I know what you mean Roger. Had some exceptional brews for Octoberfest this year, including a Vermont local brew (while on vacation there) made by the Von Trapp family at their microbrewery. Also had some Weihenstephan Octoberfest on draft here locally at a place called Taps(30 brews on tap, ever changing!) This week I was pleasantly surprised when the featured a ton of Mad River Brewery beers, including a personal favorite called Jamaican Red.
Not into the flavored or spiced brews much these days, but around here the hop heads seem to just crank out over the top hopped to the extreme brews that leave a lot to be desired, compared to a truely balanced craft brew! Well thank goodness for all the choices out there!