Craftin' up some recommendations

Nick Larson and Jake Devincenzi
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Kinesiology senior Nick Larson and aerospace engineering senior Jake Devincenzi are Mustang News beer columnists.

As the world learns more about craft beer and our borderline unhealthy passion for it, we have received more and more texts from friends and family that all sound pretty similar:

“I am at ________ and want to get something that is similar to ________ but not too _________. What should I get?”

We love getting these messages, but just in case we happen to be busy (aka nose-deep in a glass of Imperial Stout) the next time you find yourself in such a predicament, we thought we would fill you in on seven reasonably priced craft beers to excite your palate and broaden your horizons. When we’re just looking to pick up a nice 6-pack of brews for the weekend, here are a few of our favorites.

1. Sierra Nevada “Ruthless Rye IPA”

A great option for anyone who’s a fan of hops and earthy tones in their beer. With its weaker alcohol percentage, it’s an easier drink than most rye IPAs. One of the best-tasting IPAs you’ll find in a 6-pack, it’s easy to find here on the Central Coast and up north as well. Most grocery stores in San Luis Obispo even carry 12-packs for under $15.

2. Deschutes “Black Butte Porter”

In a normal place that’s not California, where they actually have winter, there’s nothing better than a nice, dark porter or stout to warm the soul. This dark and chocolatey West Coast-style porter hits the spot for a casual night home with a sixer.

3. Lagunitas “Brown Shugga American Strong Ale”

The bad thing about this beer is it’s seasonal and harder to find south of the Bay Area. The good thing about this beer is literally everything else. 9.99 percent alcohol by volume. Ridiculously flavorful. Rumor has it this beer was an accident that was never intended to be loaded with brown sugary goodness. Be careful with this beer; it’s easy to forget the alcohol content behind the explosive flavor.

4. North Coast “Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout”

This Russian stout has a bold flavor — one of the best around. Similar to the porter, this stout is perfect for a casual beer at night. Solid all around, you can’t go wrong. The best thing about this brew is you can find it everywhere.

5. Alaskan “Amber”

We’ve mentioned this fantastic amber before, but if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out. It has more character than any other amber we have ever had, and people with all different types of beer preferences have loved it.

6. Uinta “Dubhe Imperial Black IPA”

Another rye IPA, this one packs two punches. Sporting a higher alcohol content than the Ruthless Rye, Dubhe is brewed with hemp seeds, giving it a very distinctly — how shall we put this — Colorado/Washington smell and taste.

7. Einstok “Pale Ale”

A lesser-known beer and brewery, this Icelandic pale ale is fantastic. Not as hoppy as a traditional pale, this mellowed out version still has a ton of character. We stumbled upon it at BevMo! and were pleasantly surprised. Oh, and Einstok’s toasted porter is also fantastic.

What Are We Drinking Contest

Have you ever wanted to share a beer with Cal Poly’s two most eligible beer-chelors? Well, you’re in luck. We have selected a specific brew. If you can guess exactly which brew it is, you will win an all-expenses paid pint of craft beer with Nick and Jake (we will buy you a beer). Here’s how it works:

• Each column will have a new clue about the beer we have chosen.

• You can get one extra special clue per week if you send us a message on Twitter.

• Tweet your guesses to @njlarson8 @jake_devincenzi AND @CPMustangArts

• You must correctly guess the brewery AND specific beer.

The first person to guess correctly wins a beer with us! Yes, you have to be 21.

This week’s clue:

Different from my friends, I’m the beer you’ll choose.

For all 75 of my IBUs.