Written by What’s your favorite craft beer brewer? “How’s that?” I can hear you asking.
I know, I know, that’s like asking a beer geek what their favorite beer is, or a chemistry nerd what their favorite element is. (FYI, mine is Molybdenum)
Most beer lovers, myself included, haven’t found an absolute favorite craft beer brewer, but I suspect that for most beer nerds there is one brewery that is especially important to them. One that they couldn’t live without – metaphorically speaking, of course.
So, what’s the one craft brewer, that if space aliens were to beam the whole operation into another galaxy, (hence the space picture above) and not a single drop of their delicious craft beer were to ever again grace your lips, you would have a serious mental episode.
For me, I think I can narrow it down in two ways. What are my favorite beer styles, and who makes those beer styles? But what about the brewery that makes great beer consistently across beer styles? Hmmm. This is tougher than I thought.
So, I’m going to remain conspicuously quiet on the issue for the moment, but I’d like to hear your thoughts on what is your one, favorite craft beer brewer? The one that you would really miss if it were gone. Let us know!
I asked myself the same two questions and that narrowed it down to two brewers… Brewery Ommegang and Goose Island. The problem is that I have two favorite types of beers. I love both stouts and belgians and thse two breweries do them very right (Ommegang – Belgians GI – stouts). I guess I would have to choose Ommegang in the end since Goose Island is now totally owned by Inbev and I don’t need all those other beers hanging around!
Interesting choices Anthony! Curious if you’re still enjoying the Goose Island stouts, or has the change in ownership “tainted” them in some way for you?
Anchorage Brewing Company. I love what Gabe Fletcher produces. I tried my first one about a year ago and I can’t get enough. Right now he only produces about 6 or 7 beers, but every time I go beer shopping I have to pick up one or two bottles.
If I could only have beer from one brewer I would have to go Sierra Nevada. I think they set the benchmark for the styles of beer I typically am drawn to (IPA’s, APA, etc.). Their Porter and Stout aren’t bad if I wanted to change things up either.
In terms of American craft brewers I can’t disagree with @Brian, Sierra Nevada set the benchmark for APAs. Some of the craft brews that Sam Adams do are pretty amazing, I remember tasting a Belgian red that fooled several respected beer judges into thinking it was a genuine (and well respected) Belgian. I guess the mainstream Sam Adams brews allow them the freedom to experiment and push the boundaries.
As far as Brit Craft Brewers go, I can’t narrow it to just one. You won’t be surprised to learn that I’m torn between Brewdog and Thornbridge, but I’d also add Kernel in London who are brewing some great beers.
@Scott, @Brian and Bob. All interesting comments. Lately, I’ve seemed to have dialed back my quest for the latest and greatest beers, or even different beers if you can imagine! Currently, my line of thinking is pretty close to Bob’s regarding Sam Adams.
Its nice to know what I’m getting is going to be pretty good, perhaps not mind-blowing but fine for having a good brew that I don’t have to think about. Their range of beers is incredible, and as Bob said, they offer more and more beers that do push the envelope if that’s something I happen to need. Actually, one of my current favorites is the Sam Adams “The 13th Hour” which is an amazing barrel-aged stout.
There would be a hole in my heart if Sam Adams stopped brewing!
(Sierra Nevada would be in my top 3 though.)
I’m going to have to be a homer for this one and go with Victory Brewing Company. They make an impressive selection of beers and have some brewpub only beers that are wonderful. They set the bar high for many of the styles that they make and they keep coming out with new and interesting things.
@Nate – Victory would certainly be missed too! I’m fortunate to live in an area that gets many of their brews, so I can appreciate your choice!
If I had to pick one… had to, or like someone would die. Then I’d probably pick Ommegang. But…. why limit to just one.
Ommegang
Brooklyn
South Hampton
Russian River
Goose Island
Shiner
Bear Republic
Troegs
Anchor
Saranac
That would make a pretty solid top ten list on what regularly gets into my beer fridge (when I can get them). But I don’t think I could order them. There would be a lot of ties.
or crap victory… yeah thats a good one too…
3 heads
and maybe Abita, but that’s it…. thats all I need.
We’ll see how goose island pans out next year. When the ownership changed completely, they were almost halfway though their aging process. I’ll give this “committee” a chance
I have to go with Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland OH. I live two and half hours away in Columbus, but I consider Great Lakes to be local. Every beer they churn out is absolutely brilliant, and they brew a huge range of styles. Although I might not put any one of their beers at the top of my list for any given style, their entire line-up is really, really solid. I don’t think I’ve had a Great Lakes’ beer I didn’t enjoy. They’re the best.
Unibrou-if la fin du monde was not brewed anymore I would cry for days
So hard to pick one! Interesting to see that some people have been able to to it, but I’m still hesitant though my leanings are toward Sam Adams or Sam Smith. (Cover a lot of bases that way!)