What is your favorite craft beer?

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by Ross61

Stone IPA - the green label.

Though technically, like Kilt Lifter, not a "craft beer" by definition. More of a mass produced beer which isn't a lager (read: BudweiserCoorsMiller piss water).

Stone is still a "craft" brewery by the industry definition, I believe.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by P1et

The amount of garbage "craft beer" is astonishing. I cannot think of the last time I had a good one. The market got flooded with them, and I actually pretty much stopped drinking beer altogether apart from the classic Belgian beers. Because remember: who will make better beer? The guy that worked in IT three years ago that now started a "craft brewery" or the Belgian monks that have been doing it for hundreds and hundreds of years?

And don't get me started on IPAs. They have been absolutely crippled by all this garbage hoppiness that makes them undrinkable.

I disagree with this in general, but it does highlight a very real problem in the "craft" scene - well a couple of problems, actually.

#1 - Local or craft doesn't automatically translate to good or quality. Unfortunately consumers often fail to make that distinction.

#2 - Yes, "craft" drinkers inevitably get caught up in the "I need the hoppiest/rarest/highest ABV thing you have." treadmill.

I honestly don't chase anything any more (not in beer or bourbon). There's enough good stuff out there that is readily available, IMO.

Pliny is a great beer, but it is no longer leagues above lots of local/regional beers and after you've had it once to "check the box" jumping through the hoops to get it isn't worth it. Now, you guys on the west coast are spoiled with your easy access to the Plinys, as well as Blind Pig.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

You could be right but me and half the world like the hops. I love that crisp flavor, citrus, pine, drinking one as we speak elysian immortal. Not some half baked brewery covering things up.

Nope, but they sold to AB InBev so they get zero of my beer dollars any more.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

I think I'm being trolled. If the brewery is good it get bought by a bigger fish.

Sometimes yes. Being purchased by the bigger fish can lead to not qualifying as a craft brand any longer, though.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by Yugo

Can't make up my mind on which is my single favorite, but here are a few depending on the occasion and/or mood:

Alagash triple
Goose Island ipa
Duvel triple
Rasputin Russian stout
Leffe blonde
Devils backbone brews (va local)...

Also now owned by AB InBev, unfortunately. Their Vienna Lager was great.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by jgoens

Beers such as IPA's and pale ales have distinct tastes and have gained much popularity over the recent years. It's not a fad, cover up or crutch. Hey, if you like Coors light all the power to you--but more complexity is readily available.

The same goes with wine, food and spirits as all had a time in the past where basic flavors and layers of complexity were non-existent, but now palates are overwhelmingly being accustomed to much more advanced flavor profiles and depth. If you do not appreciate this, I am sorry.

Not always, no. But it certainly *can* be, and all too often is, a cover up or crutch.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by P1et

Like I said, if you love Bud Light, more power to you. To each their own. Personally, I enjoy bourbons and whisky. Used to drink an IPA until this terrible over hopping trend took place.

Sounds like what you might want to look for is "English IPAs" rather than "American IPAs"? English-style IPAs are typically not hop bombs and have a much more pronounce malt backbone.

There are some excellent English-style IPAs being made by craft breweries out there today.

[hooligan_G01]

As to my favorites - too many to list and most of the local.

NoDa Brewing Hop Drop n' Roll, as well as their Bandito Mexican Lager.

Old Mecklenburg Brewing's Capt Jack, as well as their Mecklenburger.

Old Hickory's Event Horizon.

Bell's Two Hearted, Oberon, and their Expedition Stout. Oh, Black Note, too.

Founder's Double Trouble, KBS and Pivo Pils.

Many, many, MANY more.

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by P1et

Definitely! Host appreciated the fact I enjoyed a whiskey from his home country! It was called “Paul John”. Have you had it?

Never tried it, but would like to.

[MPower7]

Originally Posted by EdM5

anything from local brewery 't IJ

Was in Amsterdam last summer. Parked my bike on the bridge next door and enjoyed beers all afternoon from there!

[LanceW]

Holy City - Overly Friendly IPA

[Red Bread]

Ballast Point being owned by Constellation hasn't been terrible.

[P1]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Ballast Point being owned by Constellation hasn't been terrible.

But this is a craft beer thread though. Ballast Point isn't a craft beer.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by P1et

But this is a craft beer thread though. Ballast Point isn't a craft beer.

Go back to your pappadams, chutneys and shit.

[P1]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Go back to your pappadams, chutneys and shit.

I’m not quite sure what you mean by that.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by P1et

I’m not quite sure what you mean by that.

You're not a fan of hops and you drank Indian whiskey over an IPA. Why are you still at this party?

[EdM5]

Originally Posted by P1et

Because remember: who will make better beer? The guy that worked in IT three years ago that now started a "craft brewery" or the Belgian monks that have been doing it for hundreds and hundreds of years?

Good point!
That's why I stick to Leffe Blond and Weihenstephaner Weizen.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

You're not a fan of hops and you drank Indian whiskey over an IPA. Why are you still at this party?

I know tons of craft beer fans that don't much care for hoppy beers.

[P1]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

You're not a fan of hops and you drank Indian whiskey over an IPA. Why are you still at this party?

Few things...
First and foremost, craft beer doesn't mean hoppy beer. They are not mutually exclusive. Second of all, love a good whiskey. Third of all, I'm here partially to moderate and provide balance.

Hope that helps.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by P1et

Few things...
First and foremost, craft beer doesn't mean hoppy beer. They are not mutually exclusive. Second of all, love a good whiskey. Third of all, I'm here partially to moderate and provide balance.

Hope that helps.

The simple fact is that the American beer renaissance is built around hops. Sure, a couple of farm ales, confectioner sugar boosted Belgian-esque ales, and Kölsch and sours slip through, but 95% of the American craft movement is based on IPA's, Willamette and Chinook hops. To try to dance around that or say that we should ignore those makes this the equivalent of talking about fast cars, but leaving out Porsche because you never liked the Beetle.

And whiskey is great, and we have a thread about that. I'd actually like to try an Indian whiskey, but we can talk about it over there.

[1MOREMOD]

I live in western Washington but reagularly go to the epicenter of hops production east of mountains. Cool being in the fields drinking beer

[P1]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

The simple fact is that the American beer renaissance is built around hops. Sure, a couple of farm ales, confectioner sugar boosted Belgian-esque ales, and Kölsch and sours slip through, but 95% of the American craft movement is based on IPA's, Willamette and Chinook hops. To try to dance around that or say that we should ignore those makes this the equivalent of talking about fast cars, but leaving out Porsche because you never liked the Beetle.

And whiskey is great, and we have a thread about that. I'd actually like to try an Indian whiskey, but we can talk about it over there.

That sounds great. See you there!