Shawna in Texas Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I've never been a beer drinker, but had a random stout a few weeks ago at a friend's. It wasn't anything like the nasty stuff I'd remembered from when I was younger. So, I go to the store and I have no idea what to get. What's your favorite beer and why? :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koerarmoca Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 My first beer was ice house so I drank that for a while. Then I found Corona w/ a lime wedge and loved that. I don't drink at all now but some hot summer days I could go for an ice cold beer...gah! As to why I liked one particular beer over another no particular reason at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricm Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I've have a real taste for beers, I live in Bamberg Germany which has more breweries than any city in the world (over 150) and spent some time as a home brewer when I could not get real beer - so, I guess I have an opinion worth sharing on this one... For beers available in the US my favorite is Newcastle Brown Ale. It's a simple light brown ale and goes great with food or by itself. Back in college the urban legend is that if you drank a "newkie" as the first beer of the evening you won't get hung over the next day. And experience tells me this is true. In Bavaria, all the beer that you would think are great like Hauf Brau, Lowenbrau, Beck's, etc. are popular but not nearly as tasty as most any beer from Bamberg. The local beer Fasala Gold Pils is by far the best beer I have ever had. It has a unbeatable crisp rich taste and golden color with a great foamy head. Not only that - it's literally cheaper than water, is 5.9% alcohol and is only available in .5 liter bottles. Somehow it's the best beer in what is the epicenter of German brewing and so cheap that the German drunks drink it. Go figure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 My husband loves the smoke beer in Bamberg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annabel Lee Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Lowbush cranberry beer from an in-state brewery is my fave - although I don't know if it was a dark ale or lager. My dh was in beer heaven while he was in Germany. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lailasmum Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 You could investigate in your area and see if there are any local breweries. Have a try of what they stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I will only drink Killians Red. It is de- lish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaney Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Just. can't. drink. it. I have tried time and time again to like the stuff. DH likes Michelob Ultra, neighbor love Miller lite in cans. I do remember somewhat liking Corona with lime in the neck in college but I may have already been tipsy and that is why it tasted good. Me? Mojito-nice and sweet please!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 So was this stout your first experience with real beer ? :001_smile: If you want to try a decent real beer that is easy to find most places, get some Sam Adams. It's a good place to start. If you happen to see some Samuel Adams Black Lager in particular - buy it - it's fabulous !! If you find a store that has a good selection, pick up some Sierra Nevada Pale Ale - it's in a lime green carton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Not to argue against European beers (that would be crazy!), but there are a lot of good American craft beers out there like Fat Tire or Arrogant Bastard. I also really like some of the hard ciders out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 My current fav is Newcastle as well. I used to drink just about any beer before kids, but lost my taste for it after my pregnancies. I just recently started drinking it again, and Newcastle is my beer of choice. I also occasionally like a blueberry oatmeal stout called Buffalo Bill's. It's a very natural, subtle and not sweet blueberry flavor. Yum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Blue Moon, with an orange wedge. Most definitely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 For me, the darker the better. Dark beer has way, way more flavor. I like Modela. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I've never been a beer drinker, but had a random stout a few weeks ago at a friend's. It wasn't anything like the nasty stuff I'd remembered from when I was younger. So, I go to the store and I have no idea what to get. What's your favorite beer and why? :001_smile: If you've never drunk good beer before and would like to sample a few styles, I'd go out and buy Shiner Brewery's Family Reunion 12 pack. It has 2 bottles of 6 different kinds of beer and includes their famous bock, hefeweizen, kosmos, black lager, and blonde. Shiner is a Texas brewery and it's stocked in every supermarket that carries beer I've ever been to in Houston. Their bock is famous and you can find it on tap quite often in Houston. It's like "stout lite". If you're specifically looking for a stout, you may or may not find Newcastle, but you will definitely find Guinness. You probably can find Sam Adam's, but it's not a typical summer beer, so it might not be out till September. Sam Adam's also sells special 12 packs with an assortment of beers. They include a chocolate stout in their Christmas pack which is just delicious. For a completely different kind of beer, Shiner's summer beer is Ruby Redbird. It's brewed with Texas grapefruit and it's actually very summery and refreshing. It's worth trying to see if you like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassiemc Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 My DH brews his own beer. We like different beers. He likes lots of hops. I like a wheat beer. He always makes sure he has at least one I like :) They are really yummy! I don't drink beer or alcohol that much, but I do like one with dinner once in a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_JWM Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I make a loose version of a handy by mixing a lighter-style beer like a Belgian white or a pilsner with lemonade. Very refreshing in the summer, and I don't consider myself a beer drinker. My husband loves all sorts of craft-brewed beers/styles, but I can mix lemonade with Budweiser and be perfectly happy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brehon Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 My dear, you're in Houston. Go buy some "imported" beer -- imported from Shiner, TX (probably the best beer for you is Shiner Bock, though they do make other kinds). I also like Sam Adams. Dh and I will buy their seasonal cases (different types of brew in 1 case). I love Guiness, especially a properly pulled Guiness which I can't find here; but, that may be too much for you right now. Have fun experimenting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 My favorites are Molson Ice and Heinekin. They aren't very strong tasting beers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I like Ales, Pale Ale or IPA. Around here, that usually means Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or Wing Walker Pale Ale. When we lived in Kansas City, we drank Boulevard, fabulous beer. I don't drink wheat beer anymore because I haven't found anything that compares to the Boulevard Wheat. If you've never drunk good beer before and would like to sample a few styles, I'd go out and buy Shiner Brewery's Family Reunion 12 pack. It has 2 bottles of 6 different kinds of beer and includes their famous bock, hefeweizen, kosmos, black lager, and blonde. Shiner is a Texas brewery and it's stocked in every supermarket that carries beer I've ever been to in Houston. Their bock is famous and you can find it on tap quite often in Houston. It's like "stout lite". Yes, I agree. We used to drink Shiner bock. Yum. I also like some of the Sam Adams seasonal beers, especially Octoberfest. I would look for a local microbrewery, you can often do a 'tasting' so you can decide what style of beer you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 The Kroger near me has started a new thing where you can get an empty 6-pack box and choose single bottles to fill it with. It costs a dollar or two more than a 6-pack of one variety, but this might be a good way to try several different kinds of beer that are new to you. Maybe your local grocery store does this also? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxing Hare Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Since you're from TX you should definitely try Shiner! But not Shiner lite.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Not to argue against European beers (that would be crazy!), but there are a lot of good American craft beers out there like Fat Tire or Arrogant Bastard. I also really like some of the hard ciders out there. :iagree: I'm more a wine drinker, but my DH loves both those kinds. He tends to buy small quanities of microbrews to try. He is a bit OCD about it. We have to have a corner in the basement for his stash. On the other hand, another corner is designated as wine cellar! If you like dark beers with lots of flavors a few other varieties we have right now are Tyranena, Pepe Nero, Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, Bigfoot Ale, and Sixth Glass. Check out your local microbrews too! We've found a couple gems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakblossoms Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 (edited) I went through a phase where I decided to become a wine drinker. Turns out I am allergic to all wines. I cannot figure out what it is, but I get hives and itchy. So, BEER it is...well Mike's for the most part. Heinekien Dark and my favorite summer beer is a http://www.pyramidbrew.com/our-brews/hefeweizen with orange slices. I forgot Pyramid has an Apricot Ale that is amazing with a piece of dark chocolate. Edited July 8, 2011 by Hausunterricht Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I like Trader Joe's beer. My favorites are the Vienna and the Bohemian. Plus they are only $5.99 for 6. You can mix and match in one six pack to find what you like best. Besides that, I only like real German beer, preferably drinking it in Germany! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I would look for a local microbrewery, you can often do a 'tasting' so you can decide what style of beer you like. :iagree: Lately Dh has been buying mostly Fat Tire. I don't drink much beer anymore (:lol:) but I prefer something not too dark and not too light - medium dark, I suppose ;). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsbaby Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Blue Moon, with an orange wedge. Most definitely. Have you ever tried Leinenkugel Summer Wheat with an orange? Very similar to Blue Moon, but even better IMO:). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mavis Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 My husband recently bought some Sam Adams Blackberry Whitbier/Whitbeir ( can't remember) and it is delicious . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elise1mds Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Another Shiner fan here. I also enjoy Sam Adams, Newcastle Brown, Spaten, Smithwick's/Smitty's, and Moosehead - those are what I can think of offhand. I really like beer, despite the gaseous effects later. My favorite local restaurant is called McNellie's, and they have TONS of types of beer. Their beer guide is amazing. They also have great burgers and delicious sweet potato fries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Have you ever tried Leinenkugel Summer Wheat with an orange? My favorite..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Have you ever tried Leinenkugel Summer Wheat with an orange? Very similar to Blue Moon, but even better IMO:). Will look for this one. Another Shiner fan here. I also enjoy Sam Adams, Newcastle Brown, Spaten, Smithwick's/Smitty's, and Moosehead - those are what I can think of offhand. I really like beer, despite the gaseous effects later. My favorite local restaurant is called McNellie's, and they have TONS of types of beer. Their beer guide is amazing. They also have great burgers and delicious sweet potato fries. Ooh - will have to check this place out. Fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I *LOVE* the Sea Dog wild blueberry beer! It has just a tiny hint of blueberry and is SOOOOOOO yummy!!! http://thebrewclub.com/2010/07/02/sea-dog-blueberry-beer/ I also love a good Doseques in the green bottles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 how could I forget Blue Moon??? *LOVE* Blue Moon ice cold with a slice of orange on the glass. Sometimes I squeeze a little fresh squeezed orange into it. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug's Mom Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I don't drink beer but I smell it everyday...we live a couple of blocks from the world's largest six-pack. Strangely enough, my hometown is the home of the world's largest boot....google it. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I don't have one favourite... though of the "big" local microbrews, Bridgeport IPA is my fail safe. I especially like hoppy IPAs, strain-through-your-teeth coffee/espresso stouts, reds, a hefe for summer (Widmer in a pinch, otherwise a local brewpub makes a great, authentic hefe), and a nice pear cider, my one nod to girly brews. :tongue_smilie: I also recommend checking out local microbreweries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoforjoy Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Bell's Oberon. I'm not sure if Bell's is just in Michigan or if it's national, but pretty much the only beer I like is their Oberon Ale. It is sooooooo good. I don't drink it often, but it's really nice on a hot summer night. In fact, after I have this baby, I want DH to get me a Bell's Oberon to enjoy with my first dinner at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Blue House Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Have you ever tried Leinenkugel Summer Wheat with an orange? Very similar to Blue Moon, but even better IMO:). I've never heard of beer served w/ an orange wedge. Gotta try that! We like Newcastle, Sam Adams Blackberry Whitbier and Cherry Wheat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.S. Burrow Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Shiner Bock and Killian Irish Red. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkey Island Academy Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 (edited) I live in an area where New Glarus Brews run like tap water. Fat Squirrel, Totally Naked, Spotted Cow and Coffee Stout...they're all good. Edited July 9, 2011 by Monkey Island Academy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I mainly like getting mine straight from the tap (a Black and Tan kinda girl), but if it's from a bottle, my old stand-bye is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawna in Texas Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 So was this stout your first experience with real beer ? :001_smile: If you want to try a decent real beer that is easy to find most places, get some Sam Adams. It's a good place to start. If you happen to see some Samuel Adams Black Lager in particular - buy it - it's fabulous !! If you find a store that has a good selection, pick up some Sierra Nevada Pale Ale - it's in a lime green carton. Well, kind of real. I've smelled Guinness and that was enough. My mother drank Coors Light when I was younger, so I'm familiar with that. Budweiser and Shiner I'm quite familiar with. The wine that was being served was a step up from Boone's Farm so I went with beer. It was good and better than I remembered, but I can't remember the label, but I remember stout :tongue_smilie: For its darkness I expected it to be more strong/bitter, but it was surprisingly light. I didn't love it, but I guess I was surprised that I didn't hate it. I'm going to look at labels tonight and see if I can find it. If you've never drunk good beer before and would like to sample a few styles, I'd go out and buy Shiner Brewery's Family Reunion 12 pack. It has 2 bottles of 6 different kinds of beer and includes their famous bock, hefeweizen, kosmos, black lager, and blonde. Shiner is a Texas brewery and it's stocked in every supermarket that carries beer I've ever been to in Houston. Their bock is famous and you can find it on tap quite often in Houston. It's like "stout lite". If you're specifically looking for a stout, you may or may not find Newcastle, but you will definitely find Guinness. You probably can find Sam Adam's, but it's not a typical summer beer, so it might not be out till September. Sam Adam's also sells special 12 packs with an assortment of beers. They include a chocolate stout in their Christmas pack which is just delicious. For a completely different kind of beer, Shiner's summer beer is Ruby Redbird. It's brewed with Texas grapefruit and it's actually very summery and refreshing. It's worth trying to see if you like it. With Shiner (my dh is from that area), we buy the bock to bake bread with. And for chili. They used to make a honey wheat that I used for bread, but I haven't seen it in a while. Shiner is what everyone drank in high school, when I thought it was gross, so it's an association thing that I need to get past. :tongue_smilie: I like the idea of a sampler. I'm going to HEB this evening to see if they have the Ruby Redbird. and a nice pear cider, my one nod to girly brews. :tongue_smilie: Pear cider? Want. Thanks for all the recs, y'all. I've got my little notepad filled with beers to try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 My husband would say that's not beer, but that sounds SO DELICIOUS. :D The man is a voice of reason :D Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arghmatey Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Visit the Flying Saucer and sample a few. Some of my favorites are: Shiner Bock (I also love their Ruby Red Bird) Duvel Stella Artois Chimay Dos Equis Corona BJ's Brewery has some good home brews If you go by Spec's and tell them what you like about the beer you like, they will recommend other options to suit your palate. Have fun exploring! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arghmatey Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 They also carry Kansas City's Boulevard Wheat at HEB and Central Market. It's yummy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brehon Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 The man is a voice of reason :D Bill My dh would agree with you and Wendy's dh! Shawna, Shiner has many types of beers these days. In fact, if you go to the brewery I think you can still have a tasting. Look -- Parental Field Trip!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carpe Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 We're beer geeks at my house. We have a beer cellar. DH once got upset because I had put a bottle on wine in the beer cellar. This time of year Erdinger Weissbier is nice. DH will drink Rochefort 8 any time of year, but I think the 6 would be better in the heat. Or just guess from RateBeer's top picks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K&Rs Mom Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Blue Moon, with an orange wedge. Most definitely. :iagree: Also good is Lienenkugel's Sunset Wheat. Both are pretty mild and a little sweet - the opposite of a stout (I wouldn't go near a stout either). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CourtneyMI Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Bell's Oberon. I'm not sure if Bell's is just in Michigan or if it's national, but pretty much the only beer I like is their Oberon Ale. It is sooooooo good. I don't drink it often, but it's really nice on a hot summer night. In fact, after I have this baby, I want DH to get me a Bell's Oberon to enjoy with my first dinner at home. :iagree: Love Oberon, as its brewed in my hometown. In fact, Oberon day is bigger than ST Patricks Day and the night before Thanksgiving around here. You can drink oberon with an orange which is delish. Blue Moon and Oberon are the only beers I drink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Shiner Bock. Great with BBQ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingnlearning Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Cold Smoke Scotch Ale, ice cold. Love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawna in Texas Posted July 9, 2011 Author Share Posted July 9, 2011 Visit the Flying Saucer and sample a few. Some of my favorites are: Shiner Bock (I also love their Ruby Red Bird) Duvel Stella Artois Chimay Dos Equis Corona BJ's Brewery has some good home brews If you go by Spec's and tell them what you like about the beer you like, they will recommend other options to suit your palate. Have fun exploring! I just looked up Flying Saucer. I am so there. Are they kid friendly? We've been to BJ's but I didn't drink. Shawna, Shiner has many types of beers these days. In fact, if you go to the brewery I think you can still have a tasting. Look -- Parental Field Trip!! When I was a senior, we tried really hard to make that our class trip for the year. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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