Ethernut Posted November 9, 2009 Posted November 9, 2009 I recently had the best beer I'd ever tasted. I realize everyones tastes are different, but I lean toward a fuller flavored beer. I lean away from light beers and run from the american bud/miller/coors families. So, I just discovered IPA's (Indian Pale Ale) and have enjoyed many of them. Over the weekend I had a "Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA" and it's was an amazing beer. Sweet citrus on the front and super hops on the back. One of the more complex beers I've tried (i'm no expert just an amateur.) The thing packs a whollop of over 9% alcohol. Like having three sissy american mass production beers. DFH makes a 120 Minute IPA that has over 20% alcohol, I have a few in my fridge but havent tried them yet, at $8 US a 12oz bottle, it's like having a whole 6 pack in one bottle. Some folks liken them to a desert wine, looking forward to cracking one open should be interesting. These are definately "sipping" beers. Typically I enjoy (in no particular order); Sam Adams (several variants), New Belgium Fat Tire and 1554 Enlightened Black Ale, Guiness (from time to time) and Stone IPA. What hidden jewels of beer do you guys like?
samb Posted November 9, 2009 Posted November 9, 2009 I too recently discovered IPAs. I went with a DFG 60 min IPA that I really enjoyed. Dont know if you can get it where you live, but I really LOVE Shiner Bock. I like the occasional Guiness. I feel as though I have have made a wonderful friend in IPAs and I greatly look forward to expanding my collection of them.
Wiley Posted November 9, 2009 Posted November 9, 2009 Make a pilgrimage some year to this: http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/ The rest of the country is catching up, but man, traveling in the US outside of the NW in the '80s and '90s was traumatic for lovers of good beer. "Do you have any real beer?" "We've got Miller, Coors Light, and Bud." "No, no, I mean REAL beer." "Well, we got this Heineken..." "I'll have water then."
Cletus Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Make a pilgrimage some year to this: http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/The rest of the country is catching up, but man, traveling in the US outside of the NW in the '80s and '90s was traumatic for lovers of good beer. "Do you have any real beer?" "We've got Miller, Coors Light, and Bud." "No, no, I mean REAL beer." "Well, we got this Heineken..." "I'll have water then." I've heard it like this before: "We've got BOTH kinds of beer - - Bud and Bud light." I've been to the GABF a couple times. They give you a shot glass for sampling the beer. After the 20th sample the beers all start tasting the same. IPAs are good, but I've been leaning towards porters and stouts the past few years. My favorite of late has been Stoney Creek Vanilla Porter. Yum!
MIKA27 Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 I have quite a varied taste for beers but I often find myself enjoying the Belgian beers moreso. My most favourite beer however is: Hoegaarden 'Witbier' History behind this beer: In 1965, Belgian milkman Pieter Celis decided to brew the traditional wheat ales, or White Beers, that made Belgium's Brabant region famous. In honor of the monks who made the city of Hoegaarden's reputation for beer and wine, Pieter produced Hoegaarden Witbier using recipes developed by monks that date back to the 1400's. Given that much history, it's no surprise that Hoegaarden enthusiasts have brewed up some strange traditions. Like the fact that the first Hoegaarden of the day must be finished in three gulps. The first and second gulps can even be sips, as long as the third gulp completes the pint. Luckily, that task won't be as difficult as you might imagine as Hoegaarden has a lovely, crisp taste, with sparkly notes of citrus and spicy coriander. Light and fruity, Hoegaarden is a hazy, effervescent beer that pairs well with egg dishes, souffles and grilled chicken or fish.
BigGuns Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Dammit! Here I go agreeing with the Pats fan again... Belgian beer is where it's at for me, as well. You may also want to try Leffe and Grimbergen - both great abbey ales. They're readliy available at BevMo. Costco just came out with a combo box - as sixer each of Stella, Leffe, and Hoegaarden - I nearly passed out when I saw it... Second tier for me (although very close second) are Boddington's and Guinness. I travel to the great Pacific NW several times throughout the year and have tried several IPAs. They don't do it for me for some reason.
MIKA27 Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Dammit! Here I go agreeing with the Pats fan again...Belgian beer is where it's at for me, as well. You may also want to try Leffe and Grimbergen - both great abbey ales. They're readliy available at BevMo. Costco just came out with a combo box - as sixer each of Stella, Leffe, and Hoegaarden - I nearly passed out when I saw it... Second tier for me (although very close second) are Boddington's and Guinness. I travel to the great Pacific NW several times throughout the year and have tried several IPAs. They don't do it for me for some reason. Now all you have to do is agree to be a PATS fan!
Habanos2000 Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 I like to stick with Munich brewed hefe weissen beers; Hacker Pschorr (brewed since 1417), Paulaner (since 1634), or Schneider-Weisse (just a baby born in 1872 but a beautiful amber color). Also Aventinus in the winter time is a good dark wheat. Damn I'm thirsty now!
mbrody Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 DFH 120 Do not pass go, crack it, sit back and enjoy the ride...
brutusthebuckeye Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Blatz or Olde English 800 Malt Liq(it's charcoal filtered)....ha A beer i had awhile back that i really liked was Chimay(sp)Red....it's made by monks or some ****!!!!!!!!
TrickNick Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 DFH 120 on tap is simply AMAZING. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale and Fresh Harvest Ales are phenomenal.
lancashirescott Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 I.P.A. in all its guises is a good pint, my favourites are:- Old Peculiar (Theakstons) Rich dark and smooth with a taste I have never matched with any other Ale, like a stout but not as heavy, can be bought in bottles but on tap is just bliss! Its a moreish Ale but before you know it you will be flat on yer arse! XB (Theakstons) Strong amber looking Ale, rich and flavourful. John Smiths Extra Smooth, one of my favourite Bitters its just cream in a glass. Marstons Old Empire (Cask Ale) strong I.P.A. that has a malty citrus flavour, wobbly leg juice! Timothy Taylor Landlords, Pale Ale with a hoppy flavour won countless awards and is another cracking session pint. There are countless others from home and the only thing I truly miss are all the wonderful ales from some cracking Breweries, if you can try Old Peculiar it will be probably pricy but its a fantastic pint
OZCUBAN Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Hi All Well there's not many Beers that I wont drink (yes even the piss weak american beers ). But seriously at the moment I have a thing for Tiger Beer from singapore. Really good in Summer here in Perth where it gets mighty hot, Beers that really quench the thirst and hit that sweet spot always get my vote But my all time favorite would have to be Guinness ,yes I know it is not a pale ale but what the hell ,one thing I do know is the Beer market has grown immensely over the years add in some excellent Boutique beers and you are totally spoiled for choice Cheers Oz
thechenman Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 I am a huge IPA and Dogfish Head fan. I actually sat back with some friends this weekend to enjoy some Dogfish Head 120. It is a great after dinner beer. I buy this stuff by the case because it sells out so fast around here. They run from $8.99 to $12.99 in NY. I would also recommend Brooklyn Brewery's Monster Ale. That is phenomenal as well. For you stout fans, Brooklyn Brewery also make a fantastic Chocolate Stout. Sam Adams is putting out some interesting brews again, but I stll prefer my DFH 90s and 120s the most. Great Lakes Brewery also puts out some astounding beers. I can't get them this far South in NY though. Need to get it in Upstate or Western New York.
Ethernut Posted November 10, 2009 Author Posted November 10, 2009 I really appreciate the suggestions, I'll do my best to see if I can source many of these locally. Fortunately in KY there are several chains that carry obscure brews. Well mbrody, it didn't take much to push me over the edge. Broke out a 120 from '08. I have about 3 sips left and am way past the legal limit. :-D Gettin' ready to hit the bed. Gonna sleep good tonight! Keep em comin' folks! Ether..
asc Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Good IPA in the states is Broken Halo by Widmer Bros in Oregon I believe. TASTY with sweet pine nut finish.
Bill Hayes Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 I like to stick with Munich brewed hefe weissen beers; Hacker Pschorr (brewed since 1417), Paulaner (since 1634), or Schneider-Weisse (just a baby born in 1872 but a beautiful amber color). Also Aventinus in the winter time is a good dark wheat. Damn I'm thirsty now! I agree. Weinstephen Heffeweizen is my favourite beer followed by Shoferhoffer Heffeweizen then Weinstephen Dunkel. Forgive the spelling. Also love Pale Ales. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale from the States has some really crazy stuff going on in there. You just keep wanting more. But not in a guzzling sense. You just want to take another sip. Also like the West Australian Little Creatures Pale Ale. From the Belgiums I like Chimay Blue and White, Leffe Blonde and Hoegaarden on a sunny day. From the Irish I like Kilkenney Ale and from the Poms I don't mind the good old cream of Manchester - Bodingtons. The IPA's pack a bit too much of a punch for me from what I've tried but Grand Ridge from Australia make some fine boutique beers too. Then again, if it's beer I'll drink it. But it's nice to finally have a good choice.
Wil Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 James Squire here in Australia make a great IPA.
GoSteelers Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Love IPAs and usually avoid Saisons but discovered a beauty this summer
Erm310mce Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Greetings! My second favorite subject to cigars is beer! Thanks, I've picked up a few suggestions to try. My favorite IPA is made by Stone brewing company. I know microbrew distribution is somewhat on a local basis, but please try this IPA if you like that hoppy taste. They also make a ruination IPA that is fabulous as well. Dogfish Head is really a great company way out in front with their creativity, I can't say I have enjoyed everything they put out, but most of their stuff is amazing. The 60-90 and 120 IPA are all fabulous. I also like their wood aged stuff like Burton Baton and Palo Santo. Some of their fruit beers like the Peach is a little sweet for my taste, but I enjoy the creativity. I tend to favor belgiun beers. My favorite is St. Bernardus, I also like some of the other trappiest beers, Orval, Westmalle, Rochefort. Some of the american micro companies are making some great belgiun style beers now, Allagash, Hennepin and Maredous are all fantastic. And we are coming up to my favorite beer season, Holiday and Christmas beers. Love the spicy, dark releases coming out over the next few weeks. Rogues Secret Santa Private Reserve and also St Bernardus Christmas release are two of my favorites. The problem with liking so many different beers is having the glass collection to go with all the different styles!
Rogers72 Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 I do love good beer but I am one of the people who drink a 6-pk on the weekend and gain 10lbs. so I usually stick to whisky. I am a huge fan of anything Sierra Nevada and anything Sweetwater (especially the 420).
CigarmanTim Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 My favorite beer is Fullers ESB. Nectar of the gods.
jadawin Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 I am not a huge IPA drinker, but there are a few i like, including the DFH beers. Founders brewery out of Michigan makes a 12% IPA called the Devil Dancer, which is definitely worth trying. My current favorite beers are: (this changes about every month) Left Hand Milk Stout Founders Porter Bell's Porter Rogue Dead Guy Ale Stone Smoked Porter Mac and Jacks (which i cant get, since its pretty much only available in the upper northwest around Seattle) Goose Island Nut Brown Ale
perfectform Posted November 10, 2009 Posted November 10, 2009 Living on the west coast does have it's perks, one being the best IPA on the planet. Hard to pick a favorite, but I guess I'd say Russian River Blind Pig. But Port Brewing, Bear Republic, Green Flash, Moylans, Alesmith and Drakes all put out stellar IPA. Favorite non-west coast IPA is 3F Dreadnaught...Top notch stuff...
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