Okay, so I grew up hating beer because all I knew was beers like Bud, Miller, Coors, and the such. I always thought they were a disgusting drink that my friends really seemed to enjoy but I couldn't wrap my head around. But a year ago I discovered a Rogue Yellow Snow IPA at my BX and thought the name was funny so I bought it as a joke. Joke was on me, I loved it. Since then I have been trying my best to discover the best American brews I can find. I love Stone and Rogue (ruination being my favorite beer at this moment) Last weekend I tried my first milk stout (Left Hand Brew Milk Stout Nitro) and loved it! What are other brews I should try? I really do want to find the best American made beer
Find places that sell "mix-a-six" craft beers and sample as many as you can. You'll start to figure out what styles you like most. If you like Ruination and Left Hand's Milk Stout, I recommend you try Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout and Sierra Nevada Torpedo. Both of those are very easy to find and are wonderful brews. Some other readily accessible and awesome craft beers are: Brooklyn Lager Anchor Steam Allagash White Founders Porter I am not sure if you get those in Texas, but all of them have a great track record. Enjoy the quest!
I'd look at this list as a starting point. Many are relatively easy to find, others will take more effort. I'm sure you'll find new favorites, both beers and styles, and then branch out from there. http://beeradvocate.com/lists/fame
Check http://www.seekabrew.com/distro/index.html It lists what's available in Texas. There are a ton of great beers being brewed in Texas, where are you at?
Mix-a-six packs at bottle shops are a godsend for trying new beers. For example I recently found a Hakim Stout in the one near me. I can now say I've had a Ethiopian beer It was kind of odd, but the point is there are so many kinds of beer out there it is a lot of fun trying as many different, diverse brews as you can find!
I'd suggest some easy drinking beers for the summer and some fortified stuff for the--You're in Texas, so every month is hot there. I'll second trying all of them. Find a hop range you like the most, or a hop flavor you like the most and go for the jugular.
Check out the entire line up from Sierra Nevada. All their stuff is, at a minimum, a solid representation of the style. And most are very, very good. And you can't beat the price.
Ska modus hoperandi has a cult like following in austin from what I understand. Their steel toe stout is one of my favorite milk stouts. Shits better than moloko, but it flies under the radar.
Where in Texas are you? There are some damned good BAs in every nearly every city that can help you out. Follow the SW forum and jump right in. Cheers!
Tyler, ahh... yeah... umm... How many miles per gallon does your vehicle get? You need to do some driving bro. Take a few weekend trips to Dallas, Houston, Austin or SA when there are beer tastings etc. Bring lots of cash to stock up for home.
Dogfish Head Burton Baton Lagunitas Maximus IPA Troegs (take your pick) Harpoon El Triunfo Coffee Porter\Saranac High Peaks Imperial IPA Southern Tier Choklat Stout Ballast Point Victory At Sea Brekinridge Small Batch 471 IPA Rogue Dead Guy Ale Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA Ballast Point Sculpin IPA Good Luck!
You may need to travel, but find a good pub(s) with a lot of quality beers on tap, and start doing flights (4-5 oz pours). Don't just drink them and think, "Like this" and "don't like this". Write down what you drink and take notes. When you get home look them up, track them on BA. You're on your way! Gosh, in a way I wish I was in your shoes. The initial discovery of beer---GOOD BEER was one the happiest times of my life.
