My local brewery, Matt's puts out several that I really like. I guess my favorites that are brewed year round are Saranac Black & Tan and Saranac Black Forest.

The problem with US beer drinking is insisting that it be ice cold. Stout that's been in the refrigerator looses half of its taste. Basement temperature works really well to bring out the sweetness & still refresh.

I've been on the brewery tour enough to know the difference between ales & lagers. I like ales much better.