Anonymous wrote:Christmas Ale the actual name. So tasty. It's really a sipping beer, but some people go overboard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kwF-TvMi_Q

I've been so impressed by Great Lakes beers - I haven't had a single beer of theirs that I didn't like. OP - Great Lakes Eliot Ness is really good, too. We've also been drinking a lot of Southern Tier and Avery this year. The Avery beers are harder to come by, but so so good. That was stop #1 at Savor for us this year.

Anything Dogfish Head!

is. is the actual name.

Christmas Ale the actual name. So tasty. It's really a sipping beer, but some people go overboard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kwF-TvMi_Q

If you want trendy, don't do Blue Moon or Shock Top - both are owned by major corporations (Coors and A-B).

I really like a PP's suggestion of stopping by Port City and getting a growler, especially since you live in Alexandria. Other local or semi-local are DC Brau, Devil's Backbone, and Starr Hill (love Starr Hill, they are good people!!).

Another thing to do is go seasonal - like for a fall party bring Dogfish Head Punkin Ale which is always a favorite or for a holiday party, Great Lakes Christmas Ale (I forget the actual name, but it was my favorite holiday seasonal last year).

Blue Moon is not considered very good any more. Another vote for Loose Cannon, plus it is brewed in Baltimore. Anyone that comes to visit us and tastes it, always wants to know what it is!

Blue moon is mass brewed slop. Do not bring. Go with something local, like a Dogfish or Heavy Seas. If you're going to a fall party, all of the Oktoberfests are out (Magic Hat - not local but still east coast is a great choice.) Otherwise stick with an ale or lager. The IPAs are a little heavy unless it's an evening social party (i.e. not a heaving drinking party.)

Lambics are pretty hardcore for most beer drinkers. I wouldn't bring those because they will bring the beer geeks to you.

Bell's Oberon is my summer favorite. A good stout or porter usually goes over well in the fall.

When it comes out, Great Lakes Christmas Ale is a coup, if you can find it.

Another option is a nice hard cider. And really, you don't need to bring alcohol at all. A craft-brewed soda, ginger beer, iced tea, etc. is also welcome.

Gotta disagree on the pumpkin ale. Plenty of people don't like it. If you're doing that, bring a non-pumpkin as well.

Right now, the really trendy thing is Belgian beers. But there are some people (I'm one of them) who hate all things Belgian. The trend before that was IPAs, and there are plenty of people who love them, but also people who don't.

If you bring a Belgian and an IPA, then you have something for everybody. Up to you whether you also bring the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Ale (pumpkin flavored beer) is already out in full force - go to Whole Foods and pick two kinds and bring them. Everyone loves pumpkin ale!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you're near Alexandria you could swing by the Port City brewery and get growlers of their beer on the way to the party. You can buy their beer in 6 packs in stores too.

I was going to suggest this as well.

P.S. - plus if the recipient likes it, they will then have the reusable growler to take to the brewery for a fill.

Anonymous wrote:If you're near Alexandria you could swing by the Port City brewery and get growlers of their beer on the way to the party. You can buy their beer in 6 packs in stores too.

I was going to suggest this as well.

I love Blue Moon! Most people do too. I like to drink it with an orange slice, but it's not necessary.

White House Honey Porter.

Now that would be quite the coup!

DC Brau!