New drinker, looking to get some recommendations!

Blue Moon was the first beer I found that I actually kinda liked, too. So going off of my experience: Fat Tire would probably be a good one to try (heck, a New Belgium variety pack would probably work well, though any IPAs present may come across as too bitter at this point... I know when I first tried Ranger I liked the flavor already, but the bitterness became a bit overwhelming toward the end of the glass), and other wheat ales and some of the lighter Belgian-style ales might work for you as well.

Try some lagers, too. They're not all like the cheapo "light/lite" lagers you've probably had. If you go to Mexican restaurants often, try Negra Modelo, I'm sure they'll have it on the menu pretty much everywhere and it's a dark beer that's very different from stouts. Make sure to try a pilsner also -- I'd have to recommend Sierra Nevada's Nooner, which should be really easy to find and comes both in bottles and cans now. When the Oktoberfest beers come out in late summer/early fall, I'd definitely try to check some of those out.

 

Lol...he said he liked Blue Moon because it wasn't too strong and that he didn't care for Guinness. So what makes you the the OP would like Old Rasputin? Too funny!

 

Negra Modelo is a dark beer that doesn't taste like a stout. I enjoy it quite a bit and it's one of my wife's favorites.

 

If you like wheat beers, that's an obvious starting point. Try more witbiers and start exploring hefeweizens. American Pale Wheat Ales could be a gateway to IPAs, try some of them as well. As others have said, look at the beer styles pages on BA for beers to look for in each style.

To @lambpasty 's point, try to delve a little deeper as you're trying new beers and figure out what you like (or don't like) about them... that will help you focus your search (and will help you develop your palate as well).

Good luck, and welcome to BA!

 

Florida is out of my range, but I'd suggest New Belgium Fat Tire as a great choice for anyone sampling for the first time. I think it falls smack dab in the middle of everything that defines a quality craft beer.

Welcome, and happy hunting.

 

If you like Blue Moon, you should try BBVBDL .

Seek out variety packs, Sam Adams, Sierra Navada, Shiner, New Belgium. They are on the low end of the craft price range and none of them should be too strong or overwhelming. Just take notes on which ones you like and then seek out more beers within that same style.

 

This of a bottle shop that sells singles. Although that cant still be a little daunting. A variety pack would be great that it doesn't make you figure it out. There are plenty in our grocery stores from the big craft brewers as well as tons of them from locals. I just picked up a new Belgium pack this weekend and was pleasantly surprised by one of them.

Also, OP, i didn't think I liked stouts for the longest time. Watery, flavor just not doing it for me, just not my thing (Guinness was tolerable but on that list...). I figured out I was drinking the wrong stouts I like them big, thick, heavy. Haven't looked back since. In Florida you should be able to mind some Terrapin moohoo. try some. It is a milk stout, and on the sweeter, not bitter, end. it is fantastic.

 

Funky Buddha is a great option. Floridian by Funky Buddha is their wheat beer. Green man ESB is great and Sam Adams is great also.

 

Good start is to go with Pale Ales & IPAs. Jai Alai from Cigar City should be pretty available to you. But really, go to a reputable local bottle shop & ask for some help & recommendations.

 

Just keep in mind, the beer styles you don't like today may change in a few years. Many people can't do stouts right off the bat but in a few years they love them.

 

Drugs are bad, mkay?

 

Just try the basics at first, enjoy being able to buy a 12 pack sampler for 15 bucks from Sam Adam's or Blue Moon because if you're like most beer snobs like me, eventually you're going to be paying 15 bucks for a six pack or a bomber of good beers. I started off just trying different beers, homebrewing different styles, and also not listening to other people's advice because I didn't have that many friends that were into craft at the time...

 

Just getting into drinking? Two things come to mind:
1. Water is your best friend
2. If you're not having a good time during a session, just drinking more and more is not going to change that.

 

With that said, beer can be a wonderful thing as long as you're smart about it. You've joined a great community here, and feel free to ask these forums for guidance and fun - like you're already doing.

Cheers!

Jake

 

I wish. The Bevmo near me doesn't have Korbinian or Gulden Draak (which are two of my favorites).