with some diet soda or club soda. If I'm drinking something straight, High West Double Rye is my favorite. About once a season I'll go nuts on carbs and have a beer fest with a friend. I seriously gain about 10 pounds in one day, but it only takes about a week to lose that water weight again. This was my selection this year.
Spaten Oktoberfest
Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout
Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout
Wasatch Devastator Double Bock
Deschutes Black Butte Porter
As you can see, I prefer dark beers when the weather turns cold. My very favorite is Spaten Optimator Double Bock, but it's been a couple years since I've been able to find it in a Utah liquor store.
As for the IPA discussion, I'm just not a fan. I'll drink one if that's what is available, but I almost never choose it.