[simplyaccont]

the thing about anchor (and i don't mean only steam, but also lager, pilsner and liberty ale) it's that I can hop into safeway or liquor store on the corner and it will be there. cold and nicely balanced.

new craft breweries are nice for when you go out, etc. or live near by. but it doesn't replace something you can buy on the go .

[dividefuel]

Sierra Nevada always fills that niche for me: ubiquitous and of reliable quality. I don't like every SN beer, nor are they my absolute favorite, but their popular ones are consistently solid.

[simplyaccont]

no lager there. i just want nicely balanced lagers and pilsners. not "summer hoppy pilsner". not "italian pilsner". not "whatever coast lager".

but I guess i am asking for too much

[tigen]

Try Trumer Pils. Or Longboard Lager.

Or grab a case of Kirin or Asahi from costco.

[simplyaccont]

kirin/asahi for me only good when it's going together with yakitori. and bottle of sake. longboard/trumers are kinda ok but they are somewhat not right . anchor steam bears for me and for my wife have better taste (we come from lager/pilsner dominating countries)

[jaredhallen]

Agreed. I love a good traditional pilsner, but there's nothing ubiquitous on the market. Scrimshaw is good, and somewhat available, but it's not everywhere.