I need your help planning my first haul!

Make a few mix a sixes of all different styles.

 

I dont know much about the dist. in that area, but welcome to the world of craft beer man. You're gonna love it.

 

wish i could help you with advice, but i dont know the area! either way, welcome to it!

 

This

Try as many different styles as you can. Learn the ones you like and branch out on those. You will never run out of options.

EDIT: Also, drink local when you can! These local breweries may not be the best of the best, but most are pretty good and you can always count on a fresh pint!

 

looks like fleurdelou beat e to it!

 

If going mix a six route, make sure to check the dates on the beer. I have been burned more times than I want to admit by grabbing some beer for those mixers and it's well past it's due. The beer will not taste good and give you a bad impression.

 

Pace yourself, sample as many as you can, and enjoy the ride. That's most of the fun. Everyone on here has their favorites, but finding your own is the best method.

 

Pace yourself, often those first few trips will be overwhelming in choices, especially in a well stocked store. With that said have fun with it! For a well rounded feel, try good imports here and there, seasonal favorites when released, and try as many styles as you can. Get your palate seasoned enough to know what it likes, not what is often told you will like. And....though 'gimmick'/truck chaser beers are great usually, try not to get too wrapped up in some of those until you know what is is you are chasing.

 

Where specifically in Western MD?

And, welcome to the party!

 

http://www.beeradvocate.com/place/directory/9/US/MD/
http://www.beeradvocate.com/place/directory/9/US/VA/
Start here. It will give you a lot of help with what is available in all cities.

When going to a particular city, I usually sort by the rating like this - http://www.beeradvocate.com/place/list/?&c_id=US&s_id=MD&city=Frederick&sort=name&sort=rating
and start picking which shops I want to go to based on the numbers.

Hope this helps.

 

You're welcome.

Have fun. Spend too much money. And be safe.

 

Bro, your first night that you are planning to be in Lexington, VA (VMI) there is an awesome yet a little expensive beer/wine store. I believe it's called Washington Street Purveyors. http://www.gopherwine.com/
When I was new to craft beer a mere 2 years ago I wanted to find some Nugget Nectar from Troegs and these dudes had it. It's in the top #10 on the BA all-time list. Highly recommended beer and store. ALso they carried Firestone Walker. Specifically Double Jack and Wookie Jack. Also, both really good. You should also bring some Hop Drop n Roll w/ just in case you want to spread some beer karma to others. Be good and welcome to the DARKSIDE of beer brotha

 

When you're in Maryland, be sure to check out some DuClaw Sweet Baby Jesus if it's around. It's a chocolate peanut butter porter, if you're looking for some unique stuff a little outside the norm. How much experience do you have with darker beers, though?

 

Moving this to the regional forums (US - South-Atlantic & Mid-Atlantic, linked to both), where you should get better advice re: what's available locally.

Cheers & Good Luck!
Brian

 

Seems like mix six you end up paying 200% I don't suggest mix six

Only times I get mix six is to get 6 nightcap brews - (I don't drink Mondays) lol but you have nightcaps for every night-

For a successful haul (assuming your drinking alone) one six pack of bomb stuff you can have when you get home from work - and 3 bombers - (fri . Sat. Sun)

Always be on the lookout for special releases and save em of later

To me. Perfect haul has stuff you can drink now and one of two you can save for later to share with friends or for a dope occasion

Just my two cents

 

Umm, you're looking to step up from warm Natty? Have you tried Yuengling yet? Sierra Nevada Pale Ale?