We talked here about the most overrated beer in the world the other day and it got me to thinking about the other side of the coin – which beer doesn’t get the accolades it deserves?
After mulling it over a bit, I’ve broken it into two categories: Beers that are widely available but lack buzz, and beers that are local treasures that everyone would love if they could only get a taste.
For the first category, I could see a beer like Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout – a beer Scott at the Brew Club says “hides in plain sight” on the shelf. Perhaps we just take this legend for granted.
For the “local hero” category, I’m sure you have a beer of two that you think would achieve the cult status enjoyed by the likes of Pliny the Elder if folks could only get a taste. I think this goes for my pals over at Manor House Brewing and their Cannonball Reserve. I can’t wait to get another taste of that stuff!
So how about you? What beer would you put on a pedestal in place of one of the over-hyped brews we discussed the other day? What beers do you think deserve more attention and recognition than they currently get?
Tell the world below!
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
“local hero” category: Pays Du Soleil – Saint Somewhere Brewing Company
“hides in plain sight” category: Anchor Porter – Anchor Brewing Company
Good picks Bob – I think. I haven’t had the Pays Du Soleil, and can’t remember if I’ve had the Anchor Porter. I don’t think so – I’ve had their holiday beer, but perhaps not the porter.
In general, I think porters are the most ignored style of beer. The “Jan” of beers, forgotten among the “Marcia” (IPAs) and the “Cindy” (Saisons and Lagers) of beers.
I don’t think Stoudt’s Pils gets nearly as much respect as it deserves.
I have to get my head outta my butt and try it. I’m always talking about Victory, but haven’t really set my sights on Stouts yet. perhaps it is time.
They’re only 45 minutes apart. You can do them in one trip….
I know, that’s what makes me an idiot. I’ve totally ignored a very good brewery whose beer is readily available to me. Bad Jim!
As someone who lives 10 minutes from Stoudts, I may be biased, but I find they often fly under the radar. Incredible brewery. And Jim, if you do make the trip, let me know and I’ll meet you there for a beer.
Also, Weyerbacher is incredibly well-respected nationally and often ignored in its home area.
Other nominee is a maybe too big to be underrated, but it certainly fits the bill for me: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is always forgone by beer geeks (myself included) to try the next new thing. It’s easy for me to forget how good a beer it is until a bad selection forces me to have one.
I couldn’t agree more about your thoughts on SN Pale Ale. It ends up being my go to brew a lot when I’m out here in the west, because most places have it on tap, alond with Bud and Coors!
Funny, but SN Pale Ale was also in the “Most Overrated” category. In some ways it fits both categories.
I agree about Weyerbacher. I think I’ve paid for at least one of their fermentors!
I’d love to meet you for a beer at Stoudts some day Greg. I keep dreaming about going back to Victory (literally dreaming, as in my sleep) and eating their food. As you say, Stoudts is on the way. I’ll definitely reach out if I’m headed in your direction.
I think almost any Sam Smith beer is great quality but usually overlooked – even by me! Thanks for the mention!
You’re welcome, Scott. That “hiding in plain site” idea comment you made stuck with me.
I’m hitting the beer store tonight to pick up Bitches Brew and Nemesis (fancy hype beers). Maybe I should also pick up a Samuel Smith’s or two.
Rock on, the Stoudt’s Restaurant is excellent as well, and right off the Turnpike. I’m always up for beers with other bloggers.
This, however, does not mean that it is not war over the CANFEST trip, because it is most certainly on.
Everyone, vote for Greg: http://poll.fm/27lar
Good luck Jim. Don’t worry, I’ll send you a postcard from Reno.
ha ha! I just noticed that!! I’d vote for you, but my vote has already been cast for the tall sarcastic fella.
Good luck – it looks like Josh from Lost in the Beer is coming on strong. He’s another good guy.
Yeah, everyone in the mix is pretty cool. I’ll be happy for whoever wins. Especially if it’s me.
Trash talk and electioneering will be fun in the meantime, though!
You’re right – bloggers love popularity contests! After this we should run for President of the Internet!
I think Mirror Pond Pale Ale is underrated. I love the stuff, with its fairly pronounced cascade hops. BA has it at #27 in the APA category, while RB has it at #? because I’m not a premium member. It’s a beer that I often overlook for newer stuff. It’s a been there, done that beer, but when ever I go back to it, I am reminded why I love it so.
I wonder how some beers (hyped and not) would fare if they were released today. History makes beer taste different. 😉