The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it.

For individuals who don't thoroughly enjoy Lord of the Rings forget about the dramatic intro. For those who drink like a Middle Earth Hobbit and also enjoy watching them, those are the only words that come to mind to express the dramatic shift in my drinking experience the past couple months. It was only a couple months ago when I gave my list of top beers. But my oh my how things swiftly changed.

For those unaware with my situation, during my time at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary I was required to refrain from alcohol and smoking. Now with two kids I've all but quit smoking (even recreational cigar smoking). What is a guy to do with all that spare time? Try local brews and expand horizons. This has led to some dramatic shifts in my new favorites list. For those who don't care about my description of the actual beers, I'll just provide my list-then and list-now for analysis.

Then:

1a. Deschutes Red Chair NWPA

1b. Samuel Adams Winter Ale

3. Belhaven Ale

4. Guinness

5. Alaskan Amber

Now:

1. Deschutes Red Chair NWPA

2. Live Oak Brewery Hefeweizen

3. New Belgium Rampant Imperial IPA

4. Real Ale Full Moon Pale Rye Ale

5. Belhaven Ale

After finally getting to re-taste the Deschutes Red Chair, it is just hands down my favorite beer. Maybe if this wasn't a seasonal beer I would grow tired of it but it is simply delicious. There is just no way around the fact that it is a perfect beer released at a perfect time of year.

The Live Oak Hefe is my biggest shock. This is an out of nowhere beer that has completely changed my opinion on all Hefewizen. Sadly few Hefes can compete. Local to Austin and found only in Texas, this beer is not as accessible. But every time this beer is on tap at my local Whole Foods you had better know I'm loading up a growler or two.

The New Belgium Rampant is a gem. This beer packs some serious punch and heavy IBUs. This IPA is well rounded and won't have you breaking the bank. Since it is a yearly, when I want a strong and full flavor beer this is the one. My children might even be able to pick it out of a lineup.

The final new beer is from Real Ale. It feels wrong only putting one of their beers on this list. Again local to Austin, this beer puts out excellent 6-pack mixers. These beers are unique in that they are unfiltered or pasteurized. You have to keep these refrigerated but its worth it.