Your beer of choice is?

[Mr. Cynical]

I prefer Coors Banquet Beer. Crisp, clean. If I can't have that, gimme a Fat Tire any time!

How bout you?

[Czarcasm]

Hair Of The Dog's Fred is delicious and, at close to 23 proof, a great way to finish the evening.

[kasuo]

definitely Heineken.. can't stand most domestic beer

[Falcon]

Killian's.

OR, if I'm at the Brickskellar in DC, where I can get different kinds, Ye Olde Snake Bite or this Heather Beer from Scotland that I forget the name of. GREAT stuff.

[Commander Fortune]

Oasis Brewery's

Capstone Bitter Ale

It's a good hearty bitter ale with a high alcohol content to boot. Stays with ya.

[TroubleAgain]

Don't know. Right now, any cold one someone can bring me will be my favorite....

[MrSleep]

I'm unofficially sponsored on the Straight Dope Message Board by a local brew named "Fat Tire." If we have already infiltrated your area, then you no doubt either love or hate us. If we haven't invaded your roosting grounds yet, then just wait, we're coming.

[ricepad]

...paid for by somebody else.

[Commander Fortune]

Hey Mr. Sleep - you in Ft. Collins?

I'm in Boulder.

Fat Tire would be a close runner up - but I prefer it on tap rather than bottled..

[Bluesman]

ANYthing German. I mean that. I "brew-toured" throughout that most blessed land, and I never met a brew I didn't like. I used to put it over pancakes every morning, it was so dam' good. Living there was like...being in Hopyard Heaven.

Now I'm back in the 'States...3.2% Hell. Except for some fine micros. But most Merkin micros tend toward Brit stuff.

I got around the Yew Kay a bit, too, and I sampled a LOT of their wares. The Limeys are really proud of their brews, and (quoting the chick from the Irish Spring commercial here), "Oi loik 'em, too." But I never met even ONE that I would pay money for if there vas ein Cherman brau in der haus, mein Herr.

I guess the thang I like best when in Old Blighty is Half and Half. No, not a fuckin' Black and Tan, which is what every smart-ass that has the smallest bit of beer savvy thinks I'm talking about when I say H&H. It's half IPA, half bitters, and it is the yummiest concoction you can get in The Sceptered Isles. Try one, you'll see. Nothin' better with pub food, either, mate.

[wolfman]

Commander Fortune, what beer at Oasis would you suggest? I keep getting dragged down there, but never manage to pick a good one.

[Commander Fortune]

I'm partial to the Capstone ESB, but drink their Red beer also.

The Red is a much milder ale where the bitter is bitey and has a strong hop finish.

I personally shy away from the Blueberry, I don't go for fruity beers, although I'm told it's very good, if you like that sort of beer.

[ruadh]

I am a cider girl. Bulmer's and Scrumpy Jack. yummmm

[vandal]

Samuel Adams Boston Lager.

[iampunha]

Guiness.

Though I hasten to add that any beer would probably kill me in most circumstances.

[Mr. Cynical]

My goodness, in my tired state last night, I completely forgot to include Hefeweizen.

And there seems to be a number of colorado dopers turning up in this thread. Perhaps we all share a luv for beer.

[Motorgirl]

I'm unofficially sponsored on the Straight Dope Message Board by a local brew named "Fat Tire." If we have already infiltrated your area, then you no doubt either love or hate us. If we haven't invaded your roosting grounds yet, then just wait, we're coming.




Get some to the Boston area asap!

We had some when we visited Phoenix and really
enjoyed it.
Haven't seen it in Boston yet, though.


My fave beers depend on when you ask.
Today it's Harpoon IPA, Tremont Ale.

[untateve]

Guiness

[cblackhand]

I do have to agree the Fat Tire is a mighty fine beer, but nothing can contend with that Irish standout, Guiness Extra Stout. If you are talking about hard cider I have to say Woodchuck Granny Smith cider. Good stuff.


On a minor side note, anyone out there seen Guiness Lite? One of my friends swears he saw it, but I think he is pulling my leg. I mean what is the point of drinking guiness if you can see through it?

[ruadh]

Sorry folks, I can't take it anymore.

It's Guinness.

[jayron 32]

My personal "beer of choice" is Harp, though I will have a Killian's or a Sammy in a pinch. Though, since Sam Adams is regionally brewed, it can be a bit uneven. None of it compares with the Sammy brewed in Boston.

But definatly Harp above all others. Yummy.

[mega the roo]

I AM CANADIAN.

[Czarcasm]

THIS IS NOT THE APOLOGY THREAD.

:)

[mega the roo]

Tsk tsk.

Shame on you slythe.

[Ringo]

Carlsberg Elephant, despite my friends all thinking it tastes like shellac.

[mega the roo]

EW!

Your friends drink shellac?

;)

[Silo]

Mr. Ceeee!


http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=25786

[Ringo]

Your friends drink shellac?

hee-hee

No, they leave it all for me!

[wolfman]

I still have a hard time drinking Fat Tire. I got introduced to it as a good beer to buy when you have chicks around who don't like real beer. Personally I need something you feel as well as taste, Stouts or ESB's usually.

[Doug Bowe]

Bohemia

[Silver Fire]

Red, White, and Blue or Pig's Eye...no, not really. I'm generally not a beer drinker. Give me a liter of Tequila and a shot glass and I'm happy. And, usually, table dancing.

[honkytonkwillie]

Beck's.

Such pure stuff. It's easy on my allergies too. And Newcastle Brown while at the local pub. And if I'm feeling partucularly dirty, Guinness will complement the mood.

[Mr. Cynical]

Mr. Ceeee!


http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=25786


Ah, sue me. :D

It's amazing how fuzzy the ol' memory gets when you're plastered. Anyway, I think that was the week I was in Oregon. Musta been.

[gobear]

Guinness, Sam Adams, and at Kramerbooks in Dupont Circle, Old Dominion Stout

[Mustapha]

In the winter months, which I currently am in, then it's the dark ales: Speight's Old Dark or a Black Mac.

In summer, you can't go wrong with Monteith's Summer Ale which has a pleasant dash of manuka honey.

[Olentzero]

Guinness, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Rappahannock Red. (Gotta find me some of that stuff soon!)

I'm always up for trying something new, which is why I enjoy the hell out of the Brickskeller any time I can get up there (which ain't often, these days). I've only met one beer I didn't like (some Jamaican stout that tasted like molasses - if I want molasses I'll have vanilla ice cream, thank you!) but very few beers I'd have again and again.

I haven't heard of Fred but I can match it - a tasty little brew called Urbock 23. DC Dopers - you can get it at The Saloon next to Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street. They only sell you one glass a night - it's a smallish one, but it's worth the $3. Great way to start off a couple of rounds!

[Jodi]

::Looking down and waving at the Colorado Dopers like the opening of the Brady Bunch::

We have Fat Tire in Montana! It's pretty good. I also like Harp, Beck's, and Heinekien (looking at others listed previously), but don't like Sam Adams. My fave is another regional brew, Widmer Hefeweizen, from the Widmer Brewery in Portland, Oregon. Mmmmmmm. I also like Pete's Wicked Ale and Rolling Rock. Yes, Rolling Rock. :)

[CheapBastid]

McEwans Export!!! (don't get the India Pale Ale)

I'd also go for any of the Trappist ales.

[Biotop]

Dang! I used to drink the stuff all the time, but I can't remember exactly how to spell it. Pilsner Urquell? Is that right? Its a great Czech Beer.

[TheThill]

Yes, the best beer in the world is German. But the best German beer in the world comes from the Czech Republic (the Bohemian part) which shares the same brewing traditions going back to its old German minority. My personal favorites:

Czech:
Budvar/Budweiser (careful: the original Budweiser --not the U.S. crap!!!) Tastes best in the Czech Rep. itself. Real ambrosia there, dangerous since I can't help myself.

German:
Köstritzer Schwarzbier (dark beer)
Freiberger Pils

When back in New York:
New Amsterdam ain't bad.

U.K.:
Any good local bitter. McEwan's is good too. Can't understand why crap U.S. "Bud" is now so popular there, but that's the power of advertising. Absolutely amazing.

[Balance]

If I'm going to drink a beer, it's going to be Guinness. No sense fooling around with half measures. I really prefer mead, though.

[Jo3sh]

Yes, the best beer in the world is German.


Hm. I think I might have to disagree with you there. Yes, there are many damn fine German beers, and I like a lot of them. But really, unless you ONLY like lager (which the Germans do very well indeed), it's a little overreaching to say that German beer is the best in the world.

There's a lot of REALLY GOOD beer in the world, I'm finding. Belgians are absolutely crazy with their beer recipes*, but there is literally no imitating the Belgian styles, not even in Germany or the Czech Republic. Britain produces a lot of mellow, malty ales that are equalled nowhere. Even poor little Prohibition-ridden America is doing its fair share these days.

*"Okay, I've got this big vat of raw beer here, so let's put it in the attic and leave all the windows open so we can get all the really FUNKY microorganisms that drift on the air into it. Then, let's barrel it all up and leave it in the cellar for a couple of years, until it tastes spoiled. That other batch? Well, I don't know. I WAS going to make a pale, clear lager out of it, but it's pretty cloudy. maybe I should put some spices in it, and see if the guys down at the pub will drink it. What've we got here. Wow. we're down to coriander and bitter orange peel. What the hell, chuck it all in."

[Edwardina]

The only beer I drink anymore is root beer.

But time was that I would enjoy a Guinness, Harp, or Newcastle Brown Ale. I like a beer that eats like a meal. It reminds me what I'm drinking so I don't suck down too many, like they're water.

Of course, I used to have that same problem with Margaritas, too . . .

[jamshid]

This is hands-down:

Sam Smith's Winter Welcome

It's only brewed in November, and the combination of ingredients is to be savored, like an unexpected gift.

As an added bonus, it has a quote from Will Shakespeare on the bottle: "Blessing of my heart, you brew good ale!"

Who could ask for a finer juxtaposition of an alcoholic beverage and a quote from the finest poet to wander the land?

[TheThill]

Of course there are excellent beers in other places than Germany or Czech Rep. That was just my way of saying that IMHO the Czech Pilsner types are some of the best.

I would add, however, that there are other kinds of beer in Germany than lagers. In fact I can't even get near many of the well-known German lagers (Beck's, etc.) One of my favorites is Köstritzer Schwarzbier (had 2 tonight, in fact), a dark (hence black) beer, quite sweet or even nutty in taste. Hard to describe, actually.

[jamshid]

Wow, good thought, Thill...

If any of you are interested in a wonderful Pilsner that you can get in the states, check out Pilsner Urquell. It has an almost buttery quality to it that defies accurate description.

[Archer]

My favorite beer? Kokanee, or what ever beer some one buys me.

[SILENT-BOB NOT REALLY]

:wally

[Jo3sh]

IMHO the Czech Pilsner types are some of the best.


Quite definitely. One of these aeons, I hope to travel in the Czech Republic myself so I can taste Pilsner that hasn't been subjected to the rigors of shipment to the States. Another poster mentioned Pilner Urquell. This is another of the beers on the long list of my favorites. When you get a good one (not lightstruck, not abused, etc.) it's a reveleation. Sadly, it's rare (around here, anyway) to get a really well-treated example.

I'm afraid that my list of revelation-inducing beers is rather slanted right now to beers originating from the west coast of the US. It's just a matter of geography; beer doesn't travel all that well. But, if you have access and a mind, I recommend Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, Anchor Liberty Ale, and Red Hook ESB. I'm sure I'll think of others as soon as I click "submit," but that's what I can think of off the top of my head.

[2sense]

I drink Strohs. Keeps you regular.
( I'm serious. )

[Xgemina]

If being stationed in Germany taught me one thing, it is the glorious taste of german brew, especially hefe-weizen. I also enjoy Grolsch and Guinness or Newcastle Brown Ale if I can get it out of a tap.

FWIW, on a hot summer day nothing beats a cola-bier made with Becks.

[Tymp]

Guinness, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Rappahannock Red. (Gotta find me some of that stuff soon!)

Damn it, olentzero!

You commies took the writers and we let it slide. You took all the best movie producers and we let it slide. You took most of the hot Slavic chicks and we let it slide with minimal grumbling.

Not this though! You reds are not going to claim all the good beer!

[Strainger]

Best domestic - Shyeah...right.
Best import - Negra Modelo
Best microbrew - Shiner Bock
Best artwork by a brewery (macro, micro, or otherwise) - New Belgium

[Milossarian]

Your beer of choice is?

Full. And cold.

[CalMeacham]

None. I hate beer.


Friends would tell me," That's because you haven't had a GOOD beer. You should try ____________." So they'd buy me one, and I'd try it. And they all taste the same. (You beer connoiseurs and zymurgists take it easy. I appreciate that there are profound differences between beers and they way they're brewed, and that there are subtle nuances between different styles, and that any halfway competant taster can tell the difference between a Bud Light and a German beer at fifty paces. But they all taste the same to me. So sue me.)

What's funny is that people's preferences don't always seem to be based on the flavor. When Coors was impossible to get East of the Mississippi I was told that Coors was the golden ambrosial brew, and if only I tried that I would be hooked. Then I moved out to Utah and found out they laughed at Coors. Now that you can get it in the East it's not worshipped here any more.


Yeah, say some who sympathize. Beer is overrated. But, you now, when you've been working out in the sun, and your throat is parched, there's nothing as good as a nice, ice cold beer.


Nope. Even when I've been thirsty in the desert, beer still tastes like beer.

[in2deep]

1. free and cold

2. if 1 not available, Bass Ale. The best all-around brew, bar none!

An aside -- long ago, there was a beer called Wiedamens. Came in these cute little barrell-shaped bottels, and sold for $1.64 per six-pack, which at the time was less than Coke. Although barely more than carbonated water, it fit the college budget!

[Mojo]

My faves are Ommegang (a belgian style beer brewed in Cooperstown, we get it here in DC) and Moose Drool from Big Sky Brewing Co., which I'm suprised Jodih didn't mention. We don't get it in DC though.:(

I'm not trying to be snooty with my esoteric beers, I jes likes em.

[TheThill]

Another thought:

Non-mass-market/chemically manipulated Beer is often best when fresh, preferably directly from the barrel/keg and consumed close to its place of origin.
As has been said, it is very hard to get a decent Pilsner Urquell in the States, esp. since they come in those green skunk-bottles. (Another question -- maybe for GQ -- why DO they put beer in green bottles?)
Of course, it doesn't matter where you "enjoy" your (U.S.) Bud, since it's be treated and can't get much worse, anyway.

[Mr. Feely]

I'm kind of partial to hefeweizen myself; Paulaner and Pyramid (a microbrew from Berkeley and Seattle) are my current favorite beers.

Fat Tire is good too, but it doesn't seem to have broken into the San Francisco bay area market yet. I've only had it in Denver, Phoenix, and Austin (on tap even!).

[Osakadave]

Back home in the US - Shiner Bock
Japanese - Echigo Beer, when I can get it, otherwise Yebisu
European - Gunness, Grolsch, (both available in Osaka :)) and most anything Czech or German

[bovary]

Busch

beer is beer is beer.

The first three are the only ones that count.

That's why I drink nice, sweet, American, rice made, refreshing, standardized, mass-marketed, beer.

[Jo3sh]

Last night I rediscovered why I love Rogue Brewing's beers so much with a glass of Shakespeare Stout. Wonderful stuff. Now I want to move to the Pacific Northwest again, just so I can have a dependable supply.

[oldscratch]

My beer of choice? Now keep in mind this isn't the beer I would necesarily drink. But, if I had to display a beer prominently in my home. IT would be none other than...






...BILLY BEER


Anyone else remember that stuff? The beer marketed by Jimmy Carter's brother.

[winky99]

Shiner Bock (yes, I am from Texas, whats it to you?)
Rolling Rock
Red Stripe
Heineken
Dos Equis Special Lager (green bottle, the red bottle tastes like asphalt)
Killians Red
Bass
oh, hell, I like beer, alright. Just serve it cold and in a glass.

[Jane_Says75]

I used to be a beer snob - mainly because I liked the cool names on the imports. But as I've gotten older (and started buying my own beer)I've graduated to none other than "The Champagne of Beers" - I'm a Miller girl all the way. I actually prefer it to "good" beer. I like the taste, and I love those little seven ounce bottles that stay the same frosty temp all the way to the bottom.

[Eo Echo]

In a bar, I'll drink just about anything: "Did someone say drink special?" When I visit the package store for a case, it's Budweiser. Not the original, but the American crap. In fact, I'm working my way through a can of said crap right now.

[Ruffian]

Zima.

I know, it's not beer. But it's the closest thing to beer that I'll actually enjoy drinking.

[occ]

On a brief hijack, I notice people are drawing some sort of brotherhood between Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser. I know nothing of the history of either of these two beers, but what is it that they share? Was Budweiser a ripoff of PU?

[TheThill]

The original Budweiser (Budvar) from the Czech Republic is an excellent pilsner. Pilsner Urquell is also an excellent pilsner from the Czech Republic and is the beer that gave the pilsner type its name.

American Budweiser is indeed a cheap rice-based product which took the name of the Czech brewery, AFAIK since the founder was somehow related to the people in Budweis (now Ceske Budejovice). There has now been a legal battle over the name, and they have decided to divide the world between them. In Germany, for example, only the original is allowed to be sold as Budweiser, and the U.S. stuff is sold as "B", although hardly anyone drinks it. In Britain, U.S. Budweiser is sold as such and is (strangely enough) consumed widely.

[Alpine]

Another Coloradan, another Guinness lover. (Must be strong. Must stay off alcohol for a few days a week. But there's still a can in the fridge.)

Actually, I can't drink very much, or very often, so I'm picky and usually have good red wine. However, Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout is my next favorite beer-as-meal. On scuba trips to the Caribbean, nothing beats those little 8 oz Heinekens.

[Alessan]

Tuborg. Not too light, not too bitter - the perfect balance. But never from a can.
To paraphrase Dave Barry - Beerwise, Europeans drink Ray Carles; Americans drink Barry Manilow.

[Dumb Ox]

Pilsner Urquell is the best lager I've ever had. But the best beer I've ever tasted is Chimay, a Belgian Trappist ale. It's perfectly balanced and just kind of takes over your whole mouth for a few seconds. It's fermented twice, the second time in the bottle, giving it a champagne-style carbonation. I've only had the Chimay Triple so far, but I look forward to trying their Red and their Blue soon. A bit pricey though, not for everday consumption.

[Jo3sh]

Originally posted by Ruffian
Zima.

I know, it's not beer. But it's the closest thing to beer that I'll actually enjoy drinking.

The frighteneing thing about Zima is that it actually IS beer. They brew a very pale, hopless beer, then filter it so tightly that all the color and beer flavor are removed, then they add that weird flavoring.

[Jo3sh]

Originally posted by Dumb Ox
I've only had the Chimay Triple so far, but I look forward to trying their Red and their Blue soon. A bit pricey though, not for everday consumption.

DO, you are in for two more reorganizations of your world. All three of the Chimay beers are hugely good. You will not be disappointed. I personally like the blue (Grande Reserve) best, but they're all amazing.

[ascrivey]

I'll use my first post to say that my beer of choice is Rolling Rock. Love it!:D

[tak29813]

If I could only drink one beer for the rest of time...
St. Rogue Red, Rogue Brewing, Ashland OR

with nods to Celis White, Chicago Legacy Red, Wrigley Red (I think I see a common thread here), Piraat, and John Courage on tap in London.

As for Fat Tire, I just said no once they stopped selling bombers and Budwiser started to distribute it. I recommend Broadway Brewing for the CO dopers, particularly Road Dog Ale. That is one nasty kick-you-in-the-teeth beer. Perfect for after skiing.

[Tymp]

Oh! Just thought of another.

Abita Turbo Dog

Yes, it sounds ridiculous, but it’s one of the finest beers brewed in the US. Hard to find, but well worth the search.