Fremont vs. Black Raven

Always back to beer...nice. I like you guys and gals.

Seriously, though, why compare Fremont to Black Raven? We have different models for now but watch out for Beau and gang, they will bring the flock soon and beer will rain down upon us. We do share a passion for excellence and adventure...and bird logos.

Cowiche releases Tuesday BTW.

 

Oh man. 7 days man. 7. Days.

Man.

 

The same day I get home from Afghanistan! You guys are so sweet!

 

This makes me want to go there.

 

Dude, you need to take a few days and come over to the Wet Side. You can bring me some Selkirk Abbey when you come.


A BA named Whiskey
Should venture to see
Fremont and Black Raven
Beers he's really cravin'
He'll just need someone to hold his car key!

 

The mention of "rocket" along with "Balls and ass, my man, balls and ass..." is quite stimulating...

 

I'll be making another trip for sure...and I'll bring you some Selkirk.

 

Actually, I've got 12 bottles due either today or tomorrow. Some friends just went over for a couple days. SA had 4 beers bottled, they grabbed me 3 of each!

 

This thread is about a year old now. When it first appeared I was torn. Both seemed equal to me. Now, the clear winner is Fremont. No question. BR needs to expand before they get my vote. Lack of bottles this year has been a real bummer from BR. Fremont has killed it this year. No contest anymore.

 

Black Raven's bottled output is a lot stronger than it was in the past with consistent distribution in stores.

However, Fremont wins hands down. Their fresh hops are world class, the barrel program is stellar, and they're dabbling with sours. I really hope they do cans of Sour Weisse at some point.

 

I think for the basic beers, Fremont wins hands down. Every black raven bomber I've bought I've been slightly disappointed on whereas i can drink cans of fremonts regular offerings all day every day.The barrel aged stuff is closer, but I give the slight edge to Fremont

 

I would say Fremont is the best brewery in WA state

 

I feel BR has really stepped it up this year with their bottle distro. That being said, Fremont is really firing on all cylinders right now and would get my vote.

I typically always refer to the "Big 3" in Washington as Fremont, Black Raven and Reuben's. I think they are clearly the best 3 out their in terms of overall quality and deveristy of their lineups. Not sure who would really come next?

However, purely for the love of hops, Bale Breaker would be my first choice. Field 41 and Top Cutter are probably the best regular line up IPAs out there right now, IMHO. Pull up to their bar at the brewery and sample some of their other stuff, you'll never want to leave.

 

As I re-read through this thread, I saw some names we don't see around anymore. I kinda miss those lunkheads.

 

I second the bale breaker comment. I love that I can pick up top cutter at trader joes or Fred Meyer for less that $10 a sixer

 

In my opinion Fremont is wayyyyy ahead of Black Raven or anything other WA brewery but that is based solely on my personal preference.

I would say my favorite WA beers by style are:

Pale Ale - Summer Ale (Fremont)
Fresh Hop - Cowiche (Fremont)
DIPA - Brother or Sister (Fremont)
BA Beer - Bourbon Abominable (Fremont)
Porter/Stout - Dark Star (Fremont)
IPA - Trickster (Black Raven), Crikey (Reubens), or Lucille (Georgetown)

Again, just personal preference but even the top 5 rated WA beers are all Fremont...

 

Damn, list is nearly identical to mine. I knew I loved Fremont, but not that much. I also think Rueben's does amazing hoppy beers. On par with Fremont.

 

Yeah, I really like Reubens too...looks like we have similar tastes in beer...we should compare notes on others

 

I have to say that I just can't get behind Reuben's. I've tried nearly everything they bottle and I haven't been a big fan. I trust the regular commenters here but have been baffled by the high regard many have for Reuben's hoppy beers.