Time for another beer run, have a question

[irishScott]

What's the darkest, stoutest beer I could probably buy in a 6 pack at any given liquor store? (To clarify "Liquor" stores sell every form of alcohol around here). So far the best I've found is Guinness extra stout, but given the variety available that's not saying much.

<-------Loves the dark stuff.

On that note, any secondary recommendations? I like the dark stuff the best, but I'll drink any of it. Looking for something new.

So far I've tried:
Guinness
Guinness Extra Stout (far superior to the former IMO, #1 standby)
Blue Moon
Keystone Light
Bud Light
Corona
Elephant
Mickey's
Sam Adams Boston Lager
Sam Adams Blackberry Witbier (#2 standby)
Sam Adams Irish Red
Smithwicks
Shock Top

 

[zerocool84]

Any stores around me don't sell anything than the national stuff but knowing ATOT, they'll recommend some micro-beer that you can't get.

 

[lxskllr]

McEwens(sp?) scotch ale. I don't recommend this, but it's as dark and thick as you can get. It's very sweet which is a turn off for me, plus it's expensive as hell.

 

[Brainonska511]

Not a stout, but I had Stone's Oaked Arrogant Bastard strong ale the other night. Pretty awesome, dark ale.

 

[irishScott]

Any stores around me don't sell anything than the national stuff but knowing ATOT, they'll recommend some micro-beer that you can't get.

Yeah, hence the reason I mentioned at any given liquor store.

I'm in a college town. I've got 2 stores within walking distance and 4 more within driving. About the same selection at each, although there are plenty of random six packs from brands I've never heard of. Just trying to narrow down the field as opposed to spending $$ in the dark.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Call all the stores and ask for any Imperials they might carry.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

bass ale, greencastle

 

[KillerCharlie]

Any stores around me don't sell anything than the national stuff but knowing ATOT, they'll recommend some micro-beer that you can't get.

To be honest, I probably wouldn't drink beer at all if it was like that where I live. You can get some okay stuff, but the selection and quality is just insanely better when you have more local options.

 

[zerocool84]

To be honest, I probably wouldn't drink beer at all if it was like that where I live. You can get some okay stuff, but the selection and quality is just insanely better when you have more local options.

In LA area, at markets and stores, it's extremely rare that you can get any microbrews at all.

 

[KeithTalent]

McEwens(sp?) scotch ale. I don't recommend this, but it's as dark and thick as you can get. It's very sweet which is a turn off for me, plus it's expensive as hell.

Ech, yeah, it's almost syrupy. Kind of gross for my taste.

I'm sketchy on the names right now, but there were a couple of XXX Stouts I liked, either a Black Bear or Black Hole or something and Pike. Those sound familiar. :hmm: I haven't had a beer in several weeks, so my brain is starting to rot away.

KT

 

[Turin39789]

do they have youngs? look for a russian stout or a chocolate stout.

 

[vi edit]

Sammy Smith Oatmeal Stout is fairly common at many of the grocery stores around the midwest. It's usually in a 4 pack though, not a 6 pack. It's a very good, dark, rich stout. A little more mellow & sweeter and less bitter than Guinness Extra Stout.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/113/571/

 

[irishScott]

Walked to one of the places, not much available on the dark end of the spectrum beyond Guinness ES, but I did find some of that Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale. Not as strong as I expected, but good stuff. Nice long aftertaste. Apparently there's a stronger (non-Oaked) version out. I'll check out the other places as the week goes on.

Thanks for the reccs guys. I've got a list now. Oh, and I'm officially on the hunt for any beer name "Black Hole" (lol at name) and this McEwens stuff that everybody seems to hate.

 

[nakedfrog]

If you get Boulevard beers there, try Bully Porter.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

If you can, get Ten-Fidy. It makes guiness look mlike it has a nice tan.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Sammy Smith Oatmeal Stout is fairly common at many of the grocery stores around the midwest. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/113/571/

Yum Yum Yum! +1 for Sam Smith (anything)

 

[Cheesetogo]

Yum Yum Yum! +1 for Sam Smith (anything)

Indeed. Their Taddy Porter is great, and I've heard good things about their RIS as well.

 

[destrekor]

You haven't even tried any of the Samuel Adams stouts and porters? I love 'em, far more than Guinness. Though of possible importance, I have yet to try the Guinness Extra Stout. I do like Guinness, but to me it seems like the Budweiser of Stouts/Porters. Not really all that much to the flavor, other than char.

Sam Adams Cream Stout is one of my standbys.
Sam Adams Imperial Stout (4pk 12oz, 10&#37; ABV) has quite a kick.

Old Rasputin Imperial Ale isn't all that bad, also has quite the noticeable umph to the brew.

Trying to think of what else I've tried.
I have learned, I'm a malted barley guy. IPAs? Keep that shit away from me.

Though a well-crafted lager or other lighter-color beer I'll enjoy.
Sam Adams (Imperial Series) Double Bock, another 4pk ~10% ABV, is quite rich. Doesn't seem potent in the least, except the flavor and character is woah, talk about liquid bread type of richness.

Only a couple more months until Dogfish Head's Theobroma specialty bomber is released again. That, right there, is the nectar of the gods. Delicious chocolaty-spicy brew. Can't describe it other than nectar. Of the gods.
In a few months if you see it in the store, get it. Not a dark brew, but stronger ABV, and a level of deliciousness that cannot be described by mere mortal words. I reckon I'll be getting a few bottles as soon as I see it (750ml).

 

[Aves]

I'm partial to Young's Double Chocolate stout myself.

 

[phoenix79]

See if you can find Old Rasputin. It's a Russian Imperial Stout that absorbs light from around it.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

See if you can find Old Rasputin. It's a Russian Imperial Stout that absorbs light from around it.

This. But he can probably only get it if he's on the west coast.

 

[vi edit]

This. But he can probably only get it if he's on the west coast.

I've bought it in Iowa, but it was at a specialty shop that prides themselves in their selection.

 

[irishScott]

I've bought it in Iowa, but it was at a specialty shop that prides themselves in their selection.

Dammit.

<-----In Newark, DE.

 

[destrekor]

Dammit.

<-----In Newark, DE.

a local small shop carries it here in Columbus, Ohio. But while they don't have a insane selection, they do notably try to stock the more famous craft brews and imports.

 

[Gothgar]

another for Youngs Double, that's some good beer

I havent has the Sam Smith stout, but their other beers are top notch

Seems like Rogue makes a good stout, and I am pretty sure I had a good one from Sierra Nevada