So my brother has recently started drinking beer. He never really liked any he had tried in the past, (no idea what it included). At this point, he only really likes Redhook Longhammer IPA. Anyone have any suggestions for things that might be similar or an easy transition to other beers?
If he likes Longhammer, just start trying other IPA's that are available in your area. I think that he will find some that are far more tasty than Redhooks.
A neighbor of mine was/is a big fan of Longhammer. Not a bad beer in my opinion. I just kept hoisting different IPAs on him till one or two stuck. Odell IPA, Two Hearted, Stone IPA and Abrasive from Surly became some of his favourites. And Furious, dude fucking loves Furious. Still rocks the Longhammer though. I gladly drink it when offered.
In my opinion, I would try introducing him to some of the better pale ales in the area to start with, as the hop profile on Longhammer is very mild at best. Perhaps try some Maine Peeper Ale, Founders Pale Ale, Long Trail or even Tuckermans, you should be able to get all these in NH. Or if going the IPA route, stay away from the hop bombs and try to go with more balanced offerings.
No, that's a bad idea. Okay, maybe not a bad idea, but maybe not the best idea. Even at it's freshest, Longhammer is not a good example of an IPA. My first IPA was an Abita Jockamo, which is decent most recently in cans, but as a newbie was quite bitter and refreshing. Loved it really. But I had Longhammer shortly there after and was disappointed in it as it was not nearly as hoppy as the Jockamo...and Jockamo is no shining example of hop usage. I guess my point is that a lot of other IPAs may be too extreme for someone who's slammin' Longhammers. Being so close to VT though, why not cruise over to VT and pick up some Heady Topper and seeing what kinda man he really is?
I loved Longhammer IPA when I first had it, but I really hadn't tried any other American IPAs at that point. Soon after I had Stone IPA, and loved it. It might be a big jump, but it just might work.
Haha if I could easily get Heady, I'd be getting it for myself! anyhow, thanks for the suggestions everyone. Perhaps I'll just start having him try other Pale ales or IPAs to see if he likes any.
Second on the SN Pale Ale hard to beat and it seems like you can find it just about anywhere. As stated Pale Ales might be the best thing to start off with before working into IPA's that are better examples of the style.
