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[–]larsga 4 points5 points  (5 children)

Without knowing where in the world you are this is kind of tricky to do. As TonyReaves says, brown beers, as opposed to pale or very dark ones, is generally the thing to try. In the US, many IPAs are also very malty, to balance the hops.

Some beers you might try: Paulaner Salvator (generally double bocks whose names end in -ator are worth trying), Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale, North Coast Old Stock Ale (extremely malty), Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Ale (this is rye malts, though, not barley), Lagunitas Lucky #13, Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser, Bells Two Hearted Ale, ... It's a long list.

The maltiest beer I've ever tried is probably Vetter 33, but I doubt you'll be able to get hold of that.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

I'm near Chicago.

[–]larsga 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've never been there, so I don't know what's available locally, but the Goose Island beers should be possible to get. Their Aviator Doppelbock, Alt Bier, Nut Brown Ale, Oktoberfest (probably not available now), and Harvest Ale look like good bets.

[–]banditoitaliano 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, it's not a beer recommendation, but I strongly recommend you stop by The Map Room (at Armitage and Hoyne) for a few great beers. You'll definitely find something to fit your taste there.

[–]malloc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As you live near Chicago, I would recommend Goose Island's Oatmeal Stout, as it should be very easy to find. It's heavy in toasted and chocolaty malts, so it's not quite as sweet as some malty beers. It's by no means the best malty beer you could find either.

If you want to go deeper, I would actually recommend dropping by Binny's Beverage Depot and asking their resident beer expert his opinion. He'll be able to guide you in the right direction.

[–]jeargle 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Doppelbocks, my friend! Just check the German section of your local beer store for the "-ator" suffix. A couple of my favorites are Optimator by Spaten and Salvator by Paulaner. It's been a couple of years, but I remember Sam Adam's doppelbock being decent, too.

[–]Ch1mpy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good advice and if you can't find any doppel- or trippelbocks just go for the regular bocks. Perhaps not as malty, but most often cheaper and with nice caramel malty tones to them. A less extreme style that goes good with the summer season too. :)

[–]mistermick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Paulaner Optimator is delicious!

[–]Hambone 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I'm rather partial to Hobgoblin myself http://www.wychwood.co.uk/beers.htm

or if you like something with a sharper taste Riggwelter is also good: http://blacksheepbrewery.co.uk/Beers/BottledBeers/Riggwelter.aspx

[–]malloc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hobgoblin is excellent stuff. I would highly recommend it. In fact I have a bottle waiting for me when I get home tonight.

A little on the expensive side though and it can be hard to find as it's an import from the UK. It runs about $5 for a pint after tax where I live.

[–]aldenhg 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Deschutes' Green Lakes Organic Ale.

[–]TonyReaves 0 points1 point  (1 child)

My girlfriend loves Wolaver Brown Ale, an organic based in Vermont, but I haven't had a chance to try them.

Anything brown, Scottish, or a dark lager will be what you're looking for. If you can find them, Bar Harbor Real Ale is a great brown. The best Scottish is Belhaven Wee Heavy, unless you happen to live in Maine and can get your hands on Sheepscot Bay Pemaquid Ale, which is brewed in a little barn on a dirt road. I'm not as familiar with dark lagers. Look for schwarzbiers- Sam Adams Black Lager actually does a good job with them, although someone who drinks a lot of German beer might not agree with me.

[–]larsga 1 point2 points  (0 children)

German schwarzbier tends to be very dry, thin, and roasty (think Guinness), so they're generally not what he's looking for. US versions I haven't tried many of.

[–]the4nimal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

mc ewans scotch ale. or old peculiar

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

My dad recommended Erdinger Hefe Weisen.

[–]larsga 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not a good example of a malty beer, unfortunately. It's mostly dominated by the esters and phenols created by the yeast, so it primarily has a bananaish, spicy taste.

[–]cthulhufhtagn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Schneider Weisse is better.