# Best beer not a local micro but available everywhere in the U.S. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** beer\ **Created:** [March 2, 2012, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566 "2012-03-02T17:26:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/41 "2012-03-03T02:43:04Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Damn, but it sounds like the beer situation has improved enormously from my days of Miller Genuine Draft. Yes, that is a bit of an understatement. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/42 "2012-03-03T02:52:18Z")
> [@Trom](#): > > I see Fat Tire beers pretty much everywhere. Do they distribute on the east coast? New Belgium is getting there, slowly but surely. I was able to buy Fat Tire most anywhere in St. Louis, including 12-packs at the grocery store, and at some bars in Dayton. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/43 "2012-03-03T03:49:07Z")
I guess I’m not beer snobby enough. I usually go with something from Sam Adams. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/44 "2012-03-03T04:05:58Z")
> [@yanceylebeef](#): > > Shiner Boch. > Yueingling. Neither of these are commonly available on the West Coast. I had Shiner in New Orleans and Yuengling in Atlanta. Both were pretty meh to me, without a side by side tasting but I’d rank 'em around Sam Adams. Drinkable but nothing like the rep they have on this board. :dubious: Sierra Nevada Negro Modelo (how widely distributed is this one?) I’d accept Sam Adams for the distribution aspect. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/45 "2012-03-03T04:17:52Z")
I’ve found Shiner Bock all over the West Coast. Bevmo has it in regular stock. Negro Modelo is everywhere. If a place has Corona, Pacifico, and St. Pauli, they have Negro Modelo. ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/46 "2012-03-03T04:45:07Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > They’ve had Shiner products in Chicago since 2007. It’s…OK. I didn’t grow up with it, so I don’t quite get the hype. I understand the love for Yuengling a bit more. It’s a great example of its style… My experiences with those two mirror yours. I was SO excited to try Shiner when I moved to Texas—this mythical beer that you could only get in Texas, fantastic with the local bbq—and so disappointed when I finally tried it. The tour is fun though. The GF came up with the observation that Shiner is like beer seen through gauze: you can see how it could be good, and see what they were trying to do, but each of their beers is a fuzzy example of the respective style. I do like their Smokehouse beer, which I don’t believe they make anymore, damn it. Yuengling was interesting when I visited Pittsburgh. I’d rather have something from Dock Street or Stoudt’s, though. For the OP, put me down for Guinness (draft only, please), Sierra Nevada, or Negra Modelo. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/47 "2012-03-03T05:41:27Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > Neither of these are commonly available on the West Coast. I had Shiner in New Orleans and Yuengling in Atlanta. Both were pretty meh to me, without a side by side tasting but I’d rank 'em around Sam Adams. Drinkable but nothing like the rep they have on this board. I love Yuengling, but it’s nothing exceptional. It and Amber Bock are what I call my gas station beers of choice, i.e. if I’m wanting a beer, but don’t have anything on hand, am wanting to keep it cheap, and don’t feel like driving to an actual store, they are what I default to. I guess the equivalent would be what I’ve seen others call lawnmower or bbq beers? It’s just a good middle of the road beer. ---
**Author:** ![ShelliBean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f9ae1b/32.png) [@ShelliBean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShelliBean)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/48 "2012-03-03T05:59:26Z")
Yuengling is my regular standard beer. I also like Rogue Dead Guy. I hate Sierra IPA. Sorry, don’t lynch me. Right now I’m enjoying a mix pack from Left Hand - Sawtooth and Milk Stout. I always assume any beer I can get here in Bham is pretty widespread. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/49 "2012-03-03T06:28:20Z")
I had a growler of Left Hand Milk Stout just two days ago. It was exceptional. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/50 "2012-03-03T06:34:05Z")
Another vote for Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I’m also rather fond of their Porter. Shiner? Really? I grew up drinking this in Texas and have always found the legendary status it has to be amusing. A pretty run of the mill beer honestly. And, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t have nationwide distribution. > [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Popping in just so the thread will be tagged. Intend to try some of these next month. Damn, but it sounds like the beer situation has improved enormously from my days of Miller Genuine Draft. Sam, I know you said in another thread where you will be visiting while in the states but I can’t remember right now. If you want to try some good beer while visiting I would suggest trying anything from Dogfish Head, Three Floyds, Brooklyn Brewing, Half Acre Beer Co., Lagunitas, Bell’s, Two Brothers, Allagash, Great Lakes, Stone, New Belgium and Left Hand. That’s just off the top of my head so I know there are plenty I missed and probably haven’t even had the chance to try yet. Yeah, the beer situation in the States has improved enormously. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/51 "2012-03-03T10:34:56Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > Sam, I know you said in another thread where you will be visiting while in the states but I can’t remember right now. If you want to try some good beer while visiting I would suggest trying anything from Dogfish Head, Three Floyds, Brooklyn Brewing, Half Acre Beer Co., Lagunitas, Bell’s, Two Brothers, Allagash, Great Lakes, Stone, New Belgium and Left Hand. > > That’s just off the top of my head so I know there are plenty I missed and probably haven’t even had the chance to try yet. Yeah, the beer situation in the States has improved enormously. 😃 Thanks. It will be the East Coast. I hear Brooklyn brews some pretty good beers too. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/52 "2012-03-03T16:15:22Z")
To add to **Kolak** ’s recs, keep an eye out for Ommegang’s beers, as they are brewed in Cooperstown, NY, so they should be available where you’re at. The Abbey Ale, Hennepin, and Three Philosophers, are all fantastic Belgian-style ales. I would say they are on-par with actual Belgian beers from Belgium. Heck, I may say the Abbey Ale is my favorite Belgian double, whether domestic “Belgian-style” or the real imported deal. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/53 "2012-03-03T16:25:17Z")
I \*really \*like **Redhook IPA**. Very hoppy and not too sweet. Great stuff. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/54 "2012-03-03T16:32:47Z")
I haven’t read the whole thread, so it may have already been mentioned, but [Great Lakes](http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/beer/great-lakes-in-your-area) makes some excellent beers, available throughout the midwest and parts of the mid-atlantic seaboard. So, it’s “not available everywhere,” but it is available throughout a goodly chunk of the US east of the Mississippi. I had some Edmund Fitzgerald in Ohio a few years back, and it rocked. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/55 "2012-03-03T17:28:32Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I \*really \*like **Redhook IPA**. Very hoppy and not too sweet. Great stuff. The Long Hammer! I love this stuff. A great standard American IPA. ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/56 "2012-03-03T18:31:08Z")
Shiner Bock was THE beer to drink when I was in college (and I partook often–too often), and yes it is way overrated. However, nowadays Shiner has many varieties (Blonde, Black Lager, Hefeweizen, etc) that are better than the original. Not _great_, but still better than the macros. ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/57 "2012-03-03T18:36:41Z")
Bell’s **Lager of the Lakes** So good! ---
**Author:** ![Lazlo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lazlo/32/9678_2.png) [@Lazlo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazlo)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2012, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/58 "2012-03-04T03:35:40Z")
As someone who dislikes hoppiness, I’ll add Blue Moon and Widmer to the mix. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2012, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/59 "2012-03-04T03:50:06Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Popping in just so the thread will be tagged. Intend to try some of these next month. Damn, but it sounds like the beer situation has improved enormously from my days of Miller Genuine Draft. Oh, so much. Frankly, I’ve only been able to drink legally for a few years and even I can see the improvement. Any decent bar will have at least a couple microbrews available, and many will have about a dozen. I do live in Oregon, though, and am therefore spoiled beer-wise, as I discovered when I began traveling for work and was forced to endure comparatively poor distribution in the hinterlands. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2012, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566/60 "2012-03-05T03:05:55Z")
I’ve seen Shiner Bock at a couple of bars in DC, FWIW. I like it. Its low alcohol content and mild flavor make it a great beer for a hot day. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566.md?page=4)