Tuborg it’s Danish, but available in better US restaurants.
Harp is also brewed England (I know, I checked my can last time I bought some), that’s probably why it’s crap! Not the same as the Irish stuff. Possibly.
Budvar, hmmm, can also get it outside the Czech Republic, but it’s expensive. Never, ever get it mixed up with Budweiser!
No, the Irish stuff is crap too.
BTW Pilsner Urquell is the best lager I’ve ever tasted.
If you’re ever in NYC, be absolutely positive that you get to McSorley’s in the Village, the city’s oldest pub. You get two choices at the bar: light or dark. Get the dark. You can buy the stuff in bottles also, but there’s nothing like having it there (only about 3 bucks for 2 mugs of it, also)
As a recent college graduate, I can appreciate the economic impetus for buying cheap potent stuff (Beast Ice, Busch, et al), but I’ve been branching out slowly but surely. I actually kind of like Harp (apparently defying my Irish heritage), and have long been a fan of Guinness. As for some more esoteric micro-brews (I think), there’s Red Voodoo (by Dixie brewing company I think), and Lone Star (although I think that this is more rare around here, than it is micro).
All this considered, when I hit up one of Hoboken or NYC’s fine pubs, I just order whatever draught is on special.
Here are a few that I like:
Hacker-Pschorr, Hefe-weizen - Germany
Schneiders - Germany
Negra Modelo - Mexico
Flying Horse - India
Starobrno - Czech Republic (Bohemia)
Brackie - Poland
A caution on the Pilsner Urquell is that the green bottles don’t stop UV, which makes it get all skunky-tasting. It’s better in Europe, where you can get it on tap, or closer to the source, so it doesn’t have as much chance to go bad.
If you liked Blue Moon, and you’re in Europe, you need to find some of a Belgian beer called Manikin Pis. It’s got a picture of the Pissing Boy on it, and it’s amazing.
Hmm… a lot of us are assuming that you’re in Europe, or going there, but rereading the OP, that might not be the case…
If you’re in the Midwest, try to find some Leinenkugel’s. I like the Honey Weissen and Creamy Dark, but they have a bunch of other brews that are pretty nice, and not too expensive. Summit and James Page are Twin Cities local brews that are pretty nice, but spendy.
I only drink NA beer, and the local selection is limited. Haake Beck is my fave so far.
I’ll add Sierra Nevada Pale Ale to the list…a nice hoppy (lots of Cascade hops) beer…especially in warmer weather.
You take that back! Don’t even put The Rock in the same category as Buttwiper. While it’s not a great beer, you could do worse when you need to slug back 10 or 12. It’s a good old Pennsylvania beer. And don’t you dare diss Yuengling!
Best Beers I Can’t Get On The East Coast
Deschutes Brewery’s Obsidian Stout and Black Buttes Porter.
Best Beers I Can Get On The East Coast
Sierra Nevada Porter and Pale Ale. I could drink these all day; unfortunately, they’re costing around $8/six-pack here in E-city.
Best Reasonably Affordable Beers
Red Hook ESB and Porter. Sure, they’re kinda like the Starbucks of Microbrews, but I love 'em.
Best Hot-Weather Mass Consumption Beer
Miller Lite.
Best Cheap Beer At My Local Food Lion
Michelob Ultra. Sure, you can drink half a case without catching a buzz, but it’s not all that bad–plus, squeeze in a bit of lime and you can pretend its Tecate or Carta Blanca! And for that buzz, use 'em to chase tequila. Plus, at $2.99/six-pack…
Best Beer For Homesickness
Shiner Bock.
Best Beer For River Rafting
Pearl Beer. When everybody’s beers are mixed in together, you never have to wonder if someone’s sneaking in to your stash and you NEVER hear anyone ask, “Do you mind if I drink one of your Pearls?”
I’m partial to Irish ales. In particular, I’m a fan of Killkenny Cream Ale. Also, I have consumed quite a lot of Smithwick’s. But my favorite brew, hands down, is McNally’s, an Irish-style ale from local brewery, Big Rock. As noted on their web site:
At 7%, it’s strong, but tastes great while not being as heavy as Guiness. Also, it’s available throughout Western Canada (from B.C. to Manitoba) and also the American West coast (as well as Idaho, Montana, and Nevada).
Pantellerite is from Texas, I see by the references to Shiner and Pearl. But you’ve obviously not tubed with my college friends. Their favorite was “whatever you got”.
I agree wholeheartedly with the Sierra Nevada Porter recommendation. Really, anything from Sierra Nevada is good.
I like Carolina Blonde, if you can find some. Everyone but me seems to hate Red Stripe, but I liked Red Stripe. Killian’s Irish Red is tasty. Heineken is sort of my default beer. Dixie Beer is downright tasty, if you can find some. I’ve liked most of the Sam Adams “flavors” that I’ve tasted, so those are always good.
As an aside, anyone here have those pre-made Jack and Cokes that JD makes? Like a little slice of heaven.
This also points out why I got into homebrewing: now that I’ve written off the cost of the equipment, a batch of beer costs me about $5 a six-pack, and I’m making a beer that, if I can find it, costs me at least $9 a six-pack. It’s cheaper and better than what I can usually find in a store.
Indeed, I am! And since it may’ve gotten lost in my post let me state that Sierra Nevada Porter is, IMHO, the best beer out there. It’s just too bad that it’s shot up to nearly $9/six here. Heck, I just spent $9 for a 12-pack Saranac sampler, which is fine but nothing to post about.
Interestingly enough, when I went into experimental beer mode at the store yesterday, it was between Saranac and Carolina Blonde. Since Carolina Blonde got a recommendation, I’ll more strongly consider it next time. So far, the only Carolina-brewed beer I’ve tried is OBX beer brewed by Weeping Raddish Brewery, which seemed to me to be very Lone Star-like (I used to be a big fan of Lone Star, back in Ye Olde Undergraduate days) and not terribly exciting.
lost4life I was hoping someone would mention Yuengling beer!
This is my all time favorite - and a rare treat while I was a poor college student in Happy Valley, PA, and rarer now in Chicagoland.
Yuengling makes lager, porter, black and tan - and all are excellent.
Check it out: http://www.yuengling.com/
Mmm - I wants me some Yuengling lager right now.
Also - if you are ever in Washington D.C., check out the Brickskeller - it has beers from around the world (and pretty tasty food, too).
Ah, a subject near and dear to my heart. I’m also a homebrewer, but I certainly find time to keep up on the micro and craft brews out there too!
For starters, I’ll second (third?) Yuengling Lager for an affordable, tasty, well-made alternate to the budmillercoors of the world. This is what I keep around for a simple “It’s hotternell and I want to sip on a beer while I’m doing the yard work” stuff.
Other absolute stunners:
Abbaye de Leffe Blonde (my all-time fave). Also lighter, crisp, refreshing, eminently drinkable. Fantastic flavor.
Spaten Optimator. Classic German Dark. NOT, repeat NOT at all like Guinness. Not bitter, not “bitey” on the tongue. Good body, not “thin” like Guinness. Those who think you don’t like dark beer, this is the one to try and be converted. PS, I like Guinness, but am amazed how many people have tried it and (wrongly) base their opinion of “dark” beer on it
Golden Monkey (Victory brewing co.) . A lighter tripel-style ale from a great american microbrewer: I love the slogan: “The Tripel Do You Good”
McEwan’s Scotch Ale. One of my favorites during the winter, though you may well NOT like this one. It’s more Guinness-y, although a strong peaty/sweet note along with the bitter.
Samichlaus: Finally, since you had your epiphany in Switzerland, consider trying this Swiss beer brewed only once a year for the holidays. Perhaps more like a carbonated cordial than a beer, but definitely an experience. BE CAREFUL, this stuff is approx. 30 proof. It will KNOCK YOU on your ASS if you’re not careful (I learned this the hard way).
If ever near Long Island, you must go to Croxley Ale House in Franklin Square. Truly amazing selection of mostly import/craft brews, all on tap. (usually 75 or so available). And no, I don’t work there. They have another location in Rockville Centre that specializes more in american beers.
I am the anti-Zenster, at least when it comes to beer. He probably would love stuff by McAuslan brewing, based out of Montreal, since he’s mainlining on hops.
I prefer full-flavoured beers that ain’t so bitter-- and the only way to find stuff you’ll like to avoid everything produced by a major brewery in North America, and stick strictly to micro- or small batch breweries.
But right now, I’m enjoying the fruits of my own labours. My Nut Brown Ale is very nice (as usual), the Pilsner I’m giving away, and the Duvel imitation has champagne qualities. Mmmm Homebrew!
Wow. Both Saranac and Magic Hat mentioned already. You all are making me homesick. If you’re in the VT area, also try Long Trail Ale (it’s good, if a little overpowering) or Catamount (made with real cat pee!). For a nice change, go to the Burlington Brew Pub (may not be its real name, its just what we all called it). Thier Irish Red is terrific.
Another vote for Fat Tire
Another vote for Shiner
If you put a lime in Genessee Ice, it tastes like Corona (for the poor folks out there) 
I still like good 'ol Konanee Gold.