2016 Up-and-Coming Breweries

they're coming... joined their society this year cause I don't want to miss anything. First brewery society I've ever joined.

 

I got asked the same question when I walked in with my Dad (who is 80 and who digs anything hops.) They were all smiles when the old man started asking for the big guns on their menu. He ordered the OYA (On Your A$$ IPA) and then spent the next hour talking about hops, malt, and brewing with them. Needless to say it was a good time.

 

I'm going to stay local and give Karben4 in Madison some attention. They have been growing in the last couple of years and they really seem to know what they're doing. Fantasy factory is a very solid IPA. They need to do something about their unicorn packaging though. Happy new year everyone.

 

still waiting for Twin Elephant to open up in Chatham NJ, I have high hopes for them.

 

They are looking at February now. I think they have the paper work done but are still building.

 

Locally, Burdock Brewing had a great start in 2015, and seems adept at several styles, most notably Berliner Weisse. I think they will build into a top 5 local brewery over the next year or two.

The most highly anticipated brewery in 2016 locally is without a doubt the one that is being opened in Toronto by Bim Lafontaine, former brewer at Dieu du Ciel! Not up and coming as it doesn't even exist right now, but it has everyone very excited.

 

I totally agree with this.

 

Citra Splendor was mediocre and devoid of Citra goodness, and The Gathering tasted like a wet hop ale Blue Moon would brew. Two total malt bombs don't exactly convince me their canned stuff will be much better. And I haven't even talked about their (horrid) Mojito Sour Blonde yet!

Unless they make a rapid, Crooked Stave-esque turnaround in quality, Manor Hill will become just another blip on the radar of sadness and hidden gems that is Maryland's beer scene.

On the plus side, Union kicks ass - if any MD brewery becomes suddenly hyped, it'll be them.

 

I was going to the last two years but I was saving up for an engagement ring and then the wedding... Next year I will!

 

PLEASE...Downtown LA needs some good spots, all over LA/O.C./San Diego has great ones, so many, but the downtown area, blah. I know Arts District opening up some, just hope they are delivering the goods!

 

It's too expensive to open downtown and the more established breweries coming to LA (Modern Times and Firestone) would rather be in areas that are trendier.

 

They might still be a little ways away but Common Roots is making some killer stuff. I would imagine they start turning some heads this year.

 

Watch out for Deciduous in Newmarket, NH.

 

Watch out for Faction and Cellarmaker out of SF/ Bay Area.

Cellarmaker is already making some of the best hoppy beer in the country, also putting out some incredible stouts, coffee porters, barrel aged beers, etc.

Faction has the old brewer from Drakes (I Believe), with a huge facility on the water in Alameda. They are also making great beer with PLENTY of room to grow.

 

Aeronaut in Union Sq Somerville MA -- brewing some great stuff right now.

 

i really wish places like cellarmaker, faction, fieldwork, etc. would start bottling up some of their stuff for distro around the bay at least. comparably sized breweries in other areas seem more apt to do this - like in denver/boulder for example.

 

I'm a big fan of New Oberpfalz here in NW Indiana. Brewing a wide variety of styles, including lagers, and doing them very well.

 

Dan Suarez (formerly of HFS) is opening up Suarez Family Brewery in upstate NY this year. It's going to be an insanely god producer of sour and wild ales, amongst other styles. Definitely keep them on your radar.

 

Cloudwater exploded last year in the UK, they have a decent backing behind them and I suspect we may find them in certain markets int he US in the future. Their beers were all very good (I only tried 2 tbf, but have heard very good things about the rest) . So them