Coincidentally I just tried that sierra nevada beer for the first time last night.
Sierra Nevada isn't my favorite beer, but I have it listed as one of the items I would like to have should I ever be stranded on a desert island. It just goes good with just about anything.
Depends on where you are in the country. A lot of the best beers can only be found regionally. Some of my favorite I can think of off the top of my head...
Fat Tire - New Belgium Brewing Co. Hoegaraden - From the country Belgium Sunset Wheat - Leinenkugel Brewery Franziskaner, Anchor, Spaten, Three Floyds, I could go on.
Honestly the best advise I can give is to find a local liquor store that carries a lot of micro/import beers and that allows you to mix and match. Go in and buy a six pack of 6 different beers. If you hate one you didnt waste much money on it. Also see if there are any pubs or bars in your area that specialize in unique beers. Ive got two within 20 minutes of me that have 200+ beers in stock at any time.
Also try beeradvocate.com and realbeer.com, maybe even look into brewing your own if you like beer enough.
A lot of liquor stores have the "mix and match" 6 packs. I have been re-aquainted with Shiner Bock. It is a nice bock that doesn't pack that "Bock-wallop" so after 2 or 3 you can still focus on things. I am a huge fan of Leinenkugel. With Summer approaching, I recommend German wheat beers like Franzikaner, Spaten and Tucher. If you want to stick a lttle closer to home, go with Flying Dog In Heat Wheat(the best German style Weissbier made in America). If you are looking for something a little heartier, then I suggest just about anything from the Ommergang Brewery in Cooperstown NY. They have a new Blonde session ale whose name escapes me right now that is awesome. Hennipen session ale is a fine brew by these folks as well.
Enjoy! But as always...Moderation is the key to effective Beer enjoyment.
