2012 was a great year for beer in the Baltimore region. With multiple brewery openings and a plethora of new local brews to taste, there was never a moment of beer boredom or a time without a great new beer-related find. Here are five of our favorites from 2012; we hope to see a list just as delicious in 2013.

Brewers Art Stalking Horse: You may still be able to catch this November-released English Ale on draft if you hurry. Described as being the brewers' idea of “European unity” this beer boasts French and German malts, English oats, German hops and a Belgian yeast, which makes it an easy-to-drink, well-rounded favorite (5.6% ABV).

Dogfish Head Positive Contact: This limited-availability brew was made as a part of the brewery’s music series and released as a part of a box set. Described as a Belgian-ish beer, Positive Contact is infused with wood-pressed Fuji apples, roasted farro, cayenne peppers and fresh cilantro, which produces a distinct cider flavor and masks the higher alcohol content (9% ABV).

DuClaw Bourbon Barrel Retribution: The single-barrel bourbon aged Retribution Ale was first released in 2011 to much fanfare and praise for its rich chocolate aromas. However to give beer-lovers something to salivate over in 2012, DuClaw released three limited edition variations: Cocoa Retribution, Cocoa Vanilla Retribution and Divine Retribution #2, all of which are at the top of the list for imperial stouts (11.2% ABV).

Flying Dog Wildeman Farmhouse IPA: This beer is Flying Dog’s first new year-round release since 2009, and for the IPA-inclined, it's a winner. The uniqueness of a Belgian IPA with saison yeast makes for a brew with a strong citrus aroma and a bitterness that leaves you intrigued and satisfied (7.5% ABV).

Union Craft Brewing Balt Altbier: Available on draft across Baltimore or in cans at your local store, this caramel malty beer stormed onto the scene this past June. Developed to be a German-style copper ale, the Balt Altbier is certainly a crowd pleaser that keeps you coming back for more (5.6% ABV).