Somewhat new to craft, need recommendations

Sounds like you're interested in hoppy brews. Since you're in Florida, I'd search our Jai Alai from Cigar City. An excellent beer in my opinion.

 

Good suggestion from Providence. I'd search out the White Oak Jai Alai also.

You like Chillwave, search out Fresh Squeezed IPA. You like Double Jack, give their Wookey Jack a shot. So many beers out there. You could start with the Florida/Southeastern local offerings and be quite happy for a while.

 

Where abouts are you located?

 

If you liked Sculpin, Big Eye is another excellent IPA offering from Ballast Point. Being from the south I would also recommend any of SweetWater's offerings, most notably their IPA. As for Greak Lakes, Rye of the Tiger is IMO their best seasonal offering, and Lake Erie Monster is another great one just on the horizon in June.

 

Trade for some stuff from 4 Hands and thank me later

 

Nugget Nectar is a great beer, but just about out of season.

 

Ah, maybe seek out Flower Power then. That's another nice hoppy brew to add to your list. One of my favorites.

 

Bell's Two-Hearted, Founders Centennial, Founders All Day

 

Actually, May 12th is the day for Lake Erie Monster...

 

Founders Breakfast Stout (if it's still sitting on shelves in NJ)

 

+1 on Flower Power

 

before you're balls deep in IPAs i suggest taking it slow. your pallete will get burned out if you go to hard too fast. contrast is a beautiful thing. go slow with the IPAs. they'll be around when you want them. it's not a race to drink them all as fast as you can. i did that when i first started and now most IPAs bleed together into a bitter pale malt mess that i can't stand. be selective, take it slow, and enjoy each beer without looking forward to the "next best thing".

 

I just tried Sculpin and it changed my view on IPAs. It had bold hop flavors without a bitter aftertaste. I tried a Fat Tire after the Sculpin and did my first drain pour. I used to love Fat Tire but now it tasted like burnt malt water. Reminds me of the time I drank Hacker Schor and Miller Lite back to back. It tasted like an ash tray.