Beers that are in a class if their own IMO: Goose Island IPA and something I've had in the Richmond VA called Hoppocket, which is also an IPA. Both are incredibly hoppy without being out of balance. The hop aroma of Hoppocket is especially notable. I am not sure who brews it but it's worth seeking out. Pilsner Irquell, though what we get here doesn't have the delicate, floral hop aroma of that which I've had in CZ. Anchor Porter is probably the most complex domestic porter I've tried. Spaten Optimator or Salvator define sweet maltiness. Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine has alot of everything, malt, hops and alcohol. I haven't seen it aroung for a long time, but San Miquel dark was very good, or at least it impressed me when Trader Joes carried it over 10 years ago. I think several of the Belgian style beers from Unibrew in Canada are good. There's also a Dutch brewery, whose name I can't remember, that produces some nice belgian style beer in those larger bottles with the cork. I haven't been too impressed with the brews from Ommengang in NY.
