Craft Brews for the Domestic Beer Drinker

Craft breweries aren't just for hipsters and beer snobs out to drink the most obscure beer they can find on a list. Craft beers were made for people who love beer, and brewers treat special brews like beloved members of the family. If your beer-drinking future is more likely to contain Coors, Miller or Bud than Victory, Rogue or Sierra Nevada, you're missing out on some of the tastiest beers available in the country. Try these beers the next time you're at the liquor store-their flavors are close enough to be familiar, but unique enough to expand your palate. You might find a new favorite beer-or a few.

Victory Lager
This German helles-style lager is balanced, subtle and not so frou-frou. Victory Brewing Company is based out of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. In 2004 it was named the Grand Champion in the Dortmunder/Helles category of the United States Beer Tasting Championships. At 4.8% ABV, it's closer to Budweiser (ABV 5%) than Bud Light (ABV 4.2%).

Rogue American Amber Ale
This amber ale won awards worldwide since 2003, including World Champ at the World Beer Championships from 2003-2006. Its smooth finish won't linger like many craft ales, and it weighs in at 5.3% ABV. From Newport, Oregon.

Samuel Adams White Ale
If you've wondered about trying wheat beer but would sooner go on the wagon than drink a Blue Moon or Hoegaarden, try Sam Adams' version of unfiltered wheat beer. And Sam Adams yeast ensures your wheat beer will still taste like a Sam Adams beer. And at 5.4% ABV, it kicks Hoegaarden (4.9% ABV) to the curb and gets you there as fast as Blue Moon (5.4%), minus the orange slice. From The Boston Beer Company in Boston, Massachusetts.

Karl Strauss Red Trolley Ale (West Coast)
This copper ale gets its flavor and color from caramelized malts and is balanced with domestic hops to finish with a touch of sweetness. This approachable ale is good for those who like a darker, more flavorful beer. 5.8% ABV for those on the left coast. From San Diego, California.

Magic Hat #9 (East Coast)
This thirst-quenching ale is a bit darker than a pale ale, but delicious nevertheless. At 4.6% ABV, you won't keel over from alcohol content, but the beer will disappear faster than you think it will. From Magic Hat Brewing Company in Burlington, Vermont.

Sierra Nevada Stout
A full-bodied stout with caramel and black malts to give a nice, round roasted flavor. Sierra Nevada won a Gold Medal at the 2000 California State Fair. 5.8% ABV makes Sierra Nevada a tasty alternative to Guinness Extra Stout at 6% ABV.

Firestone Double Barrel Ale
This tasty amber ale contains five blended malts with English and Slovenian hops and English ale yeast. It's all married in toasted oak barrels. From Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles, CA. 5% ABV, sold in 22-ounce bottles.