Which US breweries make the best/most basic styles?

Brooklyn
Victory
Great Divide

 

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

 

Smokestacks are Boulevard But I agree

 

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.

 

Yards

 

Well, I gotta say it's always nice hearing mention of not one but two locals

 

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.

 

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

 

Yup, but most people will never know unless they visit WI.

 

Schell's and Summit. Fo Sho

Just about everything Schell's makes is a lager.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Sierra Nevada and Bells, especially at the tap rooms.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

New Glarus for sure.