Since forum topics pertaining to peoples' lists of favorites seem to be a hit lately, I'm going to step it up and ask about my favorite thing besides film: beer.

My Top 5:

Cascade IPA (Amherst Brewing Company): Hoppy, strong, delicious. I used to tend bar here in my post-college days. I know that suggests bias, but it's just the best beer around. Unfortunately, it can only be purchased at the pub, on tap or in growlers. They don't distribute it to retailers at all. http://www.amherstbrewing.com/ [1]

Switchback Ale (Burlington, VT): A very small brewery in the mountains. Hoppy without being bitter, hint of citrus in the finish. They don't bottle it, but every restaurant in a 30-mile radius of Burlington has it on tap.

Long Trail IPA (Bridgewater Corners, VT): It was disappointing when Long Trail got bought out by some conglomerate, but they did start making a serious IPA. Unfiltered and yeasty, just the right amount of hoppy kick. This is my standby.

Arrogant Bastard Ale (Stone Brewing Co.): As a certified hop-head, I don;t usually go for the malt-intensive brews, but this one is great. Tread carefully, it packs a wallop. Bonus: the description written on the side of the bottle is perhaps the best and funniest instance of subversive marketing I've ever seen. Check it out: http://www.arrogantbastard.com/index2.html [2]

De Ranke XX Bitter (Belgium): It's blasphemous for a beer afficianado to say so, but I generally think European beers are overrated. 4 of my top 5 are relatively recent American upstarts. But this one takes the cake. Tastes like fresh-squeezed hop juice. Don't be fooled by its innocent-looking light color; at 8% abv, it'll knock you on your ass if you're used to yellow lager beers.