CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 20, 2009 -- Employees from Merriman Schmitt Architects and Pinnacle Properties gathered in January to taste 13 beers and select the best and worst among them (you want to work there already, don't you!).

The blind tasting -- the beers, not the tasters -- included a variety of beers across all price ranges from most of the countries known for their brewing skill.  Participants brought in their favorite brew -- or whatever they could afford -- and tasted one ounce of each.  Scoring was based on taste, color, head and nose -- with tasters choosing their top three finishers.

Okay, okay -- so here are the winners and losers:

First place was a tie between Arrogant Bastard from Stone Brewery at $14.72 for 72 ounces (not all beers were available in six packs, so cost was converted to price/72 oz.), and Sam Adams Lager (much cheaper, but still not Pabst-priced).

Second place went to McSorley's.  The beer also gained kudos for value, but too bad -- it's not available in North Carolina.  The beer hails from McSorley's pub in Manhattan -- New York's oldest bar.

Third place went to Killian's Irish Red -- a familiar name to many, but not many people's first choice at the megamart.

In between were a lot of also-rans, but taking the last place honors were two beers to steer clear of -- Bitburger -- a German pilsner, and Trader Joe's Vienna Style (get their Mandarin Chicken instead).

Rating worst value was Duval at $18.50 for 72 oz.  The beer, brought to the party by MSA's John Koury, was later voted worst swill, and John, it's benefactor, was forced to take out the after-tasting recyclables.

Taking top prize for the best nose was MSA's Owen O'Rourke -- that was for his ability to sniff out a good 'un, not a commentary on his personal odor. 

A good time was had by all -- and we'll leave it at that.

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