Westbound & Down The Coloradoan
Teresa Blaisure-Clark, brewer, Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver
“This beer truly encapsulates what I look for in a well-crafted adjunct lager; it’s bright in clarity, well-balanced, crisp, and enjoyable, especially in high quantity. They’ve dialed in a classic cereal-malt flavor that’s enhanced by light notes of lemon, hay, and just the slightest struck-match character. It has depth, but you don’t have to go out searching for it. I’m guilty of adding a lime to Mexican-style lagers too often; it really is such a pleasure to drink this one without it.”
Coors Banquet
Jared Long, director of culture and brewing operations, Black Tooth Brewing in Sheridan, Casper, and Cheyenne, Wyoming
“I’m an unapologetic fan of this beer. It’s my go-to on the golf course, it’s exactly the same every time, and there’s something compelling about that banana note.”
La Cumbre Beer
Dave Chichura, director of brewing operations, Ex Novo Brewing in Corrales, New Mexico “La Cumbre ‘Beer’ says what it is, and it is what it says. It’s one of the best beer names ever and is my go-to crusher when I’m not drinking my own beer. ‘Beer’ is proof that simple ingredients, made with care, can produce a world-class, multidimensional lager that you can drink all day (if you’re so inclined).”
Tecate Original
Ryan Brooks, cofounder, South Norte in San Diego
“With just a touch of malt sweetness and some corn syrup that helps dry this beer out, Tecate roja (red) has been my favorite light-drinking adjunct lager for years. It’s fairly local, less than an hour from San Diego. This prized location has amazing water for lager brewing—it’s crisp, dry, and crushable with a hidden hint of a Welch’s Grape Juice fruity ester. Takes me back to the best days living in Tijuana.”
The Brew Kettle Major Lager
Shaun Yasaki, cofounder and brewer, Noble Beast Brewing in Cleveland
“Beer and baseball—I’m not sure they exist without each other, and I love wandering around the Guardians’ stadium with a Major Lager in hand. Brewed with 15 percent rice and fermented under 50°F [10°C], it’s one of those light lagers you can forget about or admire. A light touch of Simcoe gives a unique tropical thread and boosts your confidence to ‘upgrade’ to those front-row seats that have been empty all game.”