The AHA is asking for a list of 20 best beers in America from it's members for Zymurgy so I figured I would go ahead post it here as well. Comments on why I picked that particular beer follow the choice. The beers could be domestic or import so long as they are available in the United States. This list is in no particular order of importance.

Anchor Steam - Sometimes a classic just deserves the credit
Anderson Valley Hop Ottin' IPA - Rock solid brewery
Bells Expedition Stout - I only had one bottle but wish I could get more
Bellhaven Scottish Ale - I prefer the canned version, but just love the flavor and complexity
Brooklyn Brown Ale - Hands down this is the beer I miss most from the East Coast, I want to brew a clone because I can't simply find it
Czechvar - I don't care what they call it, Czechvar or Budvar it's a damn fine Czech Pilsner
Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale - I can finally find it here in Arizona, they are masters at blending beers
Four Peaks Kilt Lifter - I like this one as much 8th Street Pale, but this one is better known and more likely to make the list
Lagunitas IPA - This is my semi-regular beer at my regular bar, when I am in a hoppy mood this is the best and biggest they have got
New Belgium 2 Below - I love most of their beers but this one is my favorite
Oak Creek Nut Brown - Again another pick of what I think others know and like, while I love all their beers my favorite is the Hefeweizen
Ommengang Three Philosophers - One of my favorite breweries, sadly we don't get the speciality limited batch runs, just these the standards
Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale - Beer Can Chicken, it makes an amazing one, but it's a tasty ale to boot
Rodenbach Grand Cru - Sour tangy, oh so yummy
Rogue Brutal Bitter - This was a tough choice, I have had so many great beers at their taproom
Russian River Pliny the Elder - So hoppy, so balanced
Santa Fe State Pen Imperial Porter - I really enjoyed this at Strong Ale Festival, but contrary to what they call it, it's really a great Russian Imperial Stout
Speakeasy Bootlegger Black Lager - They are one of my favorite breweries in the last few years, I wish I could get their Lager here
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine 25th Expedition - I have had a few six packs the last few weeks, so dang tasty
Stone Old Guardian Barleywine - Very tasty brew
Stone 11th Anniversary - Loved this new look at the IPA, yea I did list the same brewery twice, heck on my first draft they were on the list four times, I really didn't want to list anyone more than once, but they are so good I couldn't help but list them twice

Tomorrow the second part of the assignment 150 words on one of these beers.