I live in the SF Bay Area. Which West Coast beers should I give to my friend who is visiting from Chicago, that's not typically found in the Midwest? Russian River, Speakeasy, and Drake's comes to mind, any other good ones? My friend can find SN, Anchor, and Lagunitas pretty easily. Thanks in advance.
Another vote for Henhouse, i like their saison a lot. Moonlight is another good local one he won't find in the Midwest.
I'm not a fan of Speakeasy. In fact I think their IPA bites it. Are you taking him around to places or just getting advice for bottles?
I moved from N. Cal to Chicago last year and anything from Russian River is cherished here. People are starting to talk about Drakes a little, too.
I'll second Drakes, Almanac, Bear Republic (tho they have decent distro), Iron Springs. Can't go wrong with anything from Russian River but that's a given. Not Bay Area but do they get Green Flash out there?
Auburn Alehouse? All i've had of theirs was the barleywine aged in zinfandel barrels, and it was pretty excellent.
Beware of bottled Beaar Republic beers. They have been so bad I've stopped buying their brews all together.
