Planning a tasting for some first-timers

A suggestion for any follow ons: my new to craft beer buddies have enjoyed tastings on differences to a style. For example IPA flight of a malty east coast, piney hop, citrusy hop, Belgian and maybe a DIPA. it has really allowed them to explore the different characteristics of a given style. Just $.02 as well. I commend you on your tasting and desire to expand their horizons.

 

I agree with previous posters on replacing Bigfoot Barleywine, adding FBS to stouts/porters, adding Alagash White to witbier.

Love your pick on Hefeweizen - Weihenstephaner, Dubbel - Westmalle, Saison - Hennepin, and Flanders Red/Sour - Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge or Rodenbach Grand Cru
I know my fiance loves fruity beers like Abita's Purple Haze, Pyramid's Apricot, Blue Moon, #9. Although her and I don't always see eye-to-eye on the fruity beers, she classifies them under the same category and thinks that type of beer makes the transition into other styles much easier...

 

My first thought without reading the whole thread, that's a huge line up for noobs.

 

I work in one of the top restaurants in the country. I come across a lot of people who don't know beer. My vote for approachable craft beer for the guy that likes bud light goes to North Coast Scrimshaw.

 

Top restaurants in the country huh? You can't throw that around without specifying.

 

Great job.

Minor point of history.

In 65, Maytag buys and revives Anchor brewing because they make Anchor Steam, his favorite beer and are about to go under and close. So he didn't invent the style but he sure as heck kept it alive and well and helped start the revolution in good beer.

 

Thats a great thing to do for/with your friends!