Your post made me dig a stray Lil' Helper out of the fridge last night and pay a little more attention to it. For hoppy ale, I've been drinking Red Hook ESB lately.

Yep, you're right. Mother's Lil' Helper is better than the Red Hook ESB, and that's what the reviewers at beeradvocate.com say also.

I don't know the guys at Mother's Brewing, but they're doing a real good job with every one of their beers I've tasted. I finished up the evening last night with a bedtime beer - Mother's Brewing Co. Winter Grind Coffee Stout. If you like good Stout and you like good coffee, you oughta like that one. I do.