To the best of my knowledge, in Cali, Guiness is something like 3.5%. I dont remember the particulars of the Guness offerings as there were many in England where I spent the majority of my time. I do know that 10 years ago when I was there, guiness was higher alchohol content than in Cali at the same time. By the time I came back I was a Newky convert and only drink Guiness or any stout for that matter on a rare basis know.
Brown Ale and Porter is a better style IN MY OPINION. The flavor and body suit my tastes better. Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout is the only stout Ive tasted that has a clean finish and actually dissolves off the tongue.
It is amazing that a hockey forum has got involved in a conversation about brew. I suppose they go hand in hand and Im also happy that there are folks here that enjoy beer beyond the guzzlers that just want to get drunk. To that end we still are but we want to get there a better way.
Not that I'm complaining, but there's an Official Beer Thread in the Off-Topic forum.
I love stouts of all shapes and sizes, Samuel Smith is pretty good but I think there are better options - especially brewed here in Michigan (I realize you aren't
here.) Right Brain Brewery's CEO Coffee Stout is one of the best I've ever had and is a current favorite. I even enjoy Founder's Oatmeal Stout quite a bit, despite thinking that they are largely overrated (definitely are in West Michigan, but at least people are experiencing craft beer).
I've never been a fan of Stella, but can agree with some of the other beers of choice on your list - especially PBR out of the tap.
I absolutely love beer of all kinds and will absolutely put an orange in a Blue Moon. However, I can understand someone not wanting a beer with fruit added if they are of the opinion that a beer should stand on its own merit - not because it's "not manly" to add fruit. There are hundreds of better beers out there - but at least they aren't giving people a bunch of Miller Lite to swill down.
Edited by Travis, 19 March 2012 - 08:24 AM.