So unfortunately it seems impossible to get any Deschuttes, Russian River or 3 Floyds beer out here in MA. I hear they all have some amazing stuff. Can anyone confirm this?

I have found some recipes of clones of some of their stuff, but haven't tried any myself. I've been tempted, but without tasting the real thing I'd have no way to compare. Has anyone actually made a clone of beer from any of these breweries?

Deschutes is on my top-three without a doubt! Everything they brew absolutely defines the style. They never seem to go to crazy either, always just really good solid beer. I have never tried a clone unfortunately. The other two are not available in my area either.

Good to hear Deschutes really is that good. I guess I'll have to make one of the clone recipes I have then. I have one for the black butte porter, obsidian stout, and mirror pond pale ale; which do you think is best?

Mirror Pond is what I use as a baseline to judge other pale-ales. If you're into them, try that. The Obsidian Stout is also excellent. It's very strong flavored and easy to drink as well. To be honest, if I've had the porter, it's been long enough I don't recall much about it. I looked through my notes, and don't see it.

Well I guess I'm definitely going to have to test out one of those recipes. The black butte sounded most appealing to me and I just blended its recipe with 2 other porters (Odell Cutthroat and Mayflower porter) this weekend (and a few minor tweaks). I've only had the Mayflower, but all 3 had such good reviews I couldn't decide which to do.

Hopefully someone here is from Cali or Indiana so I can find out whether I should be trying out any of the 3 Floyds or Russian River recipes I have. Pliny the Younger sounds real tempting for this spring.

Mirror Mirror pops up around here late summer time. It is awesome!