Good “Crushers”?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by MrSandman101, Dec 13, 2021.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. MrSandman101

    MrSandman101 Aspirant (249) Dec 11, 2021
    Trader

    So a term I’ve seen a lot in these forums during my 2 days of activity is “crusher”. A couple years ago when I started trying beers, my go-to was Stella Artois (now disappointing to me compared to other Belgians, obviously). But I’ve also tried Coors, Bud Light, Miller, etc. I wasn’t really a fan of any of them. I work at a school, so I can’t afford all-founders type stuff when I make my monthly beer run, and I don’t exactly want a rich tasting experience every time I open a bottle of beer. Sometimes I just want to sit out in the back yard and have a couple beers to relax. Any suggestions?
     
  2. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    What other Belgian beers are you comparing to Stella Artois?

    Stella Artois is what I personally categorize as being a Euro Lager and a pretty good beer considering the style.
    American Adjunct Lagers are not a popular style for the BA crowd. Two AAL brands that I enjoy drinking are Yuengling Lord Chesterfield and Reading Premium. I drank a can of Premium Lager yesterday while watching football and I enjoyed that drinking experience.

    Other 'lighter' tasting beer styles which you may enjoy to crush are: Kolsch, Witber, Blonde Ale,... Whether these sorts of beers are in your budget?

    A great value beer IMO is Hamm's where you can get a 30-pack for less than 15 bucks but since you did not seem enthralled with "Coors, Bud Light, Miller" maybe this is not what you are seeking?

    Cheers!
     
    beergoot, TCgenny, bmugan and 15 others like this.
  3. ChicagoJ

    ChicagoJ Grand Pooh-Bah (5,247) Feb 2, 2015 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    @MrSandman101 , perhaps if you note the state you are in, people can provide examples of their favorites available in your area.

    For me, there are several “crushable” (4-7% ABV range) beers available that I love in my area year-round.

    Macros: Budweiser, Schlitz, Moosehead.

    Chicago Craft:
    Spiteful (IPA & Alley Time)
    Revolution (Anti-Hero)
    Haymarket (Chicago Tavern Beer)
    Half Acre (Pony)
     
  4. MrSandman101

    MrSandman101 Aspirant (249) Dec 11, 2021
    Trader

    That would’ve been smart of me lol. Texas. More specifically, the San Antonio area.
     
  5. HammsMeASAP

    HammsMeASAP Pundit (931) Jun 14, 2012 Minnesota

    Get a case of Hamm's. Thank me later.
     
  6. BigIronH

    BigIronH Grand Pooh-Bah (3,762) Oct 31, 2019 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

  7. Roguer

    Roguer Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,811) Mar 25, 2013 Connecticut
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Like @JackHorzempa stated, Stella isn't a good comp for the Belgian beer styles that are popular here, but more of the Euro pale lager, or even American adjunct lager style (I consider it much, much better than your typical AAL, by miles).

    Some good "crushable" beers, IMO:

    Founders All Day IPA. The quintessential session IPA. For me, those beers are basically hoppy seltzer water, but if you want a hop fix at low calories and low ABV, this makes for a better lawnmower beer than Bud Light.

    I would argue many widely available Helles-style lagers might be considered "crushable." Depends on what's available. Spaten Premium is a very solid choice. If you can get your hands on a fresh Kölsch, that's the very definition of crisp and drinkable. Amstel Light is another good example of a low ABV Euro pale lager that is widely available, but offers more flavor than your typical AAL.

    Similarly, a good Hefeweizen should be pretty quaffable, as are many American wheat ales, like Bell's Oberon, and Belgian-style Wits. There should be some good wheat ales available in your area, both imported and domestic.
     
    beergoot, TCgenny, snaotheus and 7 others like this.
  8. Bitterbill

    Bitterbill Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,036) Sep 14, 2002 Wyoming
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Shiner Bock is pretty crushable. :wink:
     
    beergoot, TCgenny, Urk1127 and 19 others like this.
  9. Foyle

    Foyle Maven (1,481) Sep 29, 2007 North Carolina

    I agree with above suggestions of Shiner Bock, Hamm's, various Yuengling beers, and I would add Genesee Cream Ale (if you can find it).

    All of the above range from dirt cheap to moderately priced and all are 'crushable' in my experience.
     
    dungledauf, beergoot, TCgenny and 4 others like this.
  10. Fenski

    Fenski Pundit (791) Apr 24, 2008 Ohio
    Society

    Yea, when in Texas, crush some Shiners. I'm sure some Texas BA's will be happy to chime in with some good local suggestions for you. Welcome to the site!
     
  11. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    If you have a Trader Joe's that is convenient to you, check out their beer section. In addition to a few national and regional craft brands, they have beers that are contract brewed with 'brands' that are not "Trader Joe's" by name (different names for different styles), and they tend to be cheap and good. I think all of their stores allow you to pick singles from anything on the shelf, so you can try them without buying a 6-pack.

    EDIT: I hadn't realized it until now, but the TJ's name shows up in the beer names listed here in the BA database:
    https://www.beeradvocate.com/search/?q=trader+joes
     
    #11 PapaGoose03, Dec 14, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2021
  12. champ103

    champ103 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,296) Sep 3, 2007 Texas
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Saint Arnold Amber is easy to find, and well priced, as is Live Oak Hefe, or Live Oak Pils. As is Altstadt Amber. Not saying those are the "best" beers in Texas or around you (well yeah, Live Oak I would say that ha) but good go too beers that I always find myself drinking a lot of.
     
    TCgenny, BruChef, TongoRad and 3 others like this.
  13. Squire

    Squire Grand Pooh-Bah (4,385) Jul 16, 2015 Mississippi
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hamms if you can get it, otherwise Yuengling or Bud.
     
    beergoot, TCgenny, Urk1127 and 10 others like this.
  14. zid

    zid Grand Pooh-Bah (3,132) Feb 15, 2010 New York
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I think some of the suggestions in this thread might not be very successful with you based on the above. It would help if you gave some more information on beers you currently like.
     
  15. mmmbeerNY

    mmmbeerNY Maven (1,369) Mar 5, 2014 New York

    I was assuming you meant something like this delicious IPA
    https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/46317/114804/

    Agree with some of the recommendations, find a cheap lager for easy drinking beers. If something sells in 12 pack or more usually going to be cheaper than the smaller craft 4packs.
     
  16. Rollmeaway2loadout

    Rollmeaway2loadout Savant (1,070) Jan 30, 2016 Illinois

  17. hillind

    hillind Savant (1,007) Apr 24, 2010 Pennsylvania

    Genny dry hopped cream ale kicks ass
     
  18. WickedBeer

    WickedBeer Grand Pooh-Bah (3,210) Sep 23, 2015 Alabama
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Helles Lagers are my favorite “crusher” style; I could kill those bad boys all day. Shared’s Oma is one of my favorites, and Gorch Fock from 3 Floyds is fantastic as well. Would also regret not mentioning OG Hofbrau, which is always a great go-to. Pic for attention, with a tall glass of Oma in the background.

    [​IMG]
     
  19. SFACRKnight

    SFACRKnight Grand Pooh-Bah (3,348) Jan 20, 2012 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Daisy cutter, COLD kellerbier from TRVE, and helles from bierstadt all come to mind
     
    TCgenny, scootercrabb and ChicagoJ like this.
  20. Beer_Economicus

    Beer_Economicus Pooh-Bah (2,698) Apr 8, 2017 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    TEXAS?!

    You have GOT to try Live Oak!!!!
     
    TCgenny, emerge077, SWORunner and 7 others like this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.