Five beers (and why I like them right now)

Beer is _such_ an individual choice.  For those who think the world revolves around $2 taps and PBR... Sorry, nothing here to see.  Move along.  Pay no attention...

But for the growing number of people who seem to be discovering the art of craft brewing, I offer you the following.  This is not intended to be the 'ultimate beer list', or even my all time favorites.  Just 5 beers that I enjoy.  My tastes lean toward hoppy, malty brews that may not fit the taste buds of everyone. I love IPAs, Russian Imperial Stouts, Rye PAs, and other high flavor creations.  Not so much on true pilsners and lagers.  And I'd rather drink water than "American Light Lager"!

So with no further ado, and in no particular order, geographic or style preference:

Name	Brewer	Random facts
Surly Furious Heavy duty American IPA.  Huge hops, caramel malt, really set the bar for beer that happens to come in a can.  Favorite beer after a ride.	Surly Brewing Company	Aside from brewing good beer, Surly is noteworthy for 2 important efforts. Led the effort to pass the taproom bill so that craft breweries could have a taproom at the brewery.  This has led to an explosion of craft breweries in Minnesota. “Surly Gives a Damn” – Volunteers sign up on the company website for various civic projects – paint elder housing, marshal a race course, or whatever, and get a hat/t-shirt and a beer at the end.  They ‘sell out’ their activities every time!
Sculpin IPA Quite possibly the best ‘widely available’ West Coast IPA on the market. Definitely my favorite!	Ballast Point	Cool labels, great beer.  San Diego brewery that also helps home brewers.
Hundred Yard Dash American fresh hopped IPA.  Fresh hopped ale from a small brewery.	Brau Brothers	Named for the distance between the hop vines and the brew house in Lucan MN.  They’ve moved to the much larger facility in nearby Marshall, MN complete with taproom
Hopslam Double IPA. Six different hops plus a little honey make for a very potent, palatable beer.  The only ‘case beer’ I buy.	Bell’s Brewery	Once a year in late January, the trucks roll out from New Holland, MI bearing their precious cargo.  It’s an event.
Size 7 Northwest IPA Found in bombers in my local outlet, great flavor, nice body and bouquet.  Worthy addition to this list	Steel Toe Brewing	Worth a visit. Another Minnesota craft brewery with taproom.