(Boston, MA) – Don’t know what this is? Here’s a link to the official website for the June 20-21 event which also contains the full beer list (a few may be added in the next two weeks). Go there to find out all the info like where to buy tickets, who is speaking, etc.

This is not the same as an “Extreme Beer” fest like Beer Advocate has run in the past. There will be a lot of beers there for those getting acquainted with craft beer for the first time which makes it all the more important to separate out those rare beers that will be the most interesting options for beer connoisseurs in attendance.

This top 10 list focuses on beers that are retired, rare finds, have limited store availability, or are just lesser known. So, despite great ratings, you won’t see Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA or Oskar Blues Ten Fidy on here. Apologies to those that didn’t make this very short list; there are literally dozens of beers from which to pick. Disagreement with the list? Think I missed a great beer? Leave a comment (link below the article title above). Without further ado…

10. Harpoon Leviathan Triticus – [6/17 Update: Press release on the new version can be found here] Assuming this is the same beer that was brewed by Todd and Jason Alstrom at Harpoon Brewery and released in 2005, it has been long retired. It is a Wheat Wine that was part of Harpoon’s 100 Barrel Series, a batch of limited release beers that is nearly two dozen strong now. Harpoon lists it as 11.5% yet Beer Advocate lists it as 14% (possibly the heaviest hitter on the whole list). Maybe this is a different version?

9. Lagunitas Sonoma Farmhouse Hop Stoopid – Can’t seem to find anything at the Lagunitas site on this beer so I’ll turn you over to John Foyston’s The Beer Here blog for some information. It is the brewery’s highest-rated beer ever. You can also catch some Lucky #13 at the fest.

8. Terrapin Oak-Aged Rye Squared – This barrel-aged version of the brewery’s regular IPA was recently available on tap down in Athens, GA. From RateBeer: “Spike has added over 20 French oak spirals into a 50 barrel batch of Rye Squared and the result is an even more delicious, woody, vanilla version of this already tasty brew.” The South is not yet known for its breweries but Terrapin is doing some great things down there, helping lead the way.

7. Ithaca TEN – Ithaca Beer Co. was recently dubbed the best craft brewery in New York at the TAP NY Fest in April. TEN is a double IPA in the Excelsior Series and marked the brewery’s tenth anniversary. Again, ACBF is featuring this brewery’s top-rated beer.

6. Brooklyn BLAST! – Does anyone know anything about this beer? It’s a mystery though I haven’t dug into it yet. [6/17 update: This has been listed on Beer Advocate for a while and still appears to be a rare find on tap.] The site lists it as a San Diego Ale at 8.2% ABV and is apparently a pale ale per above link. so I’m assuming it is a Double IPA. If this one doesn’t suit your fancy, Brooklyner-Schneider Hopfenweisse, the recent wheatbock collaboration with the famed German brewery, should be pouring at the same table.

5. Port Brewing 2nd Anniversary Ale – From the GABF 2007 and World Beer Cup 2008 “Best Small Brewing Company”…this hoppy ale is seeing more distribution than we initially expected and is even coming to Massachusetts very soon according to an Atlantic rep. Another double IPA, this beer weighs in at 10%. Hop-15 is another DIPA that the brewery will showcase at the event.

4. Stone Double Bastard Ale on French Oak Chips – Double Bastard is one of the brewery’s most notable offerings and has been tried by many. The oaked version, however, has been tired by few. The brewery will also be pouring Stone Chipotle Smoked Porter, Stone Imperial Russian Stout, and GABF 2007 Gold Medalist, Stone Levitation Amber.

3. Ommegang Biere de Mars – A super-rare find. Description calls it a “Funkhouse Amber Ale.” Veteran RateBeerian, Beerbuzzmontreal, says, “Amazing flavor of brett, fruits and spices, it’s well balanced and attenuated[…]” Looks like it is only available at certain festivals. Ommegang Abbey Ale and Three Philosophers will also be pouring.

2. Cambridge Kriek du Cambridge – Another Belgian and just as rare as the previous beer, this one is a “spontaneously Barrel-Fermented American “Double-Lambic” Sour Beer.” From RateBeer, “Belgian-influenced base beer of pilsner malt and local organic honey. Whole fresh cherries are added to the beer in French oak chardonnay barrels, where another unique blend of organisms goes to work for nearly two years.” Cambridge Brewing is also pouring another sour, Cerise Cassée. Another one where this may be your only shot to try it.

1. The Livery Trippel Weizenbock – This is actually the barrel-aged version of the German that few know about (or many know about but few can get their hands on!). Per The Livery site: “Flavors of leather, fig, raisin, and a sweet finish from 33% wheat malt co-mingle with warm alcohol and noble hops for a truly unique beer experience!” I haven’t confirmed but this looks like the same beer that is currently listed as the #1 German and #29 overall beer in the world at RateBeer. Generally only on tap in Michigan, this beer is making an extra special trip to the East Coast for this festival.