DAVE LONGIARUOWNER, TRACK 84, WARWICK
The gateway beer that woke my palate was Harpoon IPA. It was a local (MA) beer that actually had body and flavor! I would recommend Harpoon IPA for people entering the craft beer world. If slight bitterness is an issue, I'd suggest Blanche De Chambly from Unibroue, a bottle-fermented White Ale.
If there was only one beer I could have forever . . . wow, tough choice. I enjoy so many styles. My choice would have to be Panil Barriquée. This Italian Oak-Aged Sour Red Ale is outstanding and I could be happy for eternity with this beer!
START WITH ALLAGASH Oakley at Julian’s. |
BRIAN OAKLEYPARTNER/LEVEL 17 CLERIC, BEARER OF THE STAFF OF SEVEN PIECES, AND PROCURER OF THE ARKENSTONE AND RARE BEERS AT JULIAN'S
My gateway beer was a Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale. For other folks who are new to craft beer, I might suggest an Allagash White Ale or a Smuttynose Robust Porter. Both are super-tasty without being overwhelming, easy to drink, and low ABV [alcohol by volume] — great stepping stones for folks to get more into interesting brews.
[To choose one beer], I guess that depends on the type of island you're abandoned on or crashed on or plan to get off the grid to. If it was a hot desert island: Tripel Karmeliet. Cold desert or temperate Island: Founders KBS.
ALAN BRINTONOWNER, GREY SAIL BREWING COMPANY
When I was a college senior at Penn State in 1990, I frequented a bar named Zeno's. They were known for $1 pitchers and their "Around the World in 80 Beers" passport. Even though I was a poor college student, I passed over the $1 pitchers and spent my final semester completing the passport. Three beers really stood out for me — Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale from the UK, Anchor Porter, and Anchor Liberty Ale.
I try to suggest beers based on an individual's taste preferences. There are so many options today, I truly believe that there is a craft brew for everyone. If I had to pick one, I'd go with something easy-drinking like Magic Hat's Wacko. (Or if I can provide a shameless plug — Grey Sail's Flagship Ale, an easy-drinking, yet flavorful cream ale brewed right here in Rhode Island.)
[If I had to choose one beer it would be] Yuengling's Lord Chesterfield Ale. Yuengling is North America's oldest brewery and they've been making craft beers since before they were called craft beers.
