Sooooo, what do you drink? Lonestar sucks but Shiner ain't too bad
Sierra Nevada torpedo is good- and can be found about anywhere.
Voodoo Ranger is local- New Belgium Brewery.
I really like the IPAs from Lagunitas Brewery, though “Hopped Stupid” is too far for me. They have a copper ale that is a pretty good ”summer beer.” Had a “hazy wonder ipa” out with friends a couple of weeks ago. It was good enough to garner an instant text recommend to a friend- before I forgot.
I don’t think I have anything bad from Stone Brewery- Ruination is a personal favorite.
Karbach Brewing is also local and they have some good beers, but I couldn't quote one off hand.
I had a “moose drool” brown ale from big sky brewing that was notable for more than the name, though I’m generally not a big fan of brown ales- they can tend toward the too nutty side for my palate.
As the weather turns cooler I am a sucker for a porter or an imperial stout. Devils Canyon Brewery In San Carlos did a small batch chocolate imperial stout that was amazing. Maybe it was that it was 11% ABV, or it was the med-rare porterhouse steak over a bed of garlic/horseradish mashed potatoes that it was paired with. But, they only sold at restaurants or by the ”growler” at the brewery and I never made it out there to get any more.
You‘ll note that there are a lot ot CA beers in the above list. I lived in CA for 3 years. Say what you want about the state, but they know how to brew.
When I’m in the mood I’ll cruise the beer isle at the super market, or hit the liquor store next door. We had a few friends over for dinner a few weeks ago and I bought several sixers of beer I hadn’t had before. 3 were winners, one was kinda meh. But, ”meh” was a winner for everyone else- it was What I’d call an american style lager from karbach, and I’ve forgotten the name.
The above notwithstanding, when I’m not buying, the beer that I prefer to drink is “cold.”