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:D

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... :D

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. :D 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. :D

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 :D

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.