1. Shiner Premium Lager (extinct)
I will tell you of the greatest beer ever made....It all started long ago in a land far away. Actually it was 1912 in Shiner, Texas, a small town between San Antonio and Houston. It was then that Kosmos Spoetzel founded the Spoetzel Brewery, which produced Shiner Premium Lager, Kosmos Reserve, Shiner Bock, Summer Stock and Winter Ale. All of which are still made today, in one form or another. With the ridiculous popularity of Bock in Austin's Bar scene, Corona USA decided there might a national market for this beer.(formerly only available in Texas) Hence, Corona's corporate buyout of the Spoetzel Brewery and the mass-production of Shiner Bock. With this change, came the downfall of the beer I knew and loved. Shiner Premium was replaced with Shiner "Blonde" no doubt to ride the coat tails of Bock's popularity. However, Blonde doesn't hold a candle to Premium and probably never will. The two tragedies here are this: 1. What may have been the world's best beer will never be available to be enjoyed by future generations, 2. Bock, a decent beer in its own right, is caramelized now to meet the demands of mass-production, instead of letting it naturally brew to be a true "bock", which has cost it its distinct flavor and color.
2. Miller Red Label
Chances are, you either love or hate Miller. I was born and raised a Bud man but I have to admit there is something about Milwaukee, they know beer. Miller Red Label isn't available everywhere, the Fort Worth plant (which supplies me) stopped making Red Label several years ago. I talked to a worker from there and he said that demand in this area was just not strong enough. A nice way of saying that rednecks and wetbacks wouldn't know a good beer if you poured it down their gullets. Oh well, water under the bridge. During my travels, I have always taken the opportunity to get Red Label. Why? For one, Miller has sweet hops and unlike their other products, they take the time to do it right and don't mess with a good thing. It's a shame that we are so concerned in this country with 10 calories a bottle that we will drink a shitty beer over a great one. I can hear Germany laughing.
3. Shiner Summer Stock
The second best thing Shiner ever made. Thank god you can still get these bad boys in their form, although, as the name implies, it is seasonal, but they couldn't have picked a better season. On a hot summer day, pop one of these open and you'll see what I mean. Look for the lizard on the label.
4. Michelob
I catch a lot of hell for this, but have you ever had a Michelob? This was Anheuser Busch's flagship beer. When it was first created, it was only available on draught in the finest bars. It costs a little bit more, but is well worth it. Most of these light beer drinkers can't handle this beer, so they automatically dismiss it. Well, I am telling you, if you are ready to graduate to the grown-up table, and you're ready to drink a beer you don't chug, reach for a Michelob.
5. Sam Adams
Sam Adam's is one of the most award -winning beers. Sadly, it gets most of its praise outside the country. I speculate that this is because foreigners are used to the strength and aftertaste that comes with this kind of beer. Do yourself a favor, and give it a shot, Sam Adam's delivers, especially with seafood.