I think most people first encounter beer from the wrong angle, like you said. That's sad because it means a lot of people think they don't like beer when what they really mean is that they don't like crappy beer.

I'll occasionally drink lighter, cheaper beers - mainly in the summer, for the chill factor. The more flavourful beers definitely win in the long run, though. I like most IPAs I've tried, though a few of them simply get too bitter.

My favourite "big" beer brands that are available all over include Innis & Gunn, Hobgoblin, and Bishops Finger. Lately I've been exploring more local and national beers and been very happily surprised by the awesome ones we have. Oppigårds and Sleepy Bulldog would be my main two recommendations for a visitor here.

Doesn't look like I can get a hold of any Weltenburg Kloster here, unless I happen upon it in a bar some time.