What's your most RESPECTED brewery?

Even if you forget their hoppy beers, they're still top notch. I also have to respect any brewer who respects the continuous improvement process... which, really, should be every brewer.

 

Dogfish Head for being innovative and the styles they produce

Narragansett for history and consistency throughout

 

Sierra Nevada for me without a doubt. Produce great beers at their own breweries at great prices. Reaching out to other breweries on collaborations and including the home brewing public over the years in beer camp. I wish they would have a few more year round choices but no complaints overall.

 

Sierra Nevada, they were making a barleywine before people even knew the style. Now they are creating great new beers regularly and at a reasonable cost to their patrons. What's not to like.
I was just at Extreme Beer Fest and the Oliva Quad aged in madeira barrels was one of the best beers I tried. they are staying on point with current trends and killing it!

 

Weihenstephan but I drink more SN no question

 

Trillium in Boston. Every beer I've had from them is outstanding. They are expanding this year so hopefully their beers will become more widely known outside of New England.

 

Yuengling. 1829.

 

Maine Brewing Co., NEBCO and Alchemist

 

My most respected would be Schlafly. The have been making craft beers for over 20 years. I appreciate their simplicity. They don't have any cute names for their beers, they simply call it what it is. Their oatmeal stout is called Oatmeal Stout, their Tasmanian IPA is called Tasmanian IPA. Also I don't think I've ever had a beer from them that I didn't like. They brew a few styles that aren't my favorites, but they are true to style.

 

Since I am a big fan boy I will second a few who have said the Alchemist. Great beer and community minded.

 

I'm a huge fan of the guys at Hardywood. Seem like class acts and they make great beer

 

Russian River

 

Firestone Walker

 

3 Floyds.
Honorable mention goes to Sierra Navada and New Belgium for being my gateway beers into craft beer.

 

I feel like I am supposed to answer Cantillon.

 

New Glarus for keeping it local and caring more about the beer than growth for growth's sake.

 

Keeping it relatively local in decision: Founder's. I have yet to have anything that I just didn't enjoy (unlike Bell's...nothing bad from them either, just a fair amount of 'not great').

 

Lagunitas, Victory & Founders

 

May I ask why? I'm really just curious, as you're the only person I've ever heard say that.

 

Huge selection, all great beers! What else do you need?