What beer to try

And all without a single derogatory comment, link to a youtube video, Futurama pic with suspicious eyes or this emoticon ....Bravo everyone!!

To the OP....now go get your shinebox

 

totally forgot about the whites... if you like a good white get into a funkwerks white. a-mazing.

 

Sierra Nevada Pale ale is a good one as a few have suggested. I would start off on pale ales before making the jump to IPAs. You say you like Guinness.. Try Bell's Double Cream Stout or Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout, they are great starter stouts. I would also suggest anything from Weihenstephaner, awesome hefeweizen and dunkel, awesome classic beers.

 

OP, you don't list where you live. I can think of a ton of locals to recommend, but have no idea if you're local.

 

I can't recommend saisons enough. Seriously, it's an amazing style that's light, crisp yet still complex.

 

Bear Republic Racer 5 is a nice IPA to start

 

Stone is very common at liquor stores that cater to craft beer. Not easy to find at a grocery store, but very easy to find at virtually any liquor store that advertises the fact that they carry craft/micro.

 

Go to a store with lots of craft beer that let's you build a custom six-pack. Find a clerk, say "I'm new, please help me make a sampler." Voila. The staff in my local store have tried most of what's on the shelf.

My other recommendation would be a diversity of styles. Get a pale ale, a stout, a German-style amber lager, an ESB, a Belgian-style hefeweizen, and something that looks cool. See what style you like and then get a six-pack with six different examples of that style.

 

Everyone always talks about their local craft store being very helpful and friendly. The 2 stores near my house that are worth going to for craft beer are filled with jerks. I've met 1 employee that was friendly between both stores. I don't even get a "hi" when I walk through the door even though I spend 30-60 bucks a month at both places.

Off topic, I know, but the liquor stores within 2 miles of my house that sell craft are filled with jerks. I am trying to avoid these places, but so far it has been difficult. Unless I want SN Torpedo's, DFH, or Great Lakes, I have to go to these places for a good selection.

 

go pick yourself up a bottle of love child 2.

 

How about a little love for Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale, thats a great starter beer

 

I'd say grab a few mix packs, which will give you a nice variety of styles to try and if you don't like a particular style you'll only have 2 or 3. Mix packs I'd recommend would be Troegs, Butternuts, & Smuttynose