Most Overrated Beers

I'm sure we've all had those beers that didn't live up to the hype. I know I have. Will Gordon at The Concourse put together a list of 18 overrated beers that was pretty interesting. I thought I'd comment on some on his list(few certainly would make my list) and add some of my own. I'm only going to mention those that I've had.

From his list first:

• Miller High Life - For short period of time before my "craft brew" experience started this was my "go-to-cheap-get-drunk-on-weekend-beer". It is what it is as a cheap flagship brand. Once I started drinking quality brews it fell by the wayside of course.  I'd drink it above many other mass-produced macro beers. 
• Blue Moon - This one is an alright beer. Not the best of it's style but may be an intro brew to more interesting ones.
• Killian's Red - This one was a personal favorite of mine before I was into craft brews. I was somewhat disappointed to find out it was Miller/Coors product but it didn't stop me from drinking it. I have some in my stock right now as I write this. Smithwick's and O'Hara's are more authentic "Irish Red's" (Sam Adam's makes a god one too). 
• Heineken- I've heard people say "Oh I've tried different beer's like Heineken. That counts too right?" Never understood why some swear by this European skunk tasting lager. Definitely overrated. 
• Yuengling - Finally came to my area this year. This was the definition of over hyped beer. Although I admit it's better than the bigger macro brewed lager's it's only an above average brew at best.
• Corona - See Heineken but add lime. Without the lime they taste the same. If I want lime in my beer I'll do a Bud Light Lime(yes I do drink them). 
• Stella Artios - Belgium's version of Heineken and Corona...blech!
• Bass Pale Ale - This is one I feel is underrated. It taste great and has some character to it. Not quite sure why it's gotten a bad rep. If it tastes good why knock it? I do stock some occasionally like Killian's Red.
• Magic Hat#9 - It was this IPA (and another which I'll name later which is actually an Imperial IPA though) I tried early on in my craft brew virginity and I was unimpressed by it. To put it nicely I thought it sucked. It was one that kind of scared me away from IPA's in the beginning. 
• North Coast Old Rasputin - An acquaintance raved about this one so I tried it. Although very good not a knockout in my opinion. Admittedly I'm not as crazy about this style as many are
• Anchor Steam - Kind of feel the same way as I hate to admit it on this one. I love Anchor's Liberty Ale(which I think is underrated), Porter(a knockout in this style) and the newer IPA. I was unimpressed by Steam beer although this seems to be their signature style.
• Red Stripe - An unimpressive (not the worst though) Pale Lager with a a good ad agency.

Now for a couple of my own:

• Dogfish Head 90 Minute - I may catch hell for this one. I first tried this one because all the hype of being  voted #1 IPA in USA hype when(at the time I tried it) I was young and naive in my craft beer experience so I said why not. All I can think about when I drink it is apricots. I'm sorry to offend some but this is a turn off. A huge one. It was a complete disappointment and waste of $15 I spent on a four pack which took me six months to drink. I tried it every so often to see maybe I just had one bad tasting but they were usually drain pours. In contrast I can't get enough of DFH's 60 minute IPA so I guess Sam Calagione has redeemed himself.
• Pabst Blue Ribbon - Not sure why this is popular with hipsters and rednecks. I see PBR and think of Clint Eastwood in his movie "Gran Torino". Great movie(and product placement) but crappy beer. Drink Schlitz if you want to go old-school in my opinion. 

I'd be happy to hear about others experience or opinion's.  

 

Crafty Bastards by Lauren Clark

Yes the the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth because they were low on beer. I don't remember hearing that in history class. You'll get the full story and more here. It was in 1620 that New England's relationship with beer and ale started. You'll learn about the growth of brewing and New Englander's thirst for for the stuff has rarely ebbed. Although Cider, rum and prohibition gave beer some competition it still survived. Even learn of it's revival in recent decades. Crack open a local brew and enjoy this easy to read and enjoyable trip along the region's brewing history. Crafty Bastards: Beer in New England from the Mayflower to Modern Day by Lauren Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes the the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth because they were low on beer. I don't remember hearing that in history class. You'll get the full story and more here. It was in 1620 that New England's relationship with beer and ale started. You'll learn about the growth of brewing and New Englander's thirst for for the stuff has rarely ebbed. Although Cider, rum and prohibition gave beer some competition it still survived. Even learn of it's revival in recent decades. Crack open a local brew and enjoy this easy to read and enjoyable trip along the region's brewing history.

View all my reviews

Red, White and Brew

Mayflower IPA enjoyed on a recent whale watching trip off Plymouth, Massachusett's.

Beer and the 4th of July go hand in hand. Nothing goes better with that juicy burger off the grill than an ice cold brew. Some brews are patriotic no matter the time of the year. Here would be my personal picks of what I would think of as "All-American Beers" for a holiday such as Independence Day. These are of no particular order.

• Anchor Liberty Ale - Anchor Brewing - The name says it all this one. Originally brewed in the 70's to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Lexington and Concord in 1975. This light citrus hopped Ale was my intro to craft brews so it does hold a sentimental place in my heart. An excellent starter or intro to the world of micro-brews.
• Yuengling Lager - Yuengling Brewing - Yuengling holds the distinction of being America's oldest brewery since 1829. Recently introduced to my area so I had to try it and it was very respectable although I'm not sure it was as great as the hype made it out to be.They do hold a very devote and passionate fan base. 
• Mayflower IPA - Mayflower Brewing - What could be my patriotic than a brew than one brewed in America's hometown of Plymouth, Massachusett's? This respectable India Pale Ale is is true to the style and is refreshing.
• Samuel Adams Boston Lager - Boston Brewing Company- What can be more patriotic than a brew named after Boston patriot Samuel Adams(not an actual brewing but worked a bit in his father's malt business which close enough I guess). A Boston tradition since 1984 is a rich flavorful Vienna style Lager.
• Narragansett Lager - Narragansett Brewing - A New England favorite that has enjoyed a resurgence as of late. Was the beer of the Boston Red Sox for many years. Was also famous for being the beer Quint of the movie "Jaws" drank while telling shark tales. They even have throwback cans from that era.

 Of course these are my personal favorites. I also know I heavily favored the locals. I can do that cause it's my blog so there. I'd be sure to hear what your favorite red,white and blue brews are. Have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

Still Some Summer Left To Go!