Hiro11

That stuff is a very solid session beer. I liked it.

Recent delicious American stuff I've had:

The Bruery "Saison Rue": extremely boutique farmhouse ale with Brett yeast from a place that specialized in sours and barrel-aged stuff. Incredible lemony, refreshing, funky stuff, great for the summer time.

Port Brewing "Hop 15": one of the most extreme West Coast DIPAs I've ever had. Unlike Stone's "Ruination", though, it's actually somewhat balanced and drinkable. I think this is a definitive example of a "West Coast Hop Bomb", if that's what you're looking for. Still, finishing an entire bomber of this is a serious task for one person.

New Glarus "Wild Sour Ale": one of the most satisfying and delicious domestic sours I've had. Lip-smacking and refreshing with just a bit of earthy yeast to keep things interesting.

Session-wise, I've been drining a lot of German weissebocks like Weihenstephaner "Vitus" and Ayinger "Ur-Weisse".

Bob

Pumpkin time of year seems a little early this year, but there's a lot already hitting the shelves around here.

So any particular ones to keep an eye out for or to avoid?

Southy_SWFC

I've seen the pumpkin stuff out already, love pumpkin head with a shot of captain but I refuse to touch it until at least mid-September.

Duncan Roberts

My personal feelings, F pumpkin beers. I am kind of interested in trying Sierra Nevada's new seasonal offering though. They always do right by me with seasonals, no Christmas ale, no Pumpkin beer but am IPA and brown ale.

NatashaB

a shot of Captain?

Southy_SWFC

Yep. Vanilla vodka works well too

NatashaB

Wow. Not sure I'm brave enough to try that! Not seen any pumpkin ales around yet but i'll have to keep an eye out.

Pulaski

I'm with you 110% there. The Germans have the right idea: beer = water + malt + yeast + hops. I can deal with a light citrus flavor in a weiss beer, but fruit, cinnamon, and especially pumpkin, in ales and lagers, you can keep, thank you very much! And if you need to flavour your beer with rum or flavoured vodka, I am inclined to think you should have bought a better beer!

I've been exploring some IPAs this year, and I'm a big fan of the Stone IPA, and also their Arrogant Bastard Ale, but I found the Sublimely Self Righteous Ale to be less smooth, and pushed just a little too far, stronger for sure, but that isn't always better. The Terrapin IPA is also good, similar to the Stone IPA, though not quite as smooth.

AdobePinon

Some pumpkin beers taste great for the first few ounces, but I rarely make it to the bottom of the bottle / glass.

Duncan Roberts

No, no they don't.

Hiro11

Pumpkin beers are the Devil's work.

Hiro11

Some I like:
Firestone-Walker Union Jack
Ska Modus Hoperandi
Ballast Point Sculpin
Bear Republic Racer 5
Bell's Two Hearted

Also try some APAs like Three Floyds Zombie Dust or Half Acre Daisy Cutter. All of these might be tough to find based on where you live...

TimberHut

The only pumpkin beer I like is Halloween Busch Light. $16 for 30 cans. Can't go wrong.

Hangrald

I got big into the Shipyard and Sam pumpkin ales last year, maybe more for the novelty value of something that wasn't readily available back in the UK. Not sure whether I'll be drinking it quite so prodigiously this season.

Pulaski

This thread is for discussing ale and beer. That obviously does not include the products of Anheuser Busch! And there isn't much hope for you if you think you "Can't go wrong." with beer at less than 55¢/can.