In my quest to discover the most delicious and unique craft brews from around the world I have also been searching for the the highest quality mass produces ales and lagers. One can not just stop by their local convenience store and grab Heady Topper. So I am asking for advice and input on who makes the best mass produced brews. As a Massachusetts native my top three include #1 Sierra Nevada, #2 Harpoon, and #3 Sam Adams.
Why don't you just start with the higher rated beers here on BA that are easily available, get a single of these and try them. In the end, it's what you like based on taste not someone's opinion. I buy singles all the time just to give a new beer a try.
I agree with what you said and often I will buy single craft brews. This question was referring to an instance in which you must are stop at a low end liquor store in need of some beers and your choices are of only the mass produced products like Budweiser, Coors, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, or Magic Hat. Essentially what is you backup beer when quality craft brews are not available.
Sierra Nevada, Great Divide, and Firestone Walker for the West Coast! FW gets some cred from their barrel aged beers, but their regular lineup is awesome as well (Velvet Merlin and DBA are two of my faves!). Nearly everything I've had from SN and GD are top notch, but I think they don't get as much respect as they deserve because one can't show off their beer geek prowess by talking them up. Narwhal is honestly on par with or better than most of the rare one-off impy stouts I've had, and is readily available for 10/4pack when it's in season-just incredible!
Anchor, Sierra Nevada, and Sam Adams. I believe all 3 of these breweries have full national distribution.
But why should "mass production" be limited to only those with total "mass distribution"? Quite number of brewers produce more beer than Anchor, even though they don't have as broad a distribution region. Last year Anchor ranked only 22 on the B.A.'s Top Craft Brewers list. For that matter, Yuengling's in less than 20 states and "mass produces" 20 times as much beer as Anchor.
I think in the last thread like this we all basically agreed it was Sierra Nevada. They are the best mass-produced brewery in the business. Sam Adams is even bigger and still very good as well.
I believe you are asking about the easiest good beers to get? Not a big fan myself but you might be able to throw in New Belgium in that list.
Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada. Can't go wrong with either, and can find them damn near everywhere. Don't overlook imports! I can find(usually for cheaper than domestic craft ) really superb beers almost everywhere.
$1.25/Beer - Sam Adams / Sierra Nevada $1.50/Beer - Bell's / Lagunitas $2.00/Beer - Short's / Founders / numerous others
