Breweries With Exceptional Attitude

Russian River.

I've always had a great experience for every visit.

 

For me, here in MA, the two breweries I frequent the most are Trillium and Tree House. I've been to each countless times and have never had anything less than great experiences at both. Both places are always friendly, respectful, and appreciative of your visit even if they get quite busy at times. They are also two of the most receptive breweries I've encountered when dealing with feedback - critical and/or complimentary - or just questions in general. Always quick to respond back in a sincere way. Plus, they both make kick ass beer and with what I said above keeps me going to both regularly.

 

Good:

Lagunitas - was a great experience when I visited and they were awesome when I told them I got some old Lil Sumpin Sumpin
Ballast Point - sent me a free sixer of Sculpin when I got an old bottle
Widmer - sent me a check for the cost of the beer I bought when I bought stale beer, and a bunch of swag
HUB - sent me a fresh bottle and a bunch of swag when I bought stale beer

I have gotten much better about checking bottle dates after all of these experiences but now feel a sense of loyalty to those breweries.

Okay:

Russian River - I didnt really get the warm and fuzzies from their people when I visited than brewery...they werent rude but just didnt go out of their way to have top notch customer service
Georgetown - samples are free so that is always good. Ive had a couple experiences that were great (i.e. bartender/brewer walking me through a sample of every single beer they had on tap) and some pretty poor experiences ("What do you want to try?" then when I asked to try something else a look like "you already tried one for free you cheap son of a bitch")...
Hale's Ales - good food - decent service, mediocre beer

Bad:

Hilliards - bad beer, super douche bar tender (I do really like one of their brewers who is a great guy but he wasnt working the day i went)

 

The Friday night parties at Hooker (north of Hartford, CT) are amazing! All their beers to sample for a few hours, with no limit, plus a glass & a tour (if you want it), all for $10. The place is usually packed. There is always a food truck outside too. 1st & 3rd Fridays every month.

Had a great time at Jester King (southwest of Austin, TX). The tour was great, hung out with one of the brewers afterward. Next door is Stanley Pizza, which has excellent pizzas and several beers on tap (not always JK). We went on a Saturday and spent several hours there, hanging out. Must have 300 people there, some with their families (kids & underage teens aren't allowed at the brewery), between Jester King & Stanleys. Very cool vibe, as it is on an old farm, and almost everything is open to the outside. You can buy some beer from JK, a pizza from Stanley's and have an outdoor picnic, or get a table in the huge, open-sided barn.



The top two photos are from Hooker, the bottom 3 are Stanley's & Jester King

 

The team at Half Acre has always been wonderful ever since they opened their shop a few years back. Always extremely friendly and willing to answer any questions you might have.

Plus a few weeks back my friends and I were talking to one of the partners there (I think that's what he is...I don't know...), Maurizio, and he could not have been nicer. It was a busy Friday night, but he took time to not only chat with us but also give us a quick private tour of the brewery. It's a little thing like that that really can stick with you in the best way possible.

 

That is great - thank you for sharing. Planning a trip through the NE in the Fall and Element was not on the list of places to visit but now that I have seen that sign I am going to try to add it.

 

Blink and you'll miss it. It is a nano-brewery in the middle of... well, nowhere. Very small place, but when I visited, the person working that day WAS genuinely excited to see us, was very informative and was eager to answer any questions we had.

 

The folks at Dangerous Man have always been great each time I've been in MN.

 

Same here. Going to these places has spoiled me.

Also, I've never been to Element, but it's only about a half hour away from where my girlfriend lives. Looks like I'll be making a stop there next week.

 

I'll also say Odell, (a few years ago ) sadly I haven't made it to many breweries or BPs as of late. Between kids & school I don't have the time or cash to travel like I used to...

 

Haven't been, but they ponied up (almost half a million) for two new water wells for THE WHOLE TOWN.......I'd call that an exceptional attitude.

 

Sometimes "business" is about, you know, passion too. What's the ROI on enjoying what you do every day and making a lot of friends?

 

I'll add Pelican from the Oregon coast. I bought a case of Mother of all Storms. One of the bottles was under-filled and sticky; sucks for such a pricey bottle. I emailed them and same day then wrote back saying they'd tell the folks that bottle and that they'd fedex me a replacement.

They sent me 2 bottles.

 

Cantillon.

 

In the Dallas area Community, Franconia, Lakewood, Peticolas, and Firewheel have all been greatness every time on every tour. Even when they are slammed with people...

 

Sante Adairius, all the way. Know Your Brewer.

 

Cigar City - for putting up with the aholes who were hell bent on ruining a perfectly good Huna day by forging tickets and then trying to incite a riot.

Otherwise - I love my locals here in minny. all are winners.

 

I agree for the most part but not completely. Especially when you have to call out a specific brewery. Makes me think you are not completely sure on them or others wouldn't agree.

 

No I just said Surly because I feel like surly is like 3f and they kinda have that same vibe but the difference is that no one at Surly is a dickhead... I really have not had a bad experience.

Also this is my 100th post woot!!!

 

Great group of guys there that are always happy to help you and share beers with you.

I also dig their sense of humor with there labels etc.