I am old enough to remember when cities on the East coast with large ethnic populations had at least 8 or 10 local breweries that were the “literal” micro brews. And, in any bar, the bar had to have at least 4 of those on tap as different people from different “clans” liked different brews. In those days, “Miller High Life” was a premium beer...seriously! The old guys reminisced about the marvelous beer in Munchen, but that was in memory.
I think beer is highly personal, and that “there is no disputing taste” to paraphrase the Latin. If someone wants to buy an $18 six pack, that’s fine by me—it’s their dough. I have less expensive tastes.
I will say that one local beer I really liked was Henry Wiedemeyer’s Special Reserve which I got in Portland. It was good brew. I’ve had many brews, and I’ll take a Yuengling any time. I do like Guinness on tap, though. But then, I get it from the “source” as I travel back a lot.
That Oregon beer you mention is atually Henry Wienhard’s.