Which US breweries make the best/most basic styles?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by AlcahueteJ, Dec 31, 2013.

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  1. zid

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

    Brooklyn
    Victory
    Great Divide
     
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  2. RobM77

    RobM77 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2013 Illinois

    I think Schlafly has a great overall line up top to bottom, and their limited relese Smokestack Series is usually spot on.
     
  3. StLeasy

    StLeasy Initiate (0) Sep 8, 2013 Illinois

    Smokestacks are Boulevard :stuck_out_tongue: But I agree
     
  4. RobM77

    RobM77 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2013 Illinois

    Ooops, sorry, you are right! Right state, wrong brewery. I had Smokestack on the brain as I was just at Boulevard not too long ago in their tasting room.
     
  5. jmw

    jmw Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2009 North Carolina

  6. StLeasy

    StLeasy Initiate (0) Sep 8, 2013 Illinois

    Well, I gotta say it's always nice hearing mention of not one but two locals :grinning:
     
  7. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,884) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Sly Fox was the first that came to mind for me as well. I've long been a fan of Pikeland Pils, and this year the Helles surprised the hell out of me (no pun intended). I still haven't gotten a hold of the Dunkel, but I have faith that it is quality stuff. Don't they also make a nice Dry Irish Stout?

    Jack- thanks for sending me that Oktoberfest recently. It was still drinking pretty damn good, and I will have to make a better effort to get a case next year. It was easily in my top 3 for this year.
     
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  8. rgordon

    rgordon Pooh-Bah (2,701) Apr 26, 2012 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    Smuttynose does a great job across the board and is often overlooked. Bell's also makes a great standard variety.
     
  9. Ri0

    Ri0 Initiate (0) Jul 1, 2012 Wisconsin

    Yup, but most people will never know unless they visit WI.
     
  10. Hop-Droppen-Roll

    Hop-Droppen-Roll Initiate (0) Nov 5, 2013 Minnesota

    Schell's and Summit. Fo Sho

    Just about everything Schell's makes is a lager.
     
  11. tbaker397

    tbaker397 Initiate (0) Nov 9, 2013 West Virginia

    Thankfully one of the girls I work with went home to wisconsin for the holidays....spotted cow ans strawberry rhubarb for meeeee!
    I tend to stick with great lakes for tradition styles.
     
  12. rhartogsq

    rhartogsq Initiate (0) Jun 18, 2010 Virginia

    solid IPA, Pale Ale, Porter, Imperial Stout in their line up. T
     
  13. rozzom

    rozzom Pooh-Bah (2,620) Jan 22, 2011 New York
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    A brewery that fits the bill and is very accessible to NYC - Victory
     
  14. HookerBrews

    HookerBrews Initiate (0) Sep 24, 2013 Oregon

    I have to agree. Sierra Nevada was the first brewery that came to mind because they do great, traditional beers that are crisp and delicious.
     
  15. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,635) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    Sierra Nevada and Bells, especially at the tap rooms.
     
  16. azorie

    azorie Pooh-Bah (2,471) Mar 18, 2006 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    for Florida it has to be Orlando brewing company.
    Sadly too many here all want Cigar City Brewing barrel aged whatever. Not saying CCB is not doing it well its just extreme beer mainly.

    nationaly
    Sam Adams
    Anchor
    sometimes SN.
     
  17. JackHorzempa

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

    Michael, I am glad that you enjoyed the can of Sly Fox Oktoberfest beer. It is indeed a high quality Oktoberfest style beer and needless to say even better when fresh.

    I have had the Sly Fox Dunkel a number of times and I have always enjoyed drinking it. It is available in cans.

    Cheers!
     
  18. Idiotsavant

    Idiotsavant Initiate (0) Dec 1, 2013 Illinois

    I agree, great offerings for the novice craft beer drinker at reasonable prices and generally available. Sample them, gives you a great roadmap for bigger and better things.
     
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  19. beatenbyjacks

    beatenbyjacks Savant (1,151) Apr 17, 2011 Colorado

    Odell, Sierra Nevada, and Deschutes are 3 of my favorite Breweries for this exact reason. Great basic lineups that also experiment a bit here and there.
     
  20. BottleCaps80

    BottleCaps80 Initiate (0) Jan 12, 2013 Iowa

    New Glarus for sure.
     
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