What's your most RESPECTED brewery?

Firestone Walker - classy, well-crafted, sought-after, no drama or gimmickry...

Runners-up...
Founders - super-high-quality product line, sought-after limited releases...
Stone - famous product line, experimental but not embarrassing, collaborative, smart...

 

My vote goes for New Belgium. The selections they were offering almost 10yrs ago now are what broadened my interest beer as a whole. They still push boundaries and experiment with new recipes, of course, they also treat their people and customers well as far as I have heard of. Always a soft spot for Fat Tire.

 

Can't believe it took that long for someone to say Firestone Walker.

 

Jack's Abby. Every limited release beer is a breeze to get (and insanely good, i.e. BA framinghamers , dry hopped lagers, sours) and their regular distribution beers are top notch.

 

Schell's.

2nd oldest family owned brewery in the US. And to survive so much since 1860?! Yeah.

And their beer is awesome.


Edited: many typos

 

I'll throw Anchor into the mix, even though Fritz sold it a few years ago. They still seem to be keeping the spirit of the place going, making quality brews in their own style, thinking long-term and not being too concerned with trends.

 

RRBC, the only thing people complain about is them not expanding. They are happy, make a ton of great hoppy beers and sours.

FW also!

 

Great Lakes

 

Rogue, hands down.

 

If I must only pick one I gotta got with a local that can brew with anyone. Snake River Brewing in Jackson Wyoming. Just rock solid, every beer, every time. Their brewery is just killer, great atmosphere and food to die for. If you're ever in Jackson it is a MUST visit!

 

Got to like Dogfish Head. Solid and experimental. Everything brewed is not necessarily for me, but it is in there swinging.

 

Bruery: love their experimentation and world class products, and they were first-class in handling the infection dramas of late.

 

Short's - Solid priority on quality beer and always a great place to visit...

Honorable mention for New Belgium - I've been to a few of their tap takeovers and their reps tell some pretty nice stories about their company... I like the fact that they are employee owned.

 

Henniker brewing is my choice both for their beer and business practices. All they do is make really good beer while keeping the prices reasonable. They're only a few years old but it feels like they've been around forever. Plus, they're local to me!

 

Dogfish Head.
They have the best intentions in everything they do. They give back so much to the beer community and to charities, as well as thier local community. They also keep the enviroment in mind. To me, Sam is the voice of the craft community, and I have loads of respect for him, his brewery and the beers they make.

 

Sierra Nevada. The way they've handled the big, corporate monster.

 

At least change your avatar before making that statement...;-P

 

Shogo!!!!!!!!!

 

Founders. They avoid the controversies and drama and just continue to make damn fine beers.

 

Pipeworks! Cool guys and great beers.