I don’t always drink. But when I do, I drink good beer. The links below will take you to the Beer Advocate listing for the beers. Here are a few to get you started (in no particular order):

1. Guinness Extra Stout

Beer Advocate: B+

Some of you probably like the Draught more, that’s fine. It’s all good with Guinness. The Extra Stout doesn’t have quite as cool of a cascade as the Draught, but it’s got more flavor and I’ve come to like it prefer it. Also, just to be clear: The Draught is 4.2% ABV. Extra Stout is 6.0%. That should convince some of you *ahem* Sean. I also happen to think it’s a little bit less filling than the Draught.

2. Negro Modelo Dark

Beer Advocate: B-

Modelo Dark is an under appreciated beer. It’s hoppy, but not too hoppy, not too filling and exactly as strong as it needs to be. Maybe not an outstanding example of “fine brews”, but definitely one of the more refreshing and satisfying beers out there. Don’t let the Mexican restaurants put a lime in yours.

3. Sam Smith Nut Brown Ale and Oatmeal Stout

Beer Advocate: A-

Both of these Sam Smith brews are amongst my favorite beers, and I will always grab one if they’re available. They’re not particularly strong (alchol-wise) at 5%, but there is a lot of flavor in these beers without being too rich and filling. They’re very drinkable.

4. KBC Tip Up E.S.B.

Beer Advocate: B-/C

This beer hasn’t been reviewed a lot so I wouldn’t take the Beer Advocate ranking too seriously. Tip Up is an excellent beer that benefits from all the things we’ve come to love in a nitrogen beer. It’s smooth to drink but still maintains a lot of flavor. The KBC has brought it back at various times as a standard CO2 beer and I found it a poor substitute. Here’s to hoping this is available at the wedding!

5. McSorley’s Irish Black Lager

Beer Advocate: B-

I’ve written about this one previously. I love it because I can get a 6 pack for $7 (even at Hennepin County Prices!) without sacrificing in flavor and drinkability.

6. Surly Furious

Beer Advocate: A

Not as scary as the name implies. It’s hoppy but delicious. Can’t drink a lot of it but if you’re in the mood for some Beer Advocate style beer, this is a good place to start.

Honorable Mentions

Smithwick’s, Beck’s Dark, Dos Equis, Everything Red Hook makes.

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