If you're in California or Kentucky, pick yourself up a Stoner Woot Stout 2.0. It's pricey and boozy, but really nice. I just opened a bottle and it's one of the nicer stouts I've had in a while.
Yes! I've had my fair share of Stone brews, and it's so cool how they're collaborating with Wil Wheaton, Aisha Tyler and Drew Curtis . My gf had to buy one for her coworker because Whole Foods has a one per customer limit and he finished his too soon haha
All I want now is a limited series IPA from them, like Speakeasy's Vendetta. Best IPA I've had this year, second place going to Ballast Point's Sculpin. I take that back. All I really want is to try Pliny the Elder, but every place I go that should have it according to the website is dry : [
Someone almost bought out the TJ's by my house. They only got two cases of the Woot Stout.
Have you tried anything from Valiant? They have a killer IPA. Stone's Unapologetic is also pretty solid. My go to IPA is still Avery Maharajah though.
And, honestly, Pliny is good, but it's overrated. It's just a good, solid, cheap example of what an IPA should be, it's nothing life altering. If you really want to get into beer, ignore the hyped beer of the week and check out your local brewery offerings. I try to stick local because there is some awesome $5-6 a bottle stuff that wrecks $10-20 a bottle stuff. Mother Earth Brewing and Mammoth Brewing company are local to me (as is The Bruery, Valiant, and a a bunch of other awesome places) and I usually can find something killer for under $10.