A couple of my favorites under 5.5%ABV are: Deschute's Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond, along with Sierra Nevada's Kellerweis Hefeweizen (can never find this on tap). Odell's Cutthroat and Stone's Pale Ale and Levitation also go down well.

don't know about craft and might already been mentioned, but that steam boat anchor stuff I got from trader joes the other day was really pretty good.

Was my 50th on Sunday, had a great party,friends bought me a few presents, several bottles of Port, a bottle of Macallan 15 year old Fine Oak, Triple Cask Matured Whiskey, and a few fine beers, I like my friends, haha!!

Happy Birthday!

Lovely selection! Making my mouth water. Hmmmm..... Maredsous - where have you been?

I went to the Belgium Beer Festival in 1979, 81, 82. But am ashamed to say, I never really understood the complexities of a good beer. It was just cheap Lager and getting as drunk as we could! Age seems to bring out new tastes, and appreciation for good beer, wine, port and whiskey. I'm glad I'm 50, haha!! The beers were just purchased by friends that know a bit about good beer, The Lost Abbey from Cali was one of my friends collections, you can't even buy it in Fla!!

All good stuff although some of it not to my taste. I haven't had many Jolly Pumpkin brews but the ones I've had are very good. The Macallan Fine Oak is very nice as well.

I'm guessing with a name like yours, you could be leaning towards a Scotsman? Which would explain your fondness of good whiskey. Do you like Glenmorangie? I have several bottles of theirs, the Sherry Oak aged, the Port Oak aged, and the Nectar D'or, great SM's, and of course, I haven't had a Macallan I haven't enjoyed!!

The Anchor Brewing COs Christmas Ale is banging this year!

Using it to make a Beef and Ale stew today.

Hmmm... I need to go and and pick up something a little bit special for tonight.

I am in the same boat; although I just cannot decide what to get. Decisions, decisions.

I'll probably lay off the high-octane bourbon barrel-aged bollocks and keep it simple for once, I think. Berkshire Brewing Company (Western MA and local to me) growlers of bog-standard (but very good) bitter, IPA, porter and pale ale are available from an offy I pass on my way home. Although I may get something extra on top.....

After an early curry with friends, I'm going to invite three Belgian friends and a US buddy round for the evening, haha!!

I just ended up with some old favorites, six packs of Victory HopDevil and Avery IPA. I also purchased an ESB called "Bitch Creek" by Grand Teton, which I have never tried, I picked it up for the FIL, and as flyfisherman I am sure he will appreciate the novelty of the name.

A few bottles of Ruination and Arrogant Bastard Ale also made it into liquor cart.

wow...I feel like such a lush now, getting the cheapest fizzy wine that trader joes had

It's quite good I might add though, but we'll see how I feel about that in the morning

I got a growler of IPA and another of Porter. I also got a 6-pack of Magic Hat Winter Seasonal* and another of Mendocino Imperial IPA.

*not normally a fan of Magic Hat (found #6 a novelty for 3 weeks after getting off the plane) but the seasonal's a Schwarzbier - I love that style. It's not too bad either.