Oh yeah, that ale was a "sippin'" ale. We lived in Oceanside, CA at the time and we'd take the RV down to the boat launching area, park overlooking the harbor, break out the lawn chairs, and then I'd start a sippin'. Pretty soon a golden glow came over me like the incoming tide and I drifted off. The medicinal benefits of that stuff was a wonder to behold, as I always came back refreshed to the max. Nowadays my sippin' is with Guinness Stout or Anchor Steam Porter - religious experiences all.
I usually favor a porter or stout myself. Whatever it is, it should have character and be something worth drinking.