack's Abby's Framinghammer baltic porter took the No. 1 spot. The hometown namesake beer was released in January — a warm 10 percent ABV beer for chilly low-temperature months.

"It's big and bold right from the start, but pleasingly so, with robust, decadent aromas and flavors of roasted malt, dark chocolate and vanilla bean all hit by a warm overlay of baking spice and sweet oak. The palate is silky smooth, with a round, creamy texture that's complemented by mild, yet ample, carbonation and a hint of bittersweet cocoa," wrote reviewer Lauren Buzzeo.

Jack's Abby has only been around since 2011, but Framinghammer beat older, larger beer-makers including Sierra Nevada, Founders, and Samuel Smith on the Wine Enthusiast list. And technically, the brewery had two beers on the list — Jack's Abby-owned Springdale Barrel Room's Friends In Merlot Places came in No. 11.

Other New England beers that made the list include Area Two's Brett Noir from Connecticut, and Maine Beer Company's Peeper ale.