I used to agree. Hales was one of my first loves. Their original Bitter was outstanding back in the 80s. HTey went downhill for a little while, but have bounced back nicely in the last couple years.
Hales was a great supporter of our local Spokane brewclub (River City Brewers), until they hit it big on the west side and moved the operation over there. Always willing pull a bit of yeast for us to use in our home brews.
The Moss Bay stout was my introduction to Stout Floats - especially dangerous with Costcos’ Double-Death-by-Chocolate Brownies and Dreyer’s French Vanilla ice cream....that stuff just gets right in your mouth.