Where To Start A Newbie?

I agree with @fredmugs. Let them try something good like Straight to Ale that is brewed locally. Maybe take them to a brewery tour there and let them try some different things instead of you picking out the styles. As they experience the tour and get to try things, they can decide what styles they like.

 

Anchor Steam.

 

Sierra Pale was my first... I started last october. That was about $1,000+ dollars in beer ago if that tells you anything!

 

Its funny but everyone I know who drinks of the Big 3 beers has transitioned with a Good Heff!!

 

Freshness is key to a noob.

 

Hopslam, he can learn to call stores incessantly, be a douche, then be let down by hype. Most important skills you need to know in today's craft world. Leave muleing and trade **** for later lessons.

 

Go to the nearest brewery and do a flight of all their beers. Repeat frequently at new establishments.

There is really nowhere perfect to start. You might find that you instantly have a pallet and an appetite for big IPAs. Some, like me, take time to develop that.

Just experiment and see where it takes you .