Help Me Find a Lager I Like

Let me echo another suggestion above - Anchor Steam is a classic delicious beer, and brewed in CA and should be readily available to you.....

This new one too...........

https://raiseanchor.anchorbrewing.com/images/anchor-california-lager.webp

 

If you have access to Brooklyn Brewery's products, I like their Brooklyn Lager, which reminds me of an amber, and Brooklyn Pilsner as well.

 

It is defined (by me) is a "small" foofprint if it isn't distributed to my region (it used to be available in NYC metro). I really felt let down when their brews disappeared from local shelves.

 

My recommendation for a pale lager would be to try a true German Helles lager. Also could try Great Lakes' Dortmunder Gold. It's a European Export lager that has subtle but smooth and complex flavors. It's subtle enough to be a gateway beer, but also incredibly complex, unique, and tasteful for a craft beer.

 

I’m seeing a lot of small local brewers making various authentic style lagers, Helles, Pilsner etc and some are doing a pretty good job. Even the more hopped up Americanized versions, IPLs etc I tend to enjoy as well. Lots of good beers out there these days in the stores as well.

 

I like the modern versions of the Pils too, it’s all about execution. Mason Jar makes good beers, their pils they dry hop using mosaic, and it’s good, not traditional, but it’s a really good beer. I’m not stuck strictly on authentic recipes hundreds of years old.

 

Like how they brewed Pilsners in 1896!?!

Cheers!

 

Lol, you would think that an “off” the grid beer like Michelob it might be an idea to make it as good as it was when they started. They certainly are capable, then they might charge that premium price for a mega brewer putting out a world class lager. Looking forward.

 

Fascinated by OP -- he's 72, has been a loyal beer advocate for 17 years -- and has posted less than 20 times. He's in LA and can't find a lager he likes. When I first read the title of this post - my thoughts were troll city -- but looking at OPs stats -- this is more like twilight zone material.

 

That's my go-to pilsner.

 

I think Dortmunder Gold, as well as other Great Lakes lagers, are probably better than the run of the mill imported german brews. Why "gateway" beers? Think of the "Desert Island Beer" instead -- the one beer you'd want to have if you were stranded without any other available. Eternal tasting, for me, would mean drinking too many beers I really don't like. I do try likely candidates. But I want to find a few good brews that I can continue to enjoy, something that I'll at least have a chance to find on the shelves next month.

 

I love it this time of year

 

Which Maryland breweries do you feel are making great lagers? I have had a few good ones from Elder Pine, but for the most part, I find the locally made lagers lacking. We are fortunate now to have Von Trapp and Great Lakes here, and for the most part I don’t find any of the local lagers to get quite on that level. We are also lucky to be close to all of the great lager making PA breweries, many of whom distribute here. I am always open to trying new stuff though from the local guys, so any suggestions would be welcome!

 

Grain Belt Nordeast is damn good. Betcha you'd like it! Cheers!
https://www.grainbelt.com/beers/nordeast/

 

Yeah I think I’ve had at least one from Elder Pine. Brewery Fire in Taneytown makes some good ones. I bought a Helles Lager down at Front Royal Brewing last weekend in VA that was solid. Been buying Shilling being distributed in South Central PA. Jacks Abbey and Von Trappe now being sold in Cerntal MD. Dancing Gnome sold in South Central PA. Monacacy out of Frederick, MD. Just some to name off. Many more Im sure.

 

Yes siree Bob. And many of the lagers from the smaller breweries have limited distribution (e.g., only SEPA). Now that the pandemic is winding down come on up for a visit. We like to share our plethora of lagers!

Cheers!

 

I second Baltic Porter as a recommendation, if that ain't full bodied enough then stick with Ale.

 

Yup. Jacks Abby - on point. Hoponious Union is very IPA like. Great beer.