My thoughts are this. I would avoid an IPA or even an American Pale Ale. If he likes coffee and or Dark Chocoalte, nothing wrong with going toward a stout or a porter. In fact, if he likes Coffee a lot, I'd think a Breckenridge Vanilla Porter would be right up his alley. If you aren't sure about that, or he doesn't "love" coffee. Then I would suggest going for something that is more malt forward, but on the lighter side. A good Helles can be a great introduction to craft beer. It's in the range of Bud, Miller or Coors, but has a lot more complexity and over all flavor without being in your face or too over powering.