I spent time last week editing this feature on starting your own brewery (it also ran in our sister publication Keystone Edge) and it made me kinda, well, thirsty.

We're incredibly lucky to live in such a beer-rich city, home to an enterprising, creative industry and a population of passionate and knowledgable connoisseurs. Inspired by writer Dan Eldrige's reporting, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some of my own favorite local brews. I hope you'll do the same in the comments.

Love Stout, Yards Brewing Company
The first time, in late fall, when I see this on tap, my heart just about bursts. Simultaneously creamy and dry, it's a balanced beauty. If it's on nitro and you pass, it's fair to assume that you hate yourself and all that is virtuous and true in this world.

Honorable mention: Yards Saison, aka summer in a glass, and Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale -- it was one of the first things I bought a case of when I moved back to the city in 2008.

Exit 4, Flying Fish Brewing Company

This sweet, funky tripel is deceptively refreshing -- it also packs a considerable punch. Thank goodness Flying Fish put this gem into regular rotation after a limited run. You can bring a four-pack to my place any time.

Double Simcoe IPA, Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Piney, citrusy and just bitter enough, this double IPA is so delicious that you might accidentally have a few too many -- which isn't hard since it boasts 9% alcohol. I first tasted it at Standard Tap (site of many local-beer epiphanies) and was thrilled when Weyerbacher upped their bottle production, making it available all over town.

Honorable mention: Weyerbacher's Imperial Pumpkin Ale counteracts sweetness and spice with a boozy intensity. It's a champion of the genre.

Chicory Stout, Dogfish Head
The coffee notes -- touched by chicory bitterness -- of this outstanding session stout are enough to make you want to reach for one to drink with your cereal.

Honorable mention: When I want to be punched in the face by an IPA, there's only one place to turn: the legendary 90 Minute.

Bitto Honey, Prism Brewing Co.

Prism, a relative newcomer, has already made a strong impression -- after trying this beer at a festival, I spent a couple months chasing it down.

Raging Bitch, Flying Dog Brewing

OK, OK, there is debate over whether or not Flying Dog qualifies as "local," but I don't care -- this Belgian IPA is like a cronut (read: best of both worlds). With its complex profile and slight yeastiness, this is one brew I never get tired of. 

LEE STABERT is managing editor of Flying Kite and Keystone Edge.