Outlets like Beer Advocate tend to equate quality beer with Progressive Liberals. Most of these effette beer drinkers tend see their choice in beer as a political statement. Many consider today’s micro-brews as works of art. Yet, many of today’s classic beer styles (Dortmund Export, Bohemian Pilsner, Mild Ale, or Marzen Bier) were everyday, blue collar beers for the Everyman.
Personally I’m torn between the Classic English Bitter (low alcohol, very hoppy), and the Bavarian Helles (very malty, smooth, medium alcohol). If I’m pinching my pennies and it is summer (hot and humid) Miller High Life does the trick. I tend to avoid American micros, as almost all use the inexpensive Cascade Hop in such quantities that their beers taste like lemon juice. But, I have to say that Anchor Steam (brewed in the heart of Progressive San Fran) is my favorite. Sam Adams brews a decent Scottish Ale (hard to find in my neck of the world), and an outstanding American Lager. Most Progressive beer afficianados cannot stand Jim Koch or his beers. He’s too American for their sensibilites.