Ah, now here's a thread.

Here in the UK - I'd prefer a decent bitter, Batham's is good or Landlord. Perhaps the odd pint of Mild to remind me of my misspent youth in Black Country pubs.

In Belgium, there's such a wonderful choice - something trappist in the winter like an Orval, Gueuze in the summer - but not a peche lambic in the Mort Subite unless I want to be called a tapette

In Germany, go with the local beer (except in Bankfurt where Binder is vile). Sion Kolsch is always welcome and Paulaner Dunkel in Munich.

In the Czech Republic - dark Budvar and dark Gambrinus rule.

In Australia - Crown Lager or Toohey's Old. Avoid the XXXX even in Brisvegas.

As for America, well, it's gotten a lot better. The wider availability of Shiner Bock, Fat Tire and Sam Adams are good things, but if pressed I'll enjoy a Rolling Rock.

Had my very first craft beer ever this year and discovered I really liked it. So since then I have been trying a lot of local breweries. I am still pretty new at it and haven't tried all that many varieties but so far my favorite is Deschutes Black Butte Porter. I haven't really acquired a taste for the IPAs yet.

Magic Hat #9 (Vermont)
Belhaven Scottish Ale (Scotland, duh)
Surly Furious (Minnesota)

and for "everyday" drinkability (and wide distribution), either Killian's Irish Red or Newcastle Brown Ale. Guinness if I'm hungry.

I'll stop there...

I've always been a fan of fruit flavored beers: Pyramid Apricot Ale, Abita Purple Haze, Sam Adams Cherry Wheat. I've lately taken quite a shine to Sweetwater Blue.

An excellent strategy -- and I think we've turned Starwood Lurker into a full-fledged beer geek. Thanks for the comparative review, too.

It's snowing here today so I prepared for it last night by emptying a couple bottles of Dogfish Head's Burton Baton. It makes a marvelous match for winter weather, in my opinion.

I've recently been enjoying various Goose Island beers - Mild Winter and their Pale Ale. Pretty good stuff.

I need to add Krusovice dark beer to my list.

Enjoyed some in FRA this past weekend. I was surprised to see a czech beer on draft in an otherwise very German restaurant.

They had that on the fire sale list at Flying Saucer last weekend. After tasting it, I understood why...it is some serious rat piss of a beer. The only consolation for me was getting one beer closer to having my own plate on the wall...and getting this one out of the way.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

I think I've tried 3 Abita products, not including their bottled water, and enjoyed them all. I'm not a light beer fan, but found their version quite acceptable. I guess one man's rat piss is another man's champagne.

LOL. No doubt about that. I have to say that I was really surprised as I had found Abita's other offerings to at least be palatable: i.e., Turbo Dog and a mighty fine root beer.

But, if I'm going for a lambic or fruit ale in the future, I'm sticking to Lindeman's. ^

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

New Castle & Sam Adam's Seasonal Octoberfest

Great stuff. Cassis is my fav, but oddly enough it rates badly compared to their others (on Beer Advocate, etc.)

Give Dogfish Fort a try. Perhaps it's a sign of alcoholism that I like an 18% alcohol beer that comes only in 750mL bottles (too much for one; gotta share); for some reason I really like it.

Budweiser Select

saku (from estonia). now, if only i could find it in the united states!

Fuller's London Pride. Tastes Ok from the bottle, tastes exceptional from a hand pump on a cold winter day or by the Thames on a summers day.