Kentucky Derby Beers

Well, mint julep season officially starts this weekend when the Kentucky Derby kicks off this year's Triple Crown. I love an ice cold mint julep on a hot day; in fact, I enjoyed one yesterday evening when, post sunset, it was still over 80 degrees outside. But, sometimes drinking bourbon all day, especially in the heat, doesn't work out too well. Instead, why not enjoy a slightly lower in alcohol but still boozy, bourbon inspired beer?

Like the herbal, refreshing tang from the mint? Check out these barrel aged hop bombs:

Terrapin Oak Aged Big Hoppy Monster - you probably won't have luck with this one unless you live in the Southeast

Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

Dogfish Head Burton Baton

Like your bourbon sans mint and sugar? Check out these dark and smokey brews:

Anything from Schlenkerla

Captain Lawrence Smoke from the Oak

Allagash Odyssey

Who drinks bourbon anymore? I want rye. Check these out:

Two Brothers Cane and Ebel

Terrapin Rye

Sixpoint Righteous Rye

So drink these in place of a mint julep this weekend or do what I'm going to do, chase my juleps with pints of Righteous Rye.