How do you define "go to beer"?

I can always find something new that intrigues me in a store, but if I'm in a bar or restaurant and the beer list is lacking I'll choose the Bell's Two Hearted. It's almost everywhere here in Michigan. Second choice in other states would be Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

 

A beer I can get nearly any time I'd like, year round, that is solid, consistent, and tasty.

Ayinger Brau Weisse is such a beer for me. As is Oude Gueuze Tilquin, Aventinus Eisbock, Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald, Triple Digit Aftermath (best local wee heavy I've had), and a handful of others.

 

Interesting enough I haven't developed any favorite. Wonder if that will happen? Nothing beats the variation.

 

You apparently have a good beer store available to you. I can only wish, or I can get in the car for a 25-mile drive each way.

 

If you're ever near Cincinnati, Cappy's Wine & Spirits, Party Source, or Jungle Jim's (either location). Wulver was a shelf turd at all 3 until recently, as well.

 

"Go-to" is something I opt for when: at a brewery, store, or restaurant if nothing else sounds better. "Go-to" beers are usually a function of price and consistent quality.

Example: out to eat, nothing interesting on tap, I'll have my go-to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

 

A solid, dependable, enjoyable, shareable beer that is always (or at least very nearly so) available at a reasonable price.

Up here, the Georgetown hoppy beers (Bodhizafa, Johnny Utah, and Lucille) fit this description, and there's usually a few hanging out in the fridge. Same goes for Boundary Bay Cedar Dust. Pfriem Pilsner cans often show up as well.

 

SNPA never leaves me wanting and it is a living and powerful vestige of the past.

 

For me, it's a beer that is "no frills" - I don't have to give much if any thought to - i know that I will enjoy it and know that the consistency of the beer isn't in question. Also, a great quality to price ratio and readily available.

Examples:
Konig Pilsener
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissen
Guinness Extra Stout

 

Now that I’m living where I live, I’m happy to call Sip of Sunshine my go-to.

 

"Go to beer" -

What I tell my GPS when I want to get more beer.

Example:

Me: "Google, go to beer!"

Google: "....Okay! The nearest taphaus is 12 minutes away with light traffic. Should I start directions to beer?"

Me: "Yes."

Google: "Turn left onto Pleasant Street"

"Go to beer".

 

I don't have too many go to beers because I prefer the variation, but I suppose a few characteristics from the ones I go back to would be:

1. Quality: First, is it a good and tasty beer?
2. Dependeability: Can I get it reliably fresh, year-round, whenever I want?
3. Complexity: Is it unique and stand out from other beers of the same style?
4. Price: Is the price reasonable that I can buy it over and over again without taking a hit?
5. Seasonal: Does the beer become less attractive during certain seasons or does it drink well no matter the weather? I find this last one to be a surprisingly important factor.

 

Haha, yes, Pliny was my go-to when I lived in CA. Still try to have folks send it to me regularly, and I just brought back half a dozen from my last trip. Keep seeing Little Sip on the shelves, will have to try it soon.

 

Without a doubt, my go-to beer is Sierra Nevada pale ale - consistently excellent flavor.

 

This. I'll usually opt for PseudoSue in these situations, at least around here. Failing that, I'll settle for another American pale ale.

 

Hamm's.

 

Mine were Pilsner Urquell, SNPA, and Guinness . Close and good.

 

Orval