Craft Beers, Microbreweries and Homebrewing

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The discussion highlights a strong appreciation for craft beers and microbreweries across the U.S., with specific mentions of popular locations like Rock Bottom Tavern, Stone Brewing Co., and Oak Pond Brewery. Participants share their favorite brews, including unique ales and lagers, and discuss the brewing process, particularly the use of top and bottom-fermenting yeasts. The conversation also touches on the evolution of American brewing since the 1980s, noting the rise of craft breweries and their growing international recognition. Overall, the thread reflects a vibrant community of beer enthusiasts eager to explore and celebrate diverse brewing styles.
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I like the craft beers found at various microbreweries like the Rock Bottom Tavern in SD,

The Big River Grille and Brewing Work in Chattanooga
http://www.bigrivergrille.com/

Roosters Brewing Company in Ogden, UT
http://roostersbrewingco.com/

Stone Brewing Co, North County, San Diego
http://www.stonebrew.com/home.asp

The gardens at Stone are a wonderful place to enjoy dinner and several beers. They have one of the best selections that I've ever experienced - including their own and many from the Lost Abbey - http://www.lostabbey.com/lost-abbey-beers/ . As a beer connoisseur, one has to try Lost Abbey ales! One has to taste Angel's Share.
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/18149/32413
http://www.lostabbey.com/lost-abbey-beers/non-denominational-ales/the-angels-share/

I still need to venture to Brewery Ommegang - http://www.ommegang.com/ :-p

(split off from Walgreens not-a-beer thread )
 
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I'll have to make sure to get a sampling of ales and lagers from Oak Pond Brewery next time you're coming through here. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. My favorites are Nut Brown Ale and White Fox Ale.

If you can hang out a bit, we can do a tour of that little brewery, and taste-test all the brews on tap before buying growlers of whatever brews you like best.

http://www.oakpondbrewery.com/
 
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Now I feel guilty for starting the Big Flats thread. So I'll attempt to get a little honor back here.

These are the beers made at my favorite microbrewer:

http://freestatebrewing.com/beer"

In particular, Wheat State Golden.

They have a good food menu too:

http://freestatebrewing.com/menu"
 
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dlgoff said:
Now I feel guilty for starting the Big Flats thread. So I'll attempt to get a little honor back here.

These are the beers made at my favorite microbrewer:

http://freestatebrewing.com/beer"

In particular, Wheat State Golden.

They have a good food menu too:

http://freestatebrewing.com/menu"
Next time I'm out that way, I'll have to check it out.

I looked into a local distributor to see if I could get Boulevard after Evo's recommendation. Apparently it's not available in the NE.
 
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One thing puzzles me.

Are american beers brewed with bottom yeasts or top yeasts?
 
Studiot said:
One thing puzzles me.

Are american beers brewed with bottom yeasts or top yeasts?
Yes.

Original brewers were English of course. Irish, German, Czech and Dutch immigrants brought their own methods later.

I can't vouch for the following, but here is one site's history of American brewing.

http://www.beerinfo.com/index.php/pages/beerhistory.html

and there's wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_in_the_United_States

Perhaps more believeable is the history at BeerAdvocate
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/history_american_beer
 


I'm still puzzled.

:confused:
 


http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/yeast

BeerAdvocate said:
Top-fermenting yeasts are used for brewing ales, porters, stouts, Altbier, Kölsch, and wheat beers.

. . . .

Some of the lager styles made from bottom-fermenting yeasts are Pilsners, Dortmunders, Märzen, Bocks, and American malt liquors.

. . . .
Top or bottom would depend on style. The English Ales would to top-fermenting yeast brews.

Pilsners (Czech) and German Lagers would be bottom-fermenting yeast brews.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilsner
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_lager

In the end, it depends of the type of beer and/or who makes it.
 


There's a lack of microbreweries by me, 5 I think within 50 miles. One just lost their general store to fire, possibly arson.

Bell's Brewery is quite good
Code: 
[PLAIN]http://www.bellsbeer.com/
[/PLAIN]

Dark Horse (the one that had the fire)
Code: 
http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/

Old Hat Brewery & Grill
Code: 
[URL]http://oldhatbeer.com/
[/URL]

Bilbo' Pizza brew their own, but primarily a restaurant.
Code: 
[PLAIN]http://www.bilbospizza.com/
[/PLAIN]
Their site has nothing on their brewing it seems

Olde Peninsula Brewpub, another restaurant with brewery
Code: 
http://www.oldepenkazoo.com/

Bell's has done some really good beers, and they're experimenting with Brett yeasts and have gotten some decent sour beers.
 
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  • #10


Astro,
While in Corvallis did you try http://www.mcmenamins.com/corvallis" ?

I am partial to their Terminator Stout.
 
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  • #11


I have no clue what it is, but yesterday the friends I'm shacked up with here in Chicago brought out a really good Belgian beer. It wasn't too hoppy, but it wasn't sweet either. I'm no fan of beer, but this was OK to me, which usually means that other people love it.

I'm still surprised these days when American friends have 5 beers in their fridge, and all are different beers! I always thought: America: the choice is 'Bud' or 'Coors'... which is really just a suggestion to drink water.
 
  • #12


Integral said:
Astro,
While in Corvallis did you try http://www.mcmenamins.com/corvallis" ?

I am partial to their Terminator Stout.

re bold: Wow... terminator?! So named because, having had a 6-pack one's eyes glow red as well?

Seriously though, when did America start making all of this beer? I'm out of touch in the drinking (socially of course) world.
 
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  • #13
Integral said:
Astro,
While in Corvallis did you try http://www.mcmenamins.com/corvallis" ?

I am partial to their Termination Stout.
Yes. I had dinner at McMenamins the last night there, and I had the Termination Stout. The Stout is quite good.

I also visited Rogue Ales Public House in Eugene and Block 15 Restaurant and Brewery in Corvallis.
http://www.rogue.com/beers/beers.php
http://block15.com/

nismaratwork said:
re bold: Wow... terminator?! So named because, having had a 6-pack one's eyes glow red as well?

Seriously though, when did America start making all of this beer? I'm out of touch in the drinking (socially of course) world.
According to Beer Advocate:

1982 For the first time since prohibition, a brewery is allowed to open that not only sells its' beer at its' own bar on premises, but serves food to boot. In Bert Grant's Yakima Brewing and Malting Co., Inc., the Brew Pub is born.

1984 44 Brewing concerns are operating a total of 83 breweries.
Micro Breweries begin to spread: Riley-Lyon (AR): Boulder (CO); Snake River (ID); Millstream (IA); Columbia River (OR); Kessler (MT); Chesapeake Bay (VA).

1996 1,102 craft breweries produce 5.3 million barrels; a record 333 new brewpubs and microbreweries open in one year.

2001 1,458 breweries produce 6.2 million barrels of beer. Annual dollar volume for craft beer is $3.4 billion. US brewing industry total is $51 billion.

Current numbers
http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/business-tools/craft-brewing-statistics/number-of-breweries
http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/business-tools/craft-brewing-statistics/facts
 
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  • #14
nismaratwork said:
re bold: Wow... terminator?! So named because, having had a 6-pack one's eyes glow red as well?

Seriously though, when did America start making all of this beer? I'm out of touch in the drinking (socially of course) world.
No later than 1620. When the pilgrims came to America, they brought beer with them.
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2625/did-the-pilgrims-land-on-plymouth-rock-because-they-ran-out-of-beer"
 
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  • #15


Astronuc, Jimmy: I think I just learned more about the history of marijuana and beer in the USA than I've learned previously in life. Thanks!

So... these breweries... do you think they'll compete internationally with major brands? It seems that the USA is unfairly labeled (pun) as a "bad beer" country, but clearly that's only true if you want it to be.Jimmy: Whoa, they brought more than beer with them! No wonder they were so brave, they were stoned, and swimming in booze. It's amazing though... you went from prohibition "moonshine" and gin, to artisan beers in a very short time. This is part of what is so wonderful in the USA; all of the cultures together mean the food and drinks can be very exciting.
 
  • #16


I believe that US craft brews are being recognized around the world - particularly in Europe.

Meanwhile - FYI -

http://www.brewmorebeer.com/

http://www.americancraftbeerweek.org/

http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/events/great-american-beer-festival
 
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  • #17


Astronuc said:
I believe that US craft brews are being recognized around the world - particularly in Europe.

Meanwhile - FYI -

http://www.brewmorebeer.com/

http://www.americancraftbeerweek.org/

http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/events/great-american-beer-festival

Hmmm... Maybe it's time for a trip to the US Pacific Northwest this season. Maybe during the hazelnut harvest in Oregon... I LOVE that.

Thanks for the links... I have a lot to learn about beer it seems.
 
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  • #18


This brewery predates the Incas.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10043096/ns/technology_and_science-science/"
 
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  • #19


Jimmy Snyder said:
This brewery predates the Incas.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10043096/ns/technology_and_science-science/"

Whoa... and people thought prohibition would work. :rolleyes: I'm not much for drinking, but really, it's clearly something people have enjoyed for millennia.
 
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  • #20


My favorite beer is the Ayinger Celerbrator. It has a strong malt taste up front and finishes with a nutty/chocolate taste on the back of your tongue. Too easy to drink; I have to force myself to sip it (at $15/4-pack). I even have the official glassses.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTaOAhpKtuf6J0cxBC5kU1ECNYZ2awW0Y_wfpqqhi8Sw1jfiCaV.jpg
 
  • #21


Cheers!
 

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  • #22


Just got my Brewer's Association package in the mail, Zymurgy issue should follow soon.
Considering preparing for the Beer Judging Certification Program exam, need to become quite familiar with all 97 or so styles of beer, mead and cider.
 
  • #24


A friend and colleague just informed me of 3 Floyds Brewery in Munster, Indiana.

http://www.3floyds.com/our-beers-2/

They have some good beers - especially Scottish Ale, Pale Ales, Stouts and Porter.
 
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  • #25


I have to contribute my couple of cents with some of my favorite Texas beers.

Real Ale Brewing Blanco, TX
My favorite, Fireman's 4

St. Arnolds Brewery Houston, TX
My favorite, Lawnmower and their IPA

Shiner Shiner, TX
Although not a microbrew, I do enjoy pretty much anything these guys make.
 
  • #26


I tried something called... UFO citrus... or something like that. I'm not sure about the name, but for beer, it was very refreshing.
 
  • #27


Astronuc said:
A friend and colleague just informed me of 3 Floyds Brewery in Munster, Indiana.

http://www.3floyds.com/our-beers-2/

They have some good beers - especially Scottish Ale, Pale Ales, Stouts and Porter.

YES! 3 Floyds Russian Imperial Stout is like drinking nectar of the gods. It's always one of the most highly rated beers in the world.
 
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  • #28


gravenewworld said:
YES! 3 Floyds Russian Imperial Stout is like drinking nectar of the gods. It's always one of the most highly rated beers in the world.
gnw, you can get 3 Floyds where you are?!
 
  • #29


Ronnin said:
I have to contribute my couple of cents with some of my favorite Texas beers.

Real Ale Brewing Blanco, TX
My favorite, Fireman's 4

St. Arnolds Brewery Houston, TX
My favorite, Lawnmower and their IPA

Shiner Shiner, TX
Although not a microbrew, I do enjoy pretty much anything these guys make.

My god, it's like you took the words right out of my mouth. I love the Fireman's #4; tis my summer beer. While St. Arnold Winter Stout be my winter beer, and their Spring Bock is always on my shopping list...come spring.
 
  • #30


http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/119/431/

Otter creek Stovepipe Porter... I LOVE this beer. It avoids being sweet, while still laying on the malt and rich flavors. It's absolutely perfect with red meat, or even as a sipping beer.

I'm adding this image: [PLAIN]http://www.yearlylesson.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Otter-Creek-Stovepipe-Porter.jpg

It actually pours with a nice head, but you can't see that here... but HERE:
5377040714_ff35609365.jpg


Yeah... it's dark, and rick, but NOT thick.

I'm a big fan (maybe a local thing) of what Dogfish Head puts out, but my favorite beer of all time was some small-batch heffeweisen I had once, and never since. I don't know if it's even sold, or if it was a house beer, but it's was rich and almost sweet: it was like drinking amazing bread.

Beyond that, my favorite has already been mentioned: Ayinger Celerbrator. It's pricey, but you don't drink quickly or to get trashed, just for the meal in a cup. I love it with Kabanosy, some cheese, mustard, and brown or black bread.
 
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  • #31


I think I messed up. Usually I keep cheap beer on hand; having to watch my finances. But I ran out of beer last night and since it's Sunday and the liquor stores are closed on Sundays here, I made a trip to the Free State Brewery, where you can get your jugs refilled on Sundays until 7:00pm. They provide the 64oz jugs and it cost about $8 for a refill, so that's what I did. Damn, I should have bought a new jug full of that good wheat beer. It's going down way to smooth and fast. :(
 
  • #32


Astronuc said:
gnw, you can get 3 Floyds where you are?!

No, I can not get 3 Floyds where I currently am. I had their Russian imperial at their brewery on 'Dark Lord Day' when my friend in IN and I got tickets to the event. I believe they only sell the Dark Lord at their brewery only. It is insanely delicious and is almost indescribable. I've never had anything like it or anything that can match close to it. The thing I like most about American brews is the fact that we aren't afraid to experiment. A ton of European beers are stuck in their traditions, which is fine and all, but their beers never change. Americans use so many more ingredients, have more styles, and have much wider array of flavors. You will almost never see a good IPA outside of the US. Not many breweries outside of the US make good porters and stouts either (sorry Guinness doesn't count) also.
 
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  • #34


When did this microbrewery thing really start anyway? I remember when it was foreign beer, or panther piss (bud): things have gotten REALLY good in the intervening years for people who like beer, not just drinking.

to Greg Bernhardt, are those giant copper cookers and stills?! I want whatever they're making in those, but this thread is a litany of great beers I can't get! Oh why wasn't I born in the Pacific Northwest!? Por que dios mio, POR QUEEEE?!
 
  • #35


http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/Beers.cfm?BeerID=80
and the Coffee Stout... I want them. O.O
 
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  • #36


gravenewworld said:
No, I can not get 3 Floyds where I currently am. I had their Russian imperial at their brewery on 'Dark Lord Day' when my friend in IN and I got tickets to the event. I believe they only sell the Dark Lord at their brewery only. It is insanely delicious and is almost indescribable. I've never had anything like it or anything that can match close to it. The thing I like most about American brews is the fact that we aren't afraid to experiment. A ton of European beers are stuck in their traditions, which is fine and all, but their beers never change. Americans use so many more ingredients, have more styles, and have much wider array of flavors. You will almost never see a good IPA outside of the US. Not many breweries outside of the US make good porters and stouts either (sorry Guinness doesn't count) also.
Actually, there are many excellent breweries in the UK.

http://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/

http://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/nutbrownale.html

http://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/taddyporter.html

http://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/oatmealstout.html

http://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/imperialstout.html


http://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/bottles.html

Fortunately, a local store carries them. As well as many international brands.

http://www.chimay.com/

http://www.chimay.com/en/intro_58.php

http://www.chimay.com/en/three_strong_personalities_217.php

http://www.chimay.com/en/access_plan_156.php


I agree that Guinness in the bottle or can is not as good as from the tap. I don't know what they do for exports, but what I buy in the store seems a bit too watery .

Actually, Ireland has some great pubs and breweries.
 
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  • #37


Greg Bernhardt said:
http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/ is great and wins many awards!

Oh, you are making me crave an Uff-da! One of the best winter beers!

When I was in grad school, one of my favorite things to do was to head up to the coast of New Hampshire and hang out in Portsmouth at the the Portsmouth Brewery!

http://www.portsmouthbrewery.com/

If you appreciate craft beer and willing to take some risks, you can really get your mind opened. In fact, my local mart carries their Old Brown Dog. Makes me so happy!
 
  • #38


Norman said:
Oh, you are making me crave an Uff-da! One of the best winter beers!

When I was in grad school, one of my favorite things to do was to head up to the coast of New Hampshire and hang out in Portsmouth at the the Portsmouth Brewery!

http://www.portsmouthbrewery.com/

If you appreciate craft beer and willing to take some risks, you can really get your mind opened. In fact, my local mart carries their Old Brown Dog. Makes me so happy!
Ha - I've had Smuttynose. It was locally available. 'Twas OK.

I need a road trip to Portsmouth. Gotta try the Holidaze and Imperial Porters.
 
  • #39


Right now in my fridge I have...
Samual Smith's Nut Brown Ale
Rogue Imperial Pilsner
Sam Adams Winter Lager (ok, huge craft brewery not micro, but still delicious)

My personal preference is more malty and less bitter. I stay away from high bitter stuff like IPAs, just never have been able to enjoy them. But I'm constantly swapping up what beer I'm enjoying depending on time of year and need for variety. I even brewed my own batch of brown ale, although it didn't turn out to be anything exciting. I've been doing a lot more research and will try again soon.

Here's a couple I return to more often than others
www.rogue.com - I like quite a few of their offerings, particularly Hazelnut Brown Nectar
www.saintarnold.com - Local in Houston, known for a tasty brown ale
 
  • #40


S_Happens said:
Right now in my fridge I have...
Samual Smith's Nut Brown Ale
Rogue Imperial Pilsner
Sam Adams Winter Lager (ok, huge craft brewery not micro, but still delicious)

My personal preference is more malty and less bitter. I stay away from high bitter stuff like IPAs, just never have been able to enjoy them. But I'm constantly swapping up what beer I'm enjoying depending on time of year and need for variety. I even brewed my own batch of brown ale, although it didn't turn out to be anything exciting. I've been doing a lot more research and will try again soon.

Here's a couple I return to more often than others
www.rogue.com - I like quite a few of their offerings, particularly Hazelnut Brown Nectar
www.saintarnold.com - Local in Houston, known for a tasty brown ale

Keep listing them, and you're going to find a Nicodemus in your fridge drinking your beer! :biggrin:
 
  • #41


Ever since this thread started I can't stop going to my local micro-brewer for my favorite Golden Wheat State.
 
  • #42


dlgoff said:
Ever since this thread started I can't stop going to my local micro-brewer for my favorite Golden Wheat State.

Yeah, this thread makes it clear that too many beers exist, which taste far too good. Where is the 'Women's Temperance Movement' when you need it?! ;)
 
  • #43


Nicodemus said:
Where is the 'Women's Temperance Movement' when you need it?! ;)
Probably drinking really good beer.

As a mater of fact, I think I'll have another. :rolleyes:
 
  • #44


dlgoff said:
Probably drinking really good beer.

As a mater of fact, I think I'll have another. :rolleyes:

Cheers! :biggrin:
 
  • #45


Many of the local microbrew bottled beers are excellent, though some really shine when they are on tap. You could plan a Maine vacation around visits to microbreweries and their brew-pubs. Oak Pond Brewing in Skowhegan, Atlantic Brewing Company in Bar Harbor, Sea Dog in Topsam, Bangor, and South Portland, Shipyard Brewery in Portland, etc. Some of their products are available on-tap in selected unaffiliated taverns and bars, too.
 
  • #46


turbo-1 said:
Many of the local microbrew bottled beers are excellent, though some really shine when they are on tap. You could plan a Maine vacation around visits to microbreweries and their brew-pubs. Oak Pond Brewing in Skowhegan, Atlantic Brewing Company in Bar Harbor, Sea Dog in Topsam, Bangor, and South Portland, Shipyard Brewery in Portland, etc. Some of their products are available on-tap in selected unaffiliated taverns and bars, too.
You know? That sounds like an excellent idea.

Funny you mention microbrew bottled beers. Yesterday when I was filling my jugs (one just wasn't enough so I bought another) the bartender said I could buy it bottled and save a little money. But I decided direct from the tap was the way to go. I did ask him about kegs, etc. and he told me that on Mondays they provide kegs of one particular crafted beer for that week.
 
  • #47


turbo-1 said:
Many of the local microbrew bottled beers are excellent, though some really shine when they are on tap. You could plan a Maine vacation around visits to microbreweries and their brew-pubs. Oak Pond Brewing in Skowhegan, Atlantic Brewing Company in Bar Harbor, Sea Dog in Topsam, Bangor, and South Portland, Shipyard Brewery in Portland, etc. Some of their products are available on-tap in selected unaffiliated taverns and bars, too.

See, this is why i don't understand how some fermented grapes have become so much more "fabulous" than delicious brews.

So, I live not too many hours drive from Maine... what time of year would you recommend for a beer-tour, and taking some time to just kick back (nothing fancy)?
 
  • #48


Early to mid-fall would probably be best, after the bulk of the tourists have gone home. Plus, many micros brew up special seasonal batches for October.
 
  • #49


turbo-1 said:
Plus, many micros brew up special seasonal batches for October.
Would I have to bring my snow shovel? :devil:

It would probably be worth it though.
 
  • #50


dlgoff said:
Would I have to bring my snow shovel? :devil:

It would probably be worth it though.
Not for October (usually). Plus, early October is prime-time for foliage.
 

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