ATXBeermaker

Rolling Stone, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Hozier

♪♪ One of these things just doesn't belong here, one of these things just isn't the same. ♪♪

Here you go.

You're just not off-centered enough to enjoy it. ;-)

Seriously, though, I tend to agree with you about DFH, except for their Indian Brown Ale. Man, that's stuff's good.

Not overrated, but definitely massively overpriced.

From this list, it's looks like you're in Northern CA, likely in the Bay Area. Assuming that's the case, find some Drakes. Their IPA is fanstastic, and their 1500 pale ale is amazingly hoppy, especially for a lighter beer. They also offer some seasonal beers, my favorite of which is Aroma Coma.

If, on the other hand, you happen to be closer to the Sacramento area, take him to Berryesse Brewing Company in Winters. The owner and head brewer, Chris, is an awesome dude who makes fantastic hoppy beers (he makes fantastic any kind of beer, really, but I especially love his hoppy selections).

Also, if Pliny was a little too big of a beer, look for it's sister Blind Pig. It's a lower ABV, lighter bodied beer. Lots of people prefer it to Pliny.