There’s never been a better time to be a beer drinker. There are currently more breweries in the U.S. than ever before — 7,500 and counting — meaning more variety of flavors and brands than our microbrewing predecessors could have ever imagined. Still, there’s a time and place for every beer — even the ones we swear we never drink (or rarely admit to).
VinePair chatted with brewers around the country to find out what they’re drinking behind the scenes. Is it the Champagne of Beers? A can cold as the Rockies? Or perhaps a stellar import? Read on to find out 16 craft brewers’ macro lagers of choice.
“Pacifico. Living in South Florida, we have quite a Spanish influence. Great taco joints and empanada shops are all over the place. Back in the day, Pacifico combined German brewing and Mexican culture to create a special, local beer. Now it’s mass-produced, but it’s still a nice lager.” — Mike Halker, Owner, Due South Brewing, Boynton Beach, FL
“Coors Banquet. To be honest, I wouldn’t call it a go-to … maybe more of a, ‘if there’s absolutely nothing better, then I’ll drink it.’ Nothing against the macro lagers, it’s just not something I drink by choice. But Banquet is definitely more drinkable than the others in the category.” — Fred Searles, Head Brewer, Bonfire Brewing, Eagle, CO
“I almost never drink macro lagers, but when I do, it’s probably a PBR.” — Jordan Fink, Head Brewer and Co-Owner, Woods Boss Brewing, Denver, CO
“My go-to macro lager is Lone Star, because Texas.” — Chris Juergen, Head Brewer, Karbach Brewing, Houston, TX
“I’m not ashamed. My go-to macro is Bud. Been drinking it since I was… er… 21?” — Kevin Van Winkle, Co-owner and Head Brewer, Endo Brewing Company, Fort Collins, CO
“Bud Light. Growing up, Bud Light was the constant at family gatherings, and it still holds true today.” — Chris Rockwood, Head Brewer, Magic Hat, Burlington, VT
“Lately my go-to macro lager has been Modelo Especial [in] 24-ounce cans. I really enjoyed the balanced, slightly hoppy, and refreshing flavor this summer while enjoying concerts at Red Rocks.” — Carl Heinz, Brewmaster, Breckenridge Brewery, Breckenridge, CO
“Coors Banquet.” — Marks Lanham, Head Brewer, Comrade Brewing, Denver, CO
“While you’ll never see me turn my nose up at any macro lager, you’re more likely to see a PBR in my fridge than any of the others. Must be my inner hipster… excuse me while I wax my mustache. — Aaron Reilly, Head Brewer of the Basecamp Brewpub, Devils Backbone Brewing, Roseland, VA
“I really don’t have one. There are so many craft brews around to try […] Even searching for a light lager, you can find 20 craft offerings on any liquor store shelf.” — Carol Cochran, Co-owner and Co-founder, Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, Fort Collins, CO
“Pacifico.” — Paul Friedheim, Lead Brewer, Thirsty Monk, Asheville, NC
“I have always had respect for Coors Banquet, and enjoy a draft version.” — Dennis O’Harrow, Head Brewer, Lone Tree Brewing Co., Lone Tree, CO
