The Official Huddle Beer Thread

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Okay, so I know we've struck up some conversations about beer in previous threads, but I think the greatness that is beer deserves its own thread.

Anyone have any beers that really impressed them this weekend? Right now I'm sipping on one of my favorites, North Coast's Old Rasputin.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

Old Rasputin is a godly elixer.

Right now, though, I've got some New Belgium 1554 Enlightend Black Ale in the glass. Gonna pop the top on some Three Philosophers I got for my birthday sometime next week.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Two very good choices. I really enjoy both of them.

I think the 1554 is one of the better dark beers you could have at a BBQ. Not that you should resign yourself to lighter styles in hot weather, but when it's 95 degrees, most will reach for something more refreshing. I think the 1554 has those nice malty, chocolatey flavors while still being very refreshing and -- dare I say it -- drinkable.

I've had just one bottle of Three Philosophers, but I really enjoyed it. I need to pick it up again.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

Three Philosophers is easily my favorite beer. I've yet to find something that tops it. Its just so damn expensive! But a high alcohol content without the burn, a rich coffee flavor with a hint of chocolate and a little spice afternote...wonderful stuff.

If you're into stouts though, I'd also highly recomend the Bell's double cream stout in the winter;and Harviestoun's Old Engine Oil and Spaten's Optimator year round if you ever find them.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

If you're into stouts though, I'd also highly recomend the Bell's double cream stout in the winter;and Harviestoun's Old Engine Oil and Spaten's Optimator year round if you ever find them.

I've had the Double Cream Stout, but I fear I may have gotten a bad batch. Mine was a bit sour, and apparently Bell's is currently having some issues with soured batches. I'm willing to give it another shot, as I like everything else I've had of theirs. Two Hearted Ale is my favorite IPA, and Hopslam is very good if you can get it.

I haven't had the Harviestoun's, but I'll look for it. I do like Optimator, though. Good Doppelbock, and it's nice that you can get it at most Harris Teeters or Lowe's Foods now.

[Delhommey]

A nice darker beer that won't break the bank is Session's Black. That's good stuff.

My summer beer this year is Brooklyn Lager on tap.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

The Brooklyn lager is always a pretty decent choice for summer. Brooklyn Brewing turns out a lot of really good beers. I've got a Brooklyn Sorachi Ace in my fridge right now that I've been waiting to try. It's their new saison that features the Sorachi Ace hop, which has a nice lemon character. Should be interesting.

I haven't had the Session Black, but I do like a good black lager. I'll look for that one, too.

[thefuzz]

Kinda liking Sierra Nevada Summer Ale right now.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Kinda liking Sierra Nevada Summer Ale right now.

I really enjoyed that one last year, and will definitely grab a sixer of it this year.

[RedMage138]

Anyone know where I can get some good sampler packs? My beer horizons are pretty low right now, pretty much limited to Yuengling and Blue Moon. Tips?

[The Saltman]

Anyone know where I can get some good sampler packs? My beer horizons are pretty low right now, pretty much limited to Yuengling and Blue Moon. Tips?

im in the same boat as redmage...been drinking beer all my adult life but I havent really tried many beers. Need to diversify.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

You guys can look into Sam Adams sampler packs. I would assume they have their summer 12-pack out right now. Most Sam Adams beers are very solid examples of their respective styles, and a good entry into the craft beer world.

Also, if you have a Total Wine nearby you might consider picking up a Great Lakes sampler pack. They are a brewery out of Cleveland that, like Sam Adams, makes some really solid beers. The 12-pack I bought contained a pale ale, an amber lager, a dortmunder lager, and a porter. If I'm not mistaken, none of those beers are ranked lower than an A- on the Beer Advocate site (which is also a great place to read up on a beer before you plunk down the money on something you may or may not like).

Oh, and Trader Joe's has some privately-labeled beers that are really pretty decent, especially considering most of them are $1 a bottle. I like the Vienna lager, the Hefeweizen, the Dunkelweizen and most of all the Stockyard Oatmeal Stout. There you can mix your own six-pack and not worry if you don't like one or two of them, because they're so cheap.

When branching out, don't be afraid to try new styles. When I first got into craft beer, I hated really bitter beers, like IPAs. I gravitated more toward the darker, maltier beers, like porters and stouts. But I've heard of others preferring the bitter stuff right off the bat.

Also, if you're not digging some of these other styles right away, consider finding a craft lager. Chances are, that's what you've been drinking (Bud, Miller, Coors, etc.). Instead of trying a new style, you might like to start by finding a craft version of a style you're used to and then comparing the two beers.

Your tastes will definitely change if you stick with it. Now, there's not a style I dislike. The flavors found in beer really run the gamut and it's more of a complex beverage than most realize. I sincerely believe there is a beer out there for everybody.

[The Saltman]

thanx buddy

i did have the sams adams summer ale...thought it was pretty good.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Anyone know where I can get some good sampler packs? My beer horizons are pretty low right now, pretty much limited to Yuengling and Blue Moon. Tips?

Nothing wrong with those choices at all. If you like Blue Moon, you might consider trying another Witbier. Hoegaarden is a pretty decent choice that can be found at most grocery stores. It's more expensive than Blue Moon, but it's a much better beer (again, I'm not knocking Blue Moon here). Allagash White is another very good Witbier.