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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HailObeans

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:15 PM ^

If you can get it, try Peanut Butter Milk Stout by Tailgate. Surprisingly delicious.

Founders Dirty Bastard for a great Scotch Ale.

Yazoo Amber Gerst is a great, well rounded beer to be paired with any meal or situation.

I had a Ballast Point IPA (San Francisco) last week with my boss and it was a fantastic hop-laden brew. I paired with Shrimp and Grits and it did wonders for my mood.

Joined: 12/14/2017

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jabberwock

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:18 PM ^

a really cheap shitty beer called Old Dutch?

Their slogan was "The Good Beer" (it wasn't)  it was so cheap they didn't even spring for a regular molded plastic 6 pack holder, just a thin strip of plastic like a belt around 6 cans.

Had it once in the early 80s.  That was enough, and I was a broke college student at the time.

Joined: 07/04/2008

MGoPoints: 51146

UMfan21

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:34 PM ^

is there a certain type of beer you like? I use websites like beeradvocate.com to find beers that fit my flavor profile. I'm not a big IPA guy. I prefer ales that aren't overflowing with hops. BA.com helps me find them and generally if I find something with IBUs it fits my tastes.

Joined: 09/28/2009

MGoPoints: 51231

Bando Calrissian

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:37 PM ^

I always keep the BeerAdvocate tab open on my phone. I'll stand in the aisle reading reviews until I'm excited about something.

These days, been drinkng a lot of Half Acre, Founders, Begyle, and Revolution. But not sure what distributes in Michigan these days.

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 68120

LSAClassOf2000

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:40 PM ^

Started in on the Atwater Brewery Dirty Blonde this evening as we sit here and watch reruns of "Lie To Me". We're old and boring people now and we've grown comfortable with that. 

Even the kids retreated to their rooms, in fact, we're being so boring out here in the family room, but hey, there's beer. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

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rob f

February 2nd, 2018 at 8:46 PM ^

for $14.99 tonight. On sale at your friendly neighborhood Meijer. So I think this weekend, it's All Day and all of the night! Ray Davies would be proud.

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 195024

Hotel Putingrad

February 2nd, 2018 at 9:05 PM ^

started with Hopslam, now doing Pomegranate Shandy from Leinenkugel. As to your question, anything out of San Diego will be easy to find and worth your while (neither Stone nor Ballast Point have any bad beers). But if you ever make your way to Green Bay, Titletown Brewing produces some awesome stuff of all varieties. And the rooftop tap room is nice.

Joined: 12/10/2014

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Slamdo

February 2nd, 2018 at 9:20 PM ^

Too many good ones to recommend a favorite,  Much like wines.  There are many good ones, which challenge me to try new ones.  Every time I try I new one I am pleasantly surprised.  I love Two Hearted, but no longer drink it because there are so many which are as good or better, IMO.  Try them all.

 

Joined: 04/26/2011

MGoPoints: 384

wolvmar

February 2nd, 2018 at 9:23 PM ^

Just had the Prairie Christmas Bomb. If you like spiced ale with some heat, this is really good. Topping it off with some Calumet bourbon.

Boss Tweed yesterday. NE Double IPA. ReLly good although I slightly prefer M-43

Joined: 09/04/2017

MGoPoints: 123

mgotom

February 2nd, 2018 at 10:11 PM ^

Bell's Two Hearted is a solid choice, and should be available pretty much anywhere. Founder's All-Day IPA is also good. Greenbush Star Chicken Shotgun IPA, despite the odd name, is a very good India pale ale, but not as widely distributed as the Bell's or Founder's.

Joined: 03/03/2011

MGoPoints: 77

turtleboy

February 2nd, 2018 at 11:01 PM ^

Well, craft brews seem to fall into two general categories: bitter or sweet. You'll find a pretty even balance of mega hops super sour ipa, and fudge brownie aged white chocolate stouts on the shelves. Depends on what you're into, really. As far as brands go I've never had a bad beer from Perrin, even if they all come in a can.

Joined: 04/22/2011

MGoPoints: 35130

triangle_M

February 2nd, 2018 at 11:29 PM ^

If you live in the Detroit area go to Kuhnhenns in Warren, fergodsakes.  Try their DRIPA.  They make a bunch of great beers and have been doing it a while.

There are several hop-heavy beers similar to Hopslam, if that's your jam.  I don't know what your distro is like where you live, but these are time tested beers:

Stone's Enjoy By

Dogfish 90 minute

Lagunitas Sucks

Greenflash West Coast IPA 

Firestone Walker Double Jack 

Slurm

Victory Dirt Wolf

Founder's Double Trouble (summer only)

Stone's Ruination 

If you can get Mikkeler or Evil Twin their recent New England IPAs are killing it.

If you visit the Chicagoland area, 3 Floyds Zombie Dust (pale that drinks like an IPA), Dreadnaught, Permanent Funeral, Panzer Wolf are tremendous.  Pipeworks Ninja v Unicorn is killer too.

Tonight I'm drinking 9 Lords a Leaping by the Bruery and a lambic.  Not my usual thing, but my ex-wife is over and we historically have consumed 1/2 lambic, 1/2 chocolate stout combos.  Don't worry, my beloved wife is here too. 

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