Beginner Stout Recommendations MA

Ten Fidy is a must to try and I enjoy Barbapapa by Pretty Things when its around. They are both big and bold but that's what and RIS should be in my mind. If you want to ease in try oatmeal stouts and milk stouts as suggested.

 

I would add, seeing your avatar, that the Harpoon Stout is a fairly decent local Guinness clone.

Best on draft though....

 

Right now while it's still around I'd suggest a pack of Lagunitas Nighttime (which is not a stout) as a halfway step, just because it tastes great. Then you can taste for what you liked most in it in the various stouts you try.

 

Some great recommendations above, but if you're really trying to ease your way into the style(s) - I'd say stay away from the Barrel-Aged and High abv stuff (for now). Look into the Milk Stouts, the Oatmeal stouts, and just some of the standard plain old 'Stouts' and 'Porters' listed above... And then after maybe look to some that include Vanilla, Coffee, Cappuccino, Chocolate, or the great MBC beers you've already highlighted, and all the other great options from above?

The most common BA recommendation is probably the "try everything and see what you like" approach... Just don't get turned off because your first beers as you venture into the style were a little too strong/flavored/smoked/aged.

(And then come join us in line at Treehouse, Trillium, Jacks Abby, etc)