Suggestions for a good beer--it's for a gift.

[snacker]

I'm not a beer drinker, so do any of you have any suggestions for a good ale (I guess that's what he likes) for a Christmas gift? Thanks, in advance.

[Beer Snob-50]

1. i have had a thing for harpoon beer lately

they have a holiday beer taht is out of this world. it is stronger than regular beer and has a fruity/spice flavor to it. but it has been my beer of choice this season.

if not try sam adams winter lager also a stronger beer and not for someone who wants to pound down a six pack befoer going out.

[Taverner]

2. Piraat Ale is always good

If they like Belgians, or IPA's, its a good one

[dembotoz]

3. beer is not wine

does not get better with age.
be careful you don't get some old brew that might have been wonderful when the store opened 5 years ago.
I like ale. Usually order it when given the chance.
Bass is generally ok

[LynneSin]

4. Dogfish - any variety

It's out of Rehobeth Beach Delaware and has been nationally recognized by several organizations as one of the top microbrews in the country

[Taverner]

7. I have some Dogfish 90's on order

Did I do well? We don't get Dogfish out here on the West Coast

[LynneSin]

9. Dogfish 90s are the high end stuff

it's all good. 60s are the everyday but serve the 90s for when people you love come visit!

[Initech]

13. Dogfish is awesome. I wish they shipped to California.

[AllegroRondo]

5. Chimay

Its from Belgium, and although "technically" an ale, its really strong and really tasty. It comes in half-liter bottles with a cork on top, so it looks great as a gift. There are three varieties, Red, White, and Blue, with blue being the strongest and most expensive. About $10-12 a bottle, but well worth it.

[ohiosmith]

8. Excellent recommendation.

:thumbsup:

[Rambis]

12. third on Chimay

[seemunkee]

10. Why do you say technically an ale?

:shrug:
:beer:

[AllegroRondo]

11. There are really only 2 kinds of beer: ale and lager

defined by what type of yeast they use. Chimay is an ale because it uses ale yeast, but its not your typical ale. Its highly carbonated, very strong (8-9%), and has a slightly fruity taste. If your friend likes the pale ale or IPA style, Chimay is not the same. But if he likes good beer, he'll appreciate a good one like Chimay.

[seemunkee]

18. DFH 120 is an ale too

its 20% plus. I have a barleywine that is 22% that I made, also an ale.
I was just curious why you used that wording when ale covers a pretty broad range of beer styles.

[DarkTirade]

6. Need more input on the kinds of beers the giftee likes.

Ales cover a pretty wide range.

[Initech]

15. I've heard good things about Three Floyds.

But they're a Midwest brewery and only ships to a limited area.

[Whisp]

14. Corona is my fave. also Guissness black. nt

[nomorenomore08]

16. Anything by Sam Smith's is a good choice.

nt

[kwassa]

17. beer is a vast world

from very light to very dark, with many varieties such as ales, lagers, ambers, india pale ales, pale ales, porters, nut brown ales, stout, wheat beer, etc.

Buy a seasonal 12-pack from Sam Adams or Saranac, or something like that, it will cover all the bases and give him something to experiment with in trying new beers.