I have become a bit of a beer snob. I rather go without any than drink the run of the mill stuff that tends to fill store shelves. So I have some recommendations and want some other recommendations as well.

What I tend to like are the belgin style ales. Abby ales and Trappist ales. I do not really care too much for the overly hoppy trend of IPAs. Seems some just overload the hops just to follow the fad. Not that they are bad... just the bitterness sometimes overwhelms my mouth and the other flavors get muted. But at least it is better than the beers that seem to try to be bitter and dark just for the sake of being bitter and dark with little else going for them.

One of the very best I have had is st bernardus abt 12

http://beeradvocate.com/b...e/259/1708

this is not a beer it is an experience! It is strong: 10% ABV so keep that in mind (the Pint 9.4 oz bottle is a good one the share). But there is almost NO alcohol bite. It is a deep amber color. Its taste is of fruits and nuts with sweet overtones. Some speak of rains, figs, mmolasses, and caramel... but all i know it has a delightfully full flavor. But that is NOT to be taken for a flavored beer. And In my experince it is not at all bitter.

you will want a good chalice to drink it out of (like the one on the label)

It is widely avaliable year round(I got my last few bottles at a Krogers), It cost about $12 for the 740ml/25oz Bottle, but if you keep in mind it is the equivlate of 4 normal beers the price is not that bad.)

Yeah, I guess I'm a bit of a beer snob myself. When it's pilsner/lager, I'm okay with the cheap stuff, but when it comes to special beer... Belgium has the best! The Trappist ones are really good. I don't know which ones you can get in America, but if you can, try Westmalle, Rochefort and Chimay. Oh, and Duvel.

SuperSoulFighter said:

Yeah, I guess I'm a bit of a beer snob myself. When it's pilsner/lager, I'm okay with the cheap stuff, but when it comes to special beer... Belgium has the best! The Trappist ones are really good. I don't know which ones you can get in America, but if you can, try Westmalle, Rochefort and Chimay. Oh, and Duvel.

yes all of those are pretty easy to find. I am especially fond of the Rochefort 10.

they actualy sold a very limited number of Westvleteren XII in the US not too long ago. I was not able to get any where I live.

I drink beers that are made locally - and most of them are not sold outside Wisconsin. I'm particularly digging the stuff coming out of Ale Asylum in Madison.

I also like eastern European porters. And Guinness.

Genesia said:

I drink beers that are made locally - and most of them are not sold outside Wisconsin. I'm particularly digging the stuff coming out of Ale Asylum in Madison. I also like eastern European porters. And Guinness.

Ihave read good things about Ale Asylum,,,

Goose Island- Honker's Ale is solid
Sweetwater 420 IPA is another favorite
O'Fallon Hemp,Hop,Rye is great when you can find it

Belgium is where it is at. That and some obscure British stuff.

I guess it is all about palate

Strongbow Original cider....and Bulmers..............original apple or pear will do fine.....................yum...................

you dont need much to get off your face.........so it suits my budget.

Cheers

Max