Rob Tod is a James Beard semi-finalist

He doesn't say much, but for those interested, you can see this category being awarded in the video below starting about 1:21.
https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1ypKdvyOZqRJW

 

Really cool, glad for him.

 

Seems a bit harsh, but a solid opinion nonetheless

 

cool story bro!

 

I don't think they are, but I respect this opinion and also think this isn't an outlandish claim. One could certainly make a good argument for it. I would probably put them in my top 5, maybe top 3.

I think many would argue that Hill Farmstead is better.

That being said, if we're talking the way the brewery runs overall, I think they might be number one. A real class act all around that does just about everything right...oh no wait, they don't make a New England IPA, never mind.

 

Well that plays a part in why I'd put that at number one "overall".

If we're just talking brewing chops, they wouldn't be my number one choice. Possibly number three though, and I could be talked into number two.

Regardless, to be in that discussion is impressive considering the sheer number of breweries in the Northeast, and the wide swath of styles, talent, and experience.

 

This would actually likely be my top three as well.

Notch is my favorite brewery in New England. I also think each of them does certain styles that the other doesn't. So this also could come down to personal preference.

Especially Notch and Allagash. Because obviously if you don't like Belgian styles or Czech/German styles you're not going to be a fan of these breweries.

 

I have huge respect for Allagash/Perkins, but I think my list would have Will Myers just ahead of Perkins. Granted, a personal preference. But I agree on Shaun and Chris.

 

It's somewhere between difficult and impossible to declare a "best" of anything unless there's some highly objective criteria to base that judgement on. Someone once asked Keith Moon if he was the best drummer in the world, and he responded that he was "the best Keith Moon-style drummer in the world". When it comes to something that's ultimately a matter of taste and preference, there is no "best", there are just any number of people or groups who are expressing their vision as well as it can be expressed.

As far as NE breweries that have a unique vision and who consistently execute it at the highest level, Allagash is absolutely part of that group, Hill Farmstead as well I believe, and I think it gets fairly debatable from there.

 

Isn't this subjective as well?

 

I don't think there's an objective way to look at it, period. But there are better ways to deal with subjectivity.

 

I'm sure the endorphin rush was worth it.