This is probably PNW-centric, but…
I don’t often drink alcohol, so when I do I want it to be good. Sometimes I like a beer with lunch, and in that case I ask for something local, and on draught. This is how I discovered Mac & Jack ale and Manny’s Pale Ale. The former is brewed in Redmond, WA, and the latter is brewed in Georgetown (Seattle). Mac & Jack’s is a darkish-amber cloudy brew, and Manny’s is clear and lighter. I can’t decide which I like better, but I think I’m leaning toward Mac & Jack.
If you’ve tried both, what are your opinions?
Mmmmm… Mac & Jack’s. Both are good, but Mac & Jack’s easily ranks up in my personal top 5 beers. It’s a nice change of pace especially when so many of the craft brewers are going towards an overly hopped, bitter flavor profile. Bitter is not always better.
It’s ranked very highly on RateBeer, too. They brew a couple of other beers that you can find, usually I’ll see their wheat beer and their porter. Both of those are pretty average, but African Amber is an absolute grand slam.
Mac & Jacks. Manny’s is fine and I’ll happily drink it but will always choose Mac & Jacks if both are on tap.
I have met several of the brewers at Mac & Jacks. Then come to the nearby homebrew supply store to hang out.
Canned Mac & Jacks still need to have their quality control fine tuned. It’s a bit hit and miss, but on tap its really tasty.