I disagree completely about the Macro comments and only drinking local. While I’m not a fan of them (bud Lt, Miller Lt, Pbr, etc) they ‘re true to style for an American adjunct lager. They also have the advantage of buying in massive quantities through hop contracts and other things that give them access to best quality ingredients. Not to mention their labs and brewing facilities are far more advanced than craft breweries. I’m talking large scale ones likes New Belgium, Firestone Walker, Sam adams, let alone tiny local ones who put out less than 5k barrels a year. Their beers are just made for the masses who prefer adjunct lagers. Nothing wrong with liking or disliking them. Different strokes for different folks. But this myth that craft adjunct lagers are superior to Marco Bc of ingredients needs to die. There is a reason Coors banquet, Pbr and other macros continue to win and place in these award categories over craft ones.
To the local is better portion. I’ll ask why? I’ve got no problem supporting local anything, as long as it’s good. But buying local craft for the sake of it being local as always annoyed me. There are some amazing craft breweries out there. A lot worth visiting and even camping out for limited stuff. But there are far more awful ones that are trying to make a quick buck, who didn’t realize how tough it is to be profitable in the industry. And if you’re not a top 100 craft brewery, chance are you’re getting old or left over hops and malt. Which means you’re not using the best or freshest ingredients. Why should you pay $25 for a 4pk or an ipa from a craft brewery who can’t dial in their consistency on their flagship ipa so they tell you it’s version 2.0 or 20.0, so they don’t have to drain pour a bad batch.
TLDR: Macros are well made from a BJCP stylistic stand point, buying local is overrated.