Favorite beers to recommend?

[theincumbent]

So, I am relatively new to the whole micro-brew and craft beer scene. What I have tried to this point I have liked, but I am really confused as to what direction I should begin in. There are just too many styles, and breweries, for me to get a grasp on some type of tasting plan. Here is my question:

What are your top 5 or 10 favorite beers that you would introduce to someone new to this new brew world?

Maybe an example of each style that you prefer.

Now, I am not necessarily talking about the BEST for each style. Only personal favorites for nostalgia, or whatever the reason.

Please give me direction!

(I HAVE tried some of the Eastern PA, Philadelphia breweries and brews such as Victory, and even Dogfish Head Craft.)

Well, anyways, I figured I would ask, and sorry for the long post!

James

[Beaver]

Where are you located? That'll help with suggestions.

[wortchillergoal]

Knowing where you arer would help. Since I saw some eastern locale listed I will post my suggestions for beginners.

Brooklyn Lager

Geary's Pale Ale

Harpoon UFO (unfiltered wheat)

SA Boston Ale

Czechvar (Budvar} outside of US

[Wilson]

The ones I try to get my "newbie" friends to try:

Anchor's Liberty Ale
Fullers 1845

Both still all time fav's of mine.

You reallly cant go wrong with Chimay for the belgian style....and they're easy to come by.

[BluesHarp]

Great Lakes "Elliot Ness" Vienna Lager
Big Sky Brewing "Moose Drool" brown ale
Three Floyds "Robert the Bruce" Scottish Ale
Orval Belgian Ale
Bell's "Two Hearted Ale" pale ale

These are all very good, not too radical or "off the wall" and fairly widely available. It gives you a god cross section of styles as well.

[theincumbent]

Sorry for not clarifying:

I am in the Philadelphia area, but I do have a distributor that seems to have a pretty good inventory, and is willing to order for me.

Great Suggestions so far!

Thanks

James

[Jinja]

Gordon Biersch Marzen introduced Staronstage to the wonderful world of beer...

Jinja Out

[steveh]

You might also look for Goose Island varieties, not to mention the Three Floyds beers. Goose should be readily available, not so sure about 3-F - Penn seems to be an odd beer region.

There are supposed to be a few really great beer taverns in Philly, have you checked into them (figuratively, of course). Check this thread (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4130), especially the list in the first post.

I have a friend near Harrisburg, I'll see if he has more recommendations.

S.

[threecb]

I don't think we can get GI around here, steve. But I know the Philly region has 3 Floyds. Other locals to try are Troegs - anything by them is great. Weyerbacher is readily available in Eastern PA. Flying Fish has some decent cross-over beers, too.

[sallad]

look for yards brewing. they've got 3 ales that are all quite good. the philly pale is the lightest, easiest drinking. then the ESA (extra special ale) is a nice special bitter. the biggest is the IPA at about 8%abv and some strong flavors in there.

the philly pale is on tap in many places in the city, as is the ESA. the ESA can be found on the handpump quite a few places as well. don't think i've ever seen the IPA on tap, but its bound to be out there somewhere.

regardless, they are all available in bottles. try working your way up from the philly pale to the ESA to the IPA!!

[chazwicke]

Do not know if it is available in your area but I have been converting lots of swill drinkers with Coniston Bluebird from England. It is a mighty fine beer. ( Although I have had some old bottles recently.) Another from Indiana is Gumballhead. An interesting variation on a wheat beer from Three Floyds.

[gallowd7]

If the friends are from outside the Annapolis-Baltimore area I make sure I have an ice cold Natty Boh for them, longneck if I think highly of them.

I was just given a bottle of Avery IPA. Fantastic and recommend it to everyone even to just pour and sniff.

[Blaise]

I am not a fan of American Beers in general, even microbrews but that I thought was OK was "Celis" White. When I was in Belgium I loved Chimay Grand Reserve and all of the Leffe's. These beers are easily found at local distributors or if you brew yourself I have two good clone recipes for the Chimay.

I don't know any good quotes about beer.

[Wilson]

Originally posted by Blaise
...I have two good clone recipes for the Chimay.

Please do share! I'd love to make a Chimay clone.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by Blaise

I don't know any good quotes about beer.

You can borrow mine if you want - it's adapted, but original!

Give the American brews a chance... what don't you like about them? Is it a general across the board thing? A few people complain that they're generally too hoppy...

Welcome to the boards! Where are you from?

[Blaise]

This 1st one I got from TWEEK:
This is the message:

This came out tasting remarkably close to the grand reserve. I didnt
record the amount of candi sugar I used but I believe that it was around
2 lbs. I also had it a higher ferment temperature, probabally around
72-74 somewhere.

Good Luck to you. Let me know how it comes out or if you have any
questions about this.

Belgium Ale

1. 155 degrees for 60 minutes
a. 1 lb Bamberg Munich Malt 6L
b. ½ lb Belgium Aromatic 20L
c. 1 Lb Bamberg Wheat 2L
2. Remove grain bags and rinse over Brew pot with hot water (170 is
preferred) until water level is achieved
3. Bring to Boil
4. Remove from heat and stir in 7 pounds British Light Dry Malt extract
and Belgian Candi Sugar
5. Bring back to boil
6. Add Boil Hops
a. 1/3 of 2 ounces Fuggle (4.5)
b. 2/3 of 2 ounces Hallertauer (4.7)
7. boil for 45 minutes
8. Add Finish hops
a. 1/3 of 2 ounces Hallertauer (4.7)
9. Boil for 15 Minutes
10. cool to temp
11. pitch yeast
a. White Labs platinum Series Belgian Golden Ale Yeast


Og. #1= 1.070
FG= 1.016

7.1 % alcohol by volume


And I seemed to mis place the other one. As soon as I find it I will post it. If any one has another I would love to get a copy.

[Blaise]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by fretlessman71
Give the American brews a chance...

I am living in Indiana and I guess I shouldn't generalize not liking American beers since I haven't tasted all that many. I don't like the American sugar water phenomenon. ie AB, Miller and that sort.
I was stationed in Mons, BE for a year and I fell in love with Trappist Ales, especially the strong Belgian ales. If any one can give me a few names of micro brews that taste similar I would be more than willing to try them. I have a distributor close that is willing to import some.

[fretlessman71]

OOOOO! OOOOOOO!!!! We gotta fix this! I'm glad you clarified! You're in prime location to find a brewery called Three Floyds, and try all of their wonderful products. It has been said here before that we believe that Three Floyds simply cannot make a bad beer. Please go look for them! I wish they distributed to where I live.

Great Lakes is another. Kalamazoo is a third (check out Bell's Oberon Ale). Capital Brewery is out of Wisconsin, but I'll bet you can get their stuff. Mostly german style lagers - VERY good.

You've got all of these great choices for great beer near you - go and find out what you've been missing! (And what I'VE been missing, too.... sure wish this stuff made it to Colorado...)

There's almost nobody here who likes beer such as Bud, Coors, or Miller - that's not why we're here! We're here because we like REAL beer! :D (And even if someone does like "barley soda"... they're still welcome!)

[fretlessman71]

Oh yeah.... there are 2 members here you ought to ask advice from (that I remember):

steveh lives in the Chicago area.
Beaver used to live in Michigan.

Ask both of these people (and anyone else on the boards here from the midwest) what other breweries you ought to frequent!

[chazwicke]

Bruno lives in Indiana too.

[fretlessman71]

That's right - I forgot! See, you're in a virtual hotbed of information. Good place to live for good beer, and good place online to hang out and TALK about good beer! :D

BTW..... New Belgium here in CO makes a few beers you might really like... Here's their website. (http://www.newbelgium.com/frames.html)

[Blaise]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm on it.

[Wilson]

Thanks Blaise. Cant wait to give it a shot.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Blaise
[QUOTE]I was stationed in Mons, BE for a year and I fell in love with Trappist Ales, especially the strong Belgian ales. If any one can give me a few names of micro brews that taste similar I would be more than willing to try them. I have a distributor close that is willing to import some.

If you are looking for Belgian-style beers from American breweries, consider checking out:

Allagash:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/4/

Ommegang:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/42/

Those two are probably available in the midwest. There are plenty of other Belgian interpretations to try should you ever come across them:

-New Glarus Belgian Red (only in WI I believe - as of last year?)

-Southampton Publick House (NY):
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/1628/
*may have to travel east to find any of this nectar

-Heavyweight Brewing (NJ) makes a nice Saison/Biere de Garde

-Weyerbacher (PA) makes a few Belgian styles worth checking out (esp. the Quad), though again, I'm unsure how far west they distribute.

A lot of the American versions of these Belgian styles are "interpretations" that take some liberties and don't always follow the classic style guidelines, but they are worth tasting for yourself. Maybe consider a trade to acquire some of the smaller regional products. I know a lot of people on this board (and others) look highly upon midwest products like 3Floyds, Bell's, etc.

Cheers!

[Duff Man]

Here in Maryland the Oxford Raspberry Wheat from Clipper City Brewery is a nice trip down the fruit beer lane.

http://www.clippercitybeer.com/home/default.htm

[chazwicke]

Welcome to the board Duff Man! There are several of us DC area posters here. Glad to have another on board.

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by newportstorm
If you are looking for Belgian-style beers from American breweries, consider checking out:

Allagash:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/4/

Ommegang:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/42/

Those two are probably available in the midwest.

I second those...I can get them here in Wisconsin, so I know they make it to the midwest...both excellent breweries!

[Jinja]

North Coast Pranqster is distruibuted in Indiana:

http://northcoastbrewing.com/us_other.htm

For info:

http://northcoastbrewing.com/prank.htm

Jinja Out

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by theincumbent
So, I am relatively new to the whole micro-brew and craft beer scene. What I have tried to this point I have liked, but I am really confused as to what direction I should begin in. There are just too many styles, and breweries, for me to get a grasp on some type of tasting plan.

Please give me direction!


Hmmm...direction. OK, just dive right in, man. It's the only way you'll ever discover what you truly like. All of the suggestions here have been great...unless you have opposite tastes of the people suggesting them.

So, here's what I'd do. Head to The Foodery in Philly. Grab a cart and browse around. Read the shelf talkers or ignore them - your choice. Grab a bunch of singles (screw the PA case law) - anything that looks interesting - esp. if you've never tried the style. Head home. Drink up. Take notes on which you like and which you don't. Repeat next week.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beerfly/user_reviews/1420/

Cheers!

[fretlessman71]

If you're just plain stuck, let me see if I can tell you what I would do in your case. Tell me what beers you've tried and liked, and then what beers you've tried and not liked a whole lot. I'll give you what I think would be a good strategy - sound good?

[chazwicke]

I would buy a selection of different styles such as India pale ale, stout, hefeweizen, maerzen, bock and taste them all. I would try to buy 2 different samples of each style. Then you can eliminate the styles you do not care for. Problem is, you will probably like them all!

[Bryant]

My favorite macro - Standing alone at the top is Harp Lager. Harp is great for hop-heads that enjoy an easy to find lager beer with good character. I have never been dissatisfied with the quality despite the stuff I get is brewed in Canada. It is the only macro I buy unless it is a new product to try.

My fave fairly widely available micro - Anchor Liberty Ale. Another richly hopped brew also great for hop-heads. I think this is one of the better American Ales brewed that I have been able to try.

My fave micro - Sweetwater Exodus Porter. This beer is actually a very delicate brew and would be great as a beginner's porter but also for some with a palatte already honed with porters, but even in "beer hell" I have tried quite a few porters and this one needs to be at the right temperature and one needs a clear palatte to fully enjoy because of it's subtle complexity.
www.sweetwaterbrew.com (gotta plug the semi-local boys)

My fave local brewpub beer - Cannon Brewpub Columbus Georgia "Ironclad Stout."

Fave non-alcoholic brew - N/A beer tastes like crap, so I enjoy a good Stewart's root beer quite often. Not being funny here.

Bryant

[fretlessman71]

Nothing funny about root beer - we talk all the time about who makes the best one! I'm a Henry Weinhard fan myself, but several others have touted various local breweries who make their own that you can only seem to get in that area. Here's the thread. (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4531&highlight=root)

[theincumbent]

If you're just plain stuck, let me see if I can tell you what I would do in your case. Tell me what beers you've tried and liked, and then what beers you've tried and not liked a whole lot. I'll give you what I think would be a good strategy - sound good?

Fret -

I have tried Victory's Sampler Pack (Golden Monkey - very good, HopDevil- nice but bitter, Lager- good, Prima Pils-Good)

Also, I have had Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA. This is a bit too 'hoppy' for me, as it seemed not as balanced? as the HopDevil.

I appreciate it -

James

[fretlessman71]

OK... so the hop bug hasn't quite bitten you yet. Then what I would do is find a good local pale ale to start with. Ask some people on this board, or ask the person behind the counter at your paint store. If you're still wary of what to get, break down and get some Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Hoppy, but not overbearing.

I wish I knew what was in your area a little bit better - I know that Brooklyn Brewery is pretty good, so you might give them a shot. They make a Black Chocolate Stout that is FANTASTIC. I forget what else they make...

If you find that ales are a little too sweet for your tastes, maybe you need to find a good lager instead. Capital Brewery is out of Wisconsin, but just might make it to your neck of the woods. See about their pilsner, or if you're slightly more daring, their Oktoberfest.

All of the brands I've mentioned above could very well be interchangeable with local breweries that provide beer in your area. Don't feel like you have to be stuck with the brands I'm recommending; feel free to change out one for another and see what you like. This is part of the fun of drinking beer - there's so many different beers out there that you'll never get a chance to drink them all, but you'll certainly have fun trying! :D

[Beaver]

Brooklyn Brown is very nice.

[fretlessman71]

Hmmm... hadn't thought of that. Are browns typically less hoppy than most other ales? Is there a hard-and-fast rule about it?

Might be going to get some Moose Drool soon... you in?

[Beaver]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Hmmm... hadn't thought of that. Are browns typically less hoppy than most other ales? Is there a hard-and-fast rule about it?

Might be going to get some Moose Drool soon... you in?

Browns are normally more roasty than hoppy, but it varies based on the brewery.

I responded to your PM. Thanks for the offer!

[fretlessman71]

Just got it. Lemme know when you're interested - I'm making a weekly trip these days.

Browns might be a very good way for theincumbent to go regarding brews - something different than the standard! I just might start going for browns for awhile just to see if I acclimate toward them. I'd hate to be missing out all this time!

[Beaver]

It seems like ambers are the most approachable, then browns, then porters, then stouts and pale ales. Finally, the IPAs and Belgians.

At least that's how it was for me! :)

[fretlessman71]

Although, Odell's 90 Shilling is pretty hoppy... does that count, or is that something totally unique?

[Beerman7175]

I would try any of the Stone Brewing ales.

[chazwicke]

Welcome Beerman7175. The Stone beers are indeed good.

[b3s]

well, among my favorites to recommend:

moose drool (excellent brown ale, imo)
odell's 90 schilling
left hand imperial stout
conniston bluebird (bitter BCA from england)

atm, those are probably my favorites, but calling a beer my favorite is (to paraphrase one of the quotes from realbeer.com) is like saying i'm a broccoli man ;)

[skahtboi]

I don't get Moose Drool down in these parts. How does it compare to...say...Ellie's Brown Ale? (I have a fondness for that particular brown ale)

[b3s]

never had ellie's, so i couldn't say. i would say that i prefer moose drool over stones 8th anniversary.

[fretlessman71]

I'm just about to make a road trip over the border to get some MD, so maybe I'll try to procure a bottle of Ellie's and tell you what I think. Keep in mind, though, that I'm not really a fan of either one, or the style in general - I'm just doing this because I have to find out what I've been missing for years and years with everyone else raving about this stuff! I don't get it...

[staronstage]

Hooray for Moose Drool!

I enjoy the Moose Drool, it really is a decent brown. But since it is not available in the bay area, I tend to "overenjoy" it when I can get my hands on it. Meaning that I've probably built it up in my mind as being better than it actually is. But it sure is tasty. I even have cut off the side of the six pack and tacked it to my cube wall at work.

[skahtboi]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
I'm just about to make a road trip over the border to get some MD, so maybe I'll try to procure a bottle of Ellie's and tell you what I think. Keep in mind, though, that I'm not really a fan of either one, or the style in general - I'm just doing this because I have to find out what I've been missing for years and years with everyone else raving about this stuff! I don't get it...

We all appreciate the great pain and sacrifice you are willing to make for "the cause!" :p

[chazwicke]

Here! Here!

[longarm]

Being from Madison, it's east to get spoiled on the Capital lagers. If you can find these in Philly and given that you're not into hoppy beers yet, I have to second the Capital Oktoberfest recommendation.

[b3s]

a recurring favorite for my gf and i is mirror pond pale ale.

[Bryant]

I keep seeing the Moose Drool replies. I have to try that, but I have never seen it in my area. Too be honest, though.... "beer hell" is cooling off. Columbus Georgia is becoming more sophisticated as far as beer selection in the past six months more than the last few years combined.


Bryant

[Neonbeagle]

OK - recommended brews

If you are on or near the east coast of the US -

Otter Creek brewery - Vermont - Great brewery run - Copper Ale, an excellent evey day kinda beer, not to hoppy, not to yeasty, just right. Stovepipe Porter - good powerful porter, does really well in my Christmas Puddings, AND their surprising Blueberry Ale (the name excapes me - I've just had 3) for all you "I'll never drink a beer based on fruit" types - once you get past the breakfast image this is one hell of a beer.

A perrenial fave - Old Dominion Ale from Virginia. Good quality - well brewed everyday ale. Their lager is also PDG, and the seasonals are ......... satisfyingly seaonal. ODB provides 'custom brews' to many in the region. Doesn't travel well though - you have to come here to drink it.

If you are in the the UK - Badger Brewery in Dorset is a surprise - their Champion Ale is pretty darn good, and I defy you to NOT fall in love with Tanglefoot Bitter - the name says it all. When you visit the brewery DON'T MISS the 18th Century monument to the town saviour - it's a hoot.

Supermarket brews - Pilsner Urquell when it's on a sale; Yeungling Lager ditto sales - strangely enough the bottle is far superior to the draft.

Enjoy

[chazwicke]

Welcome to the board Neon. Nice to have another Virginia / DC local here. I'm over in Centreville - Chantilly area pretty close to ODB.

[BrewDog]

This guy's from Philly and nobody has mentioned Yuengling?
I used to love Black and Tans made from Yuengling Lager and Guiness.

If you can get it, try anything from Deschutes Brewery (Oregon). Good all around.

[Neonbeagle]

Thanks Chaswicke - always ready to talk brew

There are a couple more that I should have mentioned - One is the old Potomac Brewery, which moved from your neck o' the woods to near Gettysburg PA. The MB - name escapes me - took up brewing so that he wouldn't kill his PhD advisor (So he says - but I like to believe it). The other was based in Cambridge MD - Wild Goose Brewery - now relocated to Frederick MD. Their Amber Ale is very good for what ails you.

[chazwicke]

Know both well. Jerry and Sharon Russell opened Potomac River very near where I live and I used to visit frequently. A buddy of mine, Brad Mortenson got his brewery training there and moved to the head brewer slot at Legend in Richmond. He recently left Legend. I also visited Wild Goose while they were still over on the Eastern Shore. My favorite is the seasonal Snow Goose.

[Neonbeagle]

Jeez - I'd forgotten all about Snow Goose - Thanks for the reminder