OT: [Weekend Drinking Thread] Can someone rec a great, somewhat easy to find craft beer?

Submitted by chuck bass on

What are you guys drinking tonight / this weekend?

I had a six of Hopslam two weeks ago. It was good, but looking for variety, and not even sure it's still on shelves (?). I'm in Metro Detroit with easy access to stores that carry most everything. And I don't really have a preference, I like to dabble.

Sidebar: I made a bourbon thread back in December and got some great suggestions. I've been sipping Eagle Rare for the last 5-6 weeks. Terrific stuff. Thanks!

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ESNY

February 2nd, 2018 at 10:03 PM ^

Generally agree but the price of sculpin is now borderline ridiculous. Out here in NY it is almost $15 for a sixer whereas 2 yrs ago it was $10-$11. Dogfish Head 60 min IPA is a great and easily accessible IPA. Racer 5 and Firestone Walker are other great, well distributed IPA For other beer types, I also like almost all offerings from Evil Twin, Singlecut, Troegs and Victory.

Joined: 11/06/2008

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tsabesi

February 3rd, 2018 at 12:19 PM ^

Stone's delicious IPA among a lot of gluten free beers recently are "crafted to remove gluten". This is distinct from gluten free because they use all of the same ingredients as gluten containing beer. An enzyme that breaks down proteins is added, but it doesn't impact taste. The enzyme was actually developed to help clarify beers since protein aggregates can make beer cloudy, and many none "crafted to remove gluten" beers use the enzyme, but they don't want to market it as gluten free or do gluten testing. Source: have celiac disease and home brewing experience.

Joined: 09/28/2009

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HarleyMarlboro

February 2nd, 2018 at 7:52 PM ^

My favorite is M-43. Up here in the Flint area, I’ve been finding it at Meijer probably every other week. Last week there was no M-43, but Boss Tweed, so I happily bought a couple of four packs.

Joined: 09/05/2016

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Vengeful Barbarian

February 2nd, 2018 at 11:17 PM ^

takes me back to the time I bought some at some party store instead of Miller High alife or Molson or something , and I thought I was really drinking the good stuff. That was before my buddy got me a Bells Two Hearted at the bar on my 21st bday. Not a bad first micro brew to have. These days I like NE style or West Coast style IPAs from Moonraker, Alvarado Street, New Glory, Hen House, Device Brewing, and other great Northern California breweries.

Joined: 02/12/2014

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HarleyMarlboro

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:12 PM ^

The New England style IPA is definitely on the citriusy side. But after a trip through NE last summer, regularly having beer by outstanding breweries like Bissell Brothers and Trillium, I really got into the style. And after coming home, I realized how well Old Nation does it. They can stand up to any of the NE breweries.

Joined: 09/05/2016

MGoPoints: 2527

Arb lover

February 2nd, 2018 at 7:59 PM ^

Just drive around until you find a fat guy working in a craft beer store. Tell him what sorts of beers you have enjoyed recently, and he's likely to have half a dozen quality suggestions for you. 

It's hard for me to give suggestions when I don't know what type of beer you like. If you are into simply a new experience, ask for dragonsmead, something sour (these are usually rotating), or maybe something random from traverse city like Gin Joy Ale. 

Joined: 11/26/2017

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901 P

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:02 PM ^

Depends a lot on the style of beer you like. I tend to recommend breweries that I think are consistently good, and then choosing the style you like from that brewery. In Michigan Bells and Founders obviously. I'm a huge fan of Two Roads if you get that in Michigan. Six Points is good. Lagunitas too.

Joined: 01/12/2015

MGoPoints: 9972

babarblue99

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:02 PM ^

Keep it simple, Sam Adams Boston Lager. It's the "khakis" of beer: reputable, available everywhere, taste good, timeless and resistant to fads. Also, it's basically a holiday beer for this time of year (the pats always seem to be playing a big game in Jan/Feb).

Joined: 11/10/2011

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S5R48S10

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:06 PM ^

I've never had a bad beer from Alaskan Brewing Co. I recently discovered their Winter Ale, an old english style brewed with spruce tips to give a festive pine taste. Big fan.

Joined: 11/17/2011

MGoPoints: 1629

lmgoblue1

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:19 PM ^

Columbus Brewfest. Spent lots of time with the Alaskan Brewing folks. No more real people than those guys. They appreciated my love for beer and overcoming the stench of the Rivalry. I think I could appreciate Columbus a lot more if we ever started evening the series.

Joined: 10/27/2012

MGoPoints: 12373

GoBluenoser

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:10 PM ^

Get Petoskey Brewing Co brew? Mind’s eye PA and hop obsessed DIPA are both legit for IPA folk. Otherwise, you can’t beat the stone’s variety pack with ipa, delicious ipa, ruination and hop revolver from meijer

Joined: 09/19/2013

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