Hello! Beer novice here looking for some recommendations

If you're in the City, go to Cellarmaker on Howard between 7th and 8th. They are one of only a existing breweries turning out delicious hoppy beers with low IBUs (bitterness). As another poster stated, it's very hard to pull that off. Most of the other breweries that are known for this are in Vermont and don't distribute. If you go this week, try Tiny Dankster or Simcoe Session. Both are juicy, floral, hop-forward pale ales with IBUs in the mid 30s.

Around the corner from Cellarmaker (2 minute walk) on Folsom is City Beer Store. They've had Nelson from Alpine on tap pretty regularly for the last couple of months. It's another juicy IPA with very little bitterness. They've also on occasion had Societe's Pupil, which you might enjoy. Even if they don't have the aforementioned glory juice, saddle up at the bar and shoot the shit with the staff. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. You'll probably leave with a new (temporary) favorite beer and a collection of bottled stuff you never heard of.

Cheers!

 

As TongoRad mentioned, Lagunitas Lil' Sumpin Sumpin. Problem solved.

Also saw Modern Times Fortunate Islands mentioned by multiple people. Was lucky enough to get a can of this and Blazing World a few months back as extras in a trade. Had never heard of the brewery before, but they truly gave me that "wow" moment. Solid beers from a brewery I hope makes it east over time.

 

Imperial hefeweizen. I almost bought one by baxter brewing but I passed on it. Im sure itd be worth a try but it might not be available in cali. Apparently flying dog and pyramid brewing have ones too so maybe give those a try if available. Other than that lil sumpin sumpin is a must try as mentioned before.

 

No, unfortunately, it is not available in the Bay Area yet.

 

All my friends who say they hate IPAs have liked/loved Deschutes Fresh Squeezed, TG PseudoSue, Ballast Point Sculpin, and their ilk. I'd suggest these (other then TG should be easy to get in your area). Their use of hops gives you great aroma and a juicy pleasant finish. Not a bitter hop sledgehammer. Others in your area would be Alpine Nelson, Kona Castaway, and probably a lot of other West Coast brews I don't even know about.

 

Check out Modern Times Fortunate Island and New Glarus Imperial Weizen both tasty hoppy wheats

 

Hot tips for all you Bay Area folks:
1) There's a certain wine store in SOMA that also has locations in Los Angeles & Redwood City. They do their own inter-store trucking, and they sometimes bring cans of our beer up from L.A. I'd give them a call.
2) On June 6th, we'll be doing an event at Beer Revolution with 6 of our beers. It should be rad.
3) On June 7th, we'll be doing the same thing at Mikkeller Bar. It, too, should be rad.

 

Thanks for the tips!

 

Remember Miller Chill? That beer was the proverbial bee's metaphorical knees, I tell ya! The cats meow, the real deal!

 

A nice BAer @3SH33TS brought me some of your offerings from SoCal, stoked to try them! I will report back on the Fortunate Island as I think that is exactly what the OP is looking for.

 

My girlfriend hates bitter Ipas but loves sucks and uinta hop nosh. The duvel triple hop brings some nice mosaic flavors together with some belgian spice. It has a nice hop character without being too bitter but you're not gonna get the banana and clove notes you're looking for.

 

ahhh, was wondering how they got them. Thanks!

 

Not going to be easy to get, but Hopslam and Zombie Dust (yeah, I know) are both pretty mild in the bitterness realm (and will make 2 great ticks on this site!).

Given that you're in Cali, though, I'd really give some of your local breweries a try. They may be more bitter than you like, but you might get used to it. For example, Union Jack by Firestone Walker is one of the best IPAs out there, and fresh Sculpin from Ballast Point is a thing of beauty. Give some of those guys a try, and you might find that the bitterness isn't the issue, the beer itself is (for the record, I don't love bitterness either, but I love IPAs).

If you do think you can get a taste for the bitterness, give Stone's stuff a try. They've got some crazy IPAs (try Ruination, and you'll see what I mean). Either way, you're in California, which is one of the best places in the US for a good IPA/APA. And the best part is, you can get pretty awesome trade bait there too (in case you want to trade for said Hopslam or Alpha King, for example).

 

Why is this your first post in four years?

 

Try the usual entry level craft beer and see what you like.

Sam Adams Boston Lager (not exactly hoppy, but tasty and not bitter nonetheless)
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Guinness Extra Foreign Stout (not exactly hoppy, but tasty and not bitter nonetheless)
Bells Oberon (most wheat varieties in general)
Lagunitas Lil' Sumpin Sumpin, PILS or even their regular IPA
Many Belgians varieties (maybe something like Tripel Karmeliet)

 

Deschutes Fresh Squeezed should be right up your alley; juicy, fruity hoppiness with low bitterness. I honestly can't think of a better suggestion, maybe... Lagunitas Lil Sumpin Sumpin: a fantastic suggestion and outstanding brew.

 

It seems like you might be looking for Belgian IPAs, although if the bitterness is too strong you could always go for Belgian Pale Ales instead. Your palate may be up for bigger stuff later.