Tony here are some of my favorite BIG stouts
(* denotes hard to find if not impossible on the west coast)
1. Storm King Stout - Victory Brewing *
This is the beer that made me the beer snob I am today, victory is in PA and they make a BUNCH of incredible beers (If you do find them anywhere out here let me know and pick up some Golden Monkey (Tripel), Hop Whallop (Winter seasonal double IPA), Hop Devil (american IPA), Prima Pils (A pilsner, yes I know but trust me try it)
2. Smutty Robust Porter - Smuttynose *
NH brewery, incredible fresh beers, not sure if they are out here yet, again if you find it I need it. Also try their IPA if you find it.
3. Shakespeare Stout - Rogue
Brewery up in Oregon, see it all over the place out here, great brew, try their chocolate stout as well
4. Imperial Stout - Stone
*Warning* this beer is intense, may want to try some other extreme stouts before trying this bad boy out
5. Old Rasputin Russian imperial stout - Northcoast
Find if all over the place out here, comes in a 4 pack, take it home and drink it, delicious!
6. Sierra Nevada Porter - Sierra Nevada brewing co
Seasonal you can find all over the place, my go to winter beer.
When your ready for the next step, IPA, Double IPA, Imperial IPA's let me know. I have lots of suggestions for those. And after that we can move onto the Belgian beers, some nice Strong Belgian Dark brews.
Here are a couple links to the top rated beeradvocate.com stouts,
American Stouts: http://beeradvocate.com/top_beers?this_cId=&this_style=&cId=&style=158
Russian Imperial Stouts: http://beeradvocate.com/top_beers?this_cId=&this_style=158&cId=&style=84
Enjoy and drink responsibly.
PS
Don't forget proper glassware is key!!!