So this place in town lets you pick single bottles of craft beer to make up six packs. I know my options will include Victory, Founders, Terrapin, and Stone for a certainty. I am kind of new to craft beers. I like all kinds of types (IPA, Stouts, Pale Ales, Lager, and Private Reserve are the only types I've tried that I know of). I'm new to the jargon on the serious beer enthusiast as well but I am interested in learning more. I guess to sum this up I want to ask suggestions of these brewing companies that you all have enjoyed.
Just try everything. It's a process, and you'll move along the learning curve in time. If there is any Wake n Bake still around near you, I suggest you grab some. It's one of my absolute favorite beers, especially when you consider price and availability.
I agree with Bluecane. The best part about a pick 6 is the ability to experiment and discover new beer. Founders usually makes solid beers in all styles. Terrapin is usually solid as well. Just snag six randoms, enjoy the journey and make mental notes of what you like and don't like.
Founders, Terrapin, Stone, Sweetwater, Lagunitas, and Bell's are all pretty widely available in our area and brew a variety of styles. Keep trying new stuff as your tastes will change fairly quickly. There is also some good information in the Beer 101 page here- http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/
Victory Prima Pils and Summer Love Stone IPA and Leviatation Founders anything - they rule Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and Moo Hoo if you can still find it Sweetwater 420 and IPA
Couple of things: All the breweries you mentioned make great beers, and they all use a dating method of some kind. Victory is a printed drink by date on the label, Terrapin uses a notched consume by date on the side of the label, Founders prints bottling dates on the necks of the bottle and Stone etches Enjoy By dates into the necks of the bottles. Point is to make sure you're getting fresh beer!! Another similar option to expand your horizons is to find a decent bar that offers tasting flights. One word of caution though is make sure you aren't getting fleeced buying singles. It's normal to pay a bit more (say around $2 for a beer that's $8.99/6pack) but I've seen places that charge double or more than that for the "convenience." Even if you're just buying a mixed 6 of regular year round beers that can easily get up to $20+ at such a place. For that price you might as well go to a bar and at least not have to wash any glasses.
There are two approaches to the mixed 6-er that can help you expand your horizons: first grab six different styles (one IPA, one stout, one saison, one lager, one tripel or quad, etc). Then when you find a style that you fancy, next trip buy six of the same style from different breweries to compare. ^ and what chefkevlar said about freshness and bottle dates. There are a few exceptions, but as a rule (especially with hoppy beers), fresh is best. Cheers and enjoy your journey!
Great advice from hoppy99 about alternating between mixed styles and then 6 of the same style. To expand on that just a bit, you might also want to commit to 6 of a style that you are unsure of or that you may even think that you don't like. I've heard so many times, "I dont really like stouts, I'm not a big Guiness fan", but that doesnt even begin to run the spectrum of stout flavors and styles that are out there. Point being, get in there and try it all.
