Kyle Harrop’s (Horus) Top 10 Beers of 2025
From Danny Fullpint, Editor-in-chief: This is a longstanding year-end tradition here at The Full Pint. Our friend Kyle might be carrying the torch right now for keeping beer exciting, exploratory and in the case of this year’s edition, collaborative.
2025…the Dodgers won the World Series for the second year in a row and I got to take the kids to watch them beat the Angels a few months before. The Lakers are still a bit of a mess, but I took my daughter to her first NBA game when they played the Clippers. My son and I fished almost every minute I was home and he was not at school performing his Kindergarten duties. I cashed in a PDGA Major, competed in the Masters World Championships, and played nearly a thousand new disc golf courses. I traveled more than ever and did dozens of collaborations across the globe. I went to South America for the first time and experienced the amazing food of Lima. I also made it to Portugal for the first time, as well as both the French and Spanish Rivieras. I went to a dozen more King Gizzard shows including their inaugural festival in Buena Vista, Colorado, with Connor from Cellarmaker. I even went to my first Formula 1 race. It was an eventful year to say the least, but onto the beer, these are my favorite ten releases of the year in alphabetical order, which all happen to be collaborative this year…
Almirante x Interstellar “Choconut Droid One”
Right before having one of the best meals of my life at Maido, I got to drink this gem with the brewer Franco at his spot, Pinta, just down the street from our hotel. I do not love Imperial Stouts that are not barrel aged much these days, but this took me back a decade when I did. I think my main problem with them is that they are typically one dimensional and too sweet, but this was neither. What set this apart from anything I have ever had before in this genre was the chocolate flavor. It was so unique, incredibly earthy, and paired very well the faint coconut. Peru is known for their cacao nibs at very high elevations and this showcased them beautifully. This team of Peru and Mexico hit this one out of the park.
Alternate Ending x The Seed “Balance the Obsession”
On the trip before I went to brew with these folks in New Jersey, they opened a can of this while giving me a tour of the brewery. Instantly, I could not believe how crisp this Pilsner was. Also, the malt character was like nothing I had tasted before. It turns out it is a local maltster called Rabbit Hill and I am a huge fan. I visited both of these breweries for the first time within 24 hours of one another and both were very impressive. Alternate Ending is making some of my favorite Lager in the biosphere and this was my favorite Lager of the year. As an added bonus, the can art for this was out of this world.
Brujos x Black Goat “Shadow Existence”
I snagged a can of this at a cool beer bar in Eugene called A Beer Club before heading to Bend in March. I believe this was one of the releases Sam, Ivan, and company did for their first anniversary earlier that month. I am not usually a big fan of Triple IPAs or hazy beer in general, but this nailed it. Creamy and tropical are the two words that describe this best. It is somehow sessionable despite its double digit ABV. Citra hops are at the forefront and I got a bit of gummy bears in the finish. It was bright for its style and not cloying in the slightest. This heavy metal combo delivered a magnum opus with this TIPA.
Cervecera Hercules x Cerveza Cosaco “Thee Oatsees”
I had the pleasure of visiting Mexico City for this first time a few months ago. I sampled every beer offered at their awesome Lagerbar while there, which all happened to be served through a Lukr. This can was given to me by one of my club members a few weeks after my trip without him even knowing I was just there. This was not available when I was there, but I wish it was. I can say without hesitation that is my favorite beer I have ever tried from Mexico. It hit every not for a Pale Ale and was super refreshing. I am not sure if the name of the beer is a nod to the amazing band, but it would make even cooler if it is. This lager powerhouse apparently produces great ales too and I cannot wait to try more.
Firestone Walker x Odell “Wandering Don”
This was old school in all the best ways with a hint of new school tropical paradise. My emotions were running high while attending my first Firestone Walker Invitational, but this still hit every note for me all three times I had it that week. I tried it first on draft at one of the Pre Parties, then at the Block Party outside of the taproom, and again at the fest. Citrus and pine played off each other throughout. This drank a few percent lower than it actually was and was refreshing during a very hot week in Paso Robles. What makes this even more fun is with Odell being from Colorado, they used hops and malt from that state to highlight their region.
Green Cheek x Breakside “You Can’t Be Fancy All The Time”
It is no secret that I frequent the Oceanside location of Green Cheek more than any other beer establishment on the planet. I could have picked them for several different beers on this list, but this is the one that stood out most this past year. Even for a West Coast IPA, this was extremely dry. The rice definitely played a role in that. The color was also quite light in appearance, but it did not sacrifice any flavor. I got a lot of persimmon and yuzu. This was more botanical than tropical. This California and Oregon team put out something distinctive but relatable, and I truly loved it.
Lua x Pulpit Rock “Push”
Two of the best breweries in the Midwest doing what they do best. I had this beer two different times and was blown away on both occasions. I have never experienced so much walnut character in a beer. This truly tasted like dessert dipped in whiskey. As the bottle warmed up, so much caramel came out. The barrel was present without being hot and the coconut lingered for a long time. The drinkability on this was over the top and I would never be able to guess that this was 15% ABV. This Iowa team-up never fails and this might be their best collaborative effort yet.
North Park x Russian River “Elder Fu”
Two of my favorite IPAs merged together, what could possibly go wrong. I was skeptical when first trying this because I love the two individual beers so much. I feared that one or the other would get lost, but aspects from both breweries shine and play together harmoniously. This is my favorite style done to perfection. I get the berries, bitterness, and mango from Hop-Fu, but also the pine, dank, and citrus from Pliny. It is crisp, tropical, and also classic. I hope this becomes an annual release at the very least, as I will seek it out each and every time it is available. Kelsey and Vinnie are a dream team.
Troon x DSSLVR “Dark and Dreamlike”
I have said it multiple times already. While most people seek out their amazing Hoppy Ales, I think Troon truly shines in their malty game, especially when they push the limits on a style norm like they did here. As an added bonus, they worked with Vince, a good buddy of mine in Asheville, North Carolina, on this masterclass. I have not had many 10% Cream Ales to compare this to, and this is the first one I remember having from a crowler, but this is unbelievable. Tons of coconut aroma and flavor with faint cinnamon in the finish is what put this over the edge. My only hope is that there is a barrel aged version coming at some point in the future.
Xul x Angry Chair “Barrel Aged Beware of the Moon”
I will start off by saying I visited Knoxville for the first time this Fall, tried my first Xul beers, and attended the Kill the Lights festival, which was an amazing event. However, I did not try this beer until about a month later out of a bottle. I always find myself loving an adjuncted Barleywine or two a year and this one was far and away the winner. The chocolate and vanilla components presented like cake, caramel in the middle, hint of spice, and then Cognac in the swallow, with just a hint of roast from coffee in the finish. Two breweries that really know how to use adjuncts and it shows when Tennessee meets Florida.
