Best Lagers in America?

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The Victory thread got me thinking...

Which American craft brewers make the best lagers?

Off the top of my head, I’d put Victory at the top.
Great Lakes does some good ones, too.

Cigar City is starting to do some. The Helles and dark lager are both good, and their Pils should be hitting the shelves soon. Can’t wait to try it.


Who else?

New Glarus ususally Lagers pretty good. I do wish they’d bring back the Yokel though, doesn’t sound like there’s much hope in that happening. I overheard someone from the brewery saying that it just doesn’t sell so they have a hard time justifying making it. Pity.

Heater Allen no question

urban chestnut here in st louis makes a traditional unfiltered lager that is just plain awesome

Originally posted by 3fourths
Heater Allen no question

This, but, as has been mentioned, New Glarus and Victory do a heck of a job, too.

The freshest stuff is best, so I say locals. I’ve had a few HA bottles and they were decent but nothing outstanding.

Great Lakes does make a couple great ones. Locally in VA Devil’s Backbone does a real good vienna lager.

I’m sorry to hear that, as they’ve been the definition of outstanding to me. outstanding meaning standing out. Victory and Sly Fox certainly deserve mention, but no US brewer has made such good lager across the board as Rick Allen. he’s a truly dedicated artist, spending time traveling to Germany to help improve his already stellar beers. Coastal and Pils I consider the two best-made American lagers without question.

Well ISO Heater Allen stuff

Lots of people trained in Germany. I can think of three locally of the top of my head. I’m sure Mr Allen does great stuff, unfortunately bottling is sometimes unkind to beer.

Moonlight should be on the short list. Death & Taxes, Reality Czeck, Lunatic Lager...