Good Beers

This is a lead off from Mike Soliven's post a few days ago on the CLF. In other words, I've indulged in a few alcoholic libations.

Who else is into good craft beer? Living in the Pacific Northwest since 2003 has really opened my eyes to great beer. Beer has really become my second hobby. I'm not talking PBR, Coors, Budlight or even Sam Adams. I'm talking beers made at local brew pubs or even on someones back porch, like Walkabout Brewing. Beers that are made to taste great, not make a profit for stock holders. I believe the United States was built on great beers but most American palates are immature or too conservative. George Washington was a devout beer lover. He loved a good English Strong Ale or a Porter. Ben Franklin once said "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to prosper." Thomas Jefferson brewed an American Strong Ale in his brew house at Monticello from 1811-1824.

As I type, I'm enjoying a Hair of the Dog -Blue Dot Double India Pale Ale from Portland's Hair Of The Dog Brewing. It was a x-mas present along with a few other beers that I have not had the opportunity to try yet. Instant favorite. My other favorites include Stone Brewing's Ruination IPA, Stone's Double Bastard, Caldera Brewing's Old Growthe Imperial Stout, Walkabout Brewing's Point the Bone Seasonal IPA, The Kronik (Censored) from Lagunitas and MacTarnahan's Amber Ale.

What are your favorite craft or microbrews.