Yes, that is a bit of an understatement.
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.
I guess I’m not beer snobby enough. I usually go with something from Sam Adams.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I had a growler of Left Hand Milk Stout just two days ago. It was exceptional.
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.
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.
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.
I *really *like Redhook IPA. Very hoppy and not too sweet. Great stuff.
I haven’t read the whole thread, so it may have already been mentioned, but Great Lakes 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.
The Long Hammer! I love this stuff. A great standard American IPA.
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.
Bell’s Lager of the Lakes So good!
As someone who dislikes hoppiness, I’ll add Blue Moon and Widmer to the mix.
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.
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.