Other Half Brewing, October 2017

What's the thoughts on blocktoberfest was interested in that one

 

I sure hope SDW makes it way into cans. I'd buy a fucking case of that beer for sure.

 

I thought that was canned earlier in the year?

 

Dislike.

 

Some may call me crazy, but I miss the vibe of the the old taproom. Yes it was tiny and cramped, sometimes smelly and almost always loud af. But it was distinctly OH. I felt the motley nature of its atmosphere fit with the vibe the brewery was going for. And its tiny size meant you were almost forced to constantly have semi-awkward interactions with strangers while maneuvering your way to grab another glass. It spurred interaction and discussion--I met quite a few interesting people in there!

While the new taproom solves many of the 'comfort' problems of the OG, it feels more generic... Like, when I'm there, I feel as though I could be in any brewery in any city... There's nothing about it that is unique to the OH brand. The communal seating is nice, but adding a TV and, potentially, catering to more of a "sports bar" vibe would certainly be a disappointment to me... but I suppose you can't totally please everyone! So if the majority of customers are happy with the move, then I'm glad they did it.

 

I'm going on record that DDH Daydream in Green tastes like peach iced tea right now (drinking from the previous batch's cans). That is alright by me.

 

Have you been there on a Saturday later afternoon/early evening? It gets plenty loud and cramped in there, definitely plenty of awkward shoulder bumps to go around.

Note I never went to the old tasting room so I cannot compare the two, but the new one gets plenty packed.

 

Yeah, I've been a few times during high and low periods and agree; it gets pretty tight in there, esp after big weekend releases. That said, I probably misrepresented my yearning... It's not so much that I miss the uncomfortable conditions (that would be sorta weird lol) but that I miss the space of which those conditions were a byproduct. I can understand how this wouldn't make sense if you never went to the old one, but the vibe in new vs. old is completely different. Many (likely majority of OH customers) will prefer the new, but I just think it's missing that DIY feeling that has been foundational to OH's brand, IMO.

 

ah i see, i can understand that.

 

I loved the OG taproom dearly, made many wonderful memories there that I’ll treasure for years to come but I must say, being able to grab a seat in the new taproom after a long day beats standing shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of sweaty beer nerds any day (love ya’ll). I’ve only been to the new spot twice but the first time I was there I still got the chance to interact with a few cool strangers while sitting at a table and on my second visit, MF DOOM’s “MM..FOOD” album (one of my favorites) was blasting through the speakers. It was crowded when I went on a Saturday but hardly reminscent of the mob scenes that Saturday releases used to be.

The ambiance of the old space was special and I’ll always miss it but the new taproom does a much better job at accommodating the large crowds that their increased popularity has attracted, plus it allows me to enjoy a wider array of brews while being a bit more comfortable (oh and the new bathroom is a huge improvement over the old one).

 

While I wholeheartedly approve of the bigger space and larger tap list, the current space definitely lacks the distinct character of the old space. Where is the deer taxidermy?! However, I would say the more or less communal tables do allow for easy conversation between strangers. I was there with friends a few weeks back, and we had a nice conversation with some first-timers because we were on top of one another at a high table.

I hope they add some decor to give it back its unique "voice".

 

Totally agree, anyone remember the Brooklyn Brewery Ghost Bottle event with Garrett Oliver? It was awesome to just chat with him as he made his way around the room, felt like being at a house party.

 

Is this a reference to the thumbs down I keep seeing people post on Facebook regarding the Yankees game?

 

Just because they added a TV doesnt mean its a sports bar. I hate the misconception that beer bars/breweries and TVs dont mix. Sure, getting together with friends after work to have some beers and talk is always a goal but what if you want to also watch a game at the same time? It doesnt mean that theres going to be people screaming their heads off but I sure as hell would prefer going to a bar/brewery with a tv when one of my teams was playing. My friends and I are huge fans of our teams, so if it means staying home and watching a big game or going to a brewery without a TV and constantly refreshing my phone to keep up to date, I'll take the former every time.

 

I was there last night and there were people screaming their heads off.

 

It is the baby bombers in a completely unexpected ALCS game, to be fair. I've been a lifer and that was easily one of the most exciting games I've ever seen. Checks out that a couple folks would be into it. I doubt the same will be true in a month when they're showing regular season Rangers games.

 

It was game 5 of the ALCS and the Yankees are involved. Are you seriously surprised?

 

Don't we just hate it when people try and have fun while drinking craft beer. They should be quietly checking in to Untapped and discussing amongst themselves if the next collab IPA will be Galaxy DDH with lactose or will it be oats or hibiscus flowers.

 

That sounds delicious. DDH Galaxy Daydream, sign me up!