Dear fellow beer folk, My name is Robert and I'm no stranger to the beers of my area that I like and what my local Otto's clerk is recommending. But what I am a stranger to is the rest of the world and its beers (mostly out side of the Midwest). So I have come to you with open ears and open mouth to try and learn the ways of beer. Essentially what I am looking for is help to find new beers I would never have thought to try before cause when I walk into my local store I look at this huge wall some beers I know, most i don't. Some with rating, some without. Most of the time I stare blankly at said wall till I finally settle on the same 3 beers I settled on last weekend. Usually a Founders Double Trouble or Dirty Bastard, Three Philosophers, Old Rasputin, or some other random IPA from Capital or Lack Front here in WI. Last night I did have the pleasure in trying a Trappistes Rochefort 10 which I absolutely loved. So if you have any suggestions as to new beers, styles, brewers what have you let me know cause I would love to get educated and expand my own list of good beers. I am also not opposed to trading but keep in mind I have never done it and you might have to bare with me as we narrow down what I may or may not be able to get a hold of.
Since you like Double Trouble and Dirty Bastard, I'd suggest trying some of Founders other amazing beers. Their Porter, Red's Rye P.A. and Centennial IPA are offered year-round and are very good. Their Pale Ale is decent as well. Most of their seasonal and limited beers are extremely tasty, but I'd check out http://www.foundersbrewing.com/the-lineup for release information.
I'd also recommend checking out stuff from Bell's, Central Waters, Hoppin' Frog, The Bruery, Great Lakes, Dark Horse, Lagunitas, Avery, and New Glarus. I believe all of those breweries distribute to Wisconsin.
The Great Lakes is one I have had quite a bit of experience with. Mostly the Edmund Fitzgerald, but thanks for the recommendations on the other guys. I have seen the Lagunitas but never picked any up so maybe they can be my brewery of the week.
See if you can get some Maximus along with any other ones you may get. I've been drinking a lot of it lately- it's as rich as it is hoppy, with a distinctive fruitiness, it very much reminds me of grilled pineapple when it gets all mellow and caramelized. I'm pretty sure it's a year round beer now, the ones I've gotten have been dated late December. Welcome to BA and enjoy the ride.
I'm assuming from your post that your in Milwaukee. Go to discount liquor in west allis. Amazing selection...puts otto's to shame
Would my post get deleted if I linked the video "A Whole New World"? That's what I thought of when I read OP's post.
Sounds like you're off to a great start. The wall of beer can be an imposing sight, especially in Wisconsin. Luckily, you're in an awesome place to be a Beer Advocate. Since you liked the Rochefort 10, I'd suggest trying similar Belgian quads - maybe give St. Bernardus Abt 12 a shot. Cheers and welcome aboard!
I had just done a search as to where "Ten Fidy" is distributed to, and it seems to be all over at least lower Wisconsin. I would love to give that a try if you like Stouts. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2681/34483. Not sure if Dogfish Head distributes to your area, but you can do a "Fish Finder" search and see. http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/fish-finder.htm I thought both the 60 and 90min IPA's from DFH were spectacular! Bell's Two Hearted Ale seems to be a favorite from MANY sources. It was mine as well till I tried 90min.
Welcome to BA, for sure! One of my favourite brews from WI is Sprecher Black Bavarian. Give it a shot..
Welcome to BA. This site is great for learning about the amazing brews that are out there. I would recommend lots of reading! Here are a few you might enjoy: Cheers ~
My suggestion is to just start trying beers you haven't had before, regardless of style. It will expose you different things and help you focus your taste buds on different flavors. And, the worst thing that cak happen is, you get to drink a beer! Cheers!
Of course, the Chimay blue and La Trappe are beautiful beers, but where in the world did you find Urthel?
Byron's and Freeman's both carry it. Freeman's has it in stock more often and have small bottles as well. I need to pick up some, really good quad.
You should absolutely pick up the book "The Naked Pint". It's a great starters beer book. I was basically in your same boat, I had all of the regulars of my area but was a novice with anything else. Basically the book goes through every style from pilsner-imperial stout and gives recommendations of the best 4 or 5 for the style. They also go into the history and tasting notes for the styles and such but it's a really good resource.
