Why no Love for Stone?

I think the Dogfish thing is spot on. They make very good beers, but I don't buy them as often as 15-20 years ago, there are so many local brewers, the only national brand I ever pick up is Sierra Nevada.

 

I tend to pass on them because here in Indiana the prices are a little too much for me. Most of their year round beers are $12 a 6 pack. That is a little high I think.

 

"I think they are the Dogfish of the West Coast."

Outside of them both being around for over 20 years, I find that there are very few similarities. Although both have solid year-round line-ups, I like Stone's a lot better than DFH's, as Stone actually seems to be concerned with changing consumer tastes. Stone also puts out FAR less novelty beer than does DFH, which is a wonderful thing, IMO.

 

Stone? I have better, local for less $$, so there's that.

 

Curious as to which locals in Mass. are making better beer for a lower price than Stone.

 

^^^ PA? No wonder. And fresher. Start with Jacks Abby, Night Shift, Cambridge brewing. Only my palate matters. With the exception of Sierra Nevada and Rodenbach, I only drink New England, why stray from the best? Sort of like people I meet from NY, I usually have an immediate distrust of them at first, they might be yankees fans. ( Wink, wink, ducks behind cover of keg now)

 

Ehh . . . our laws aren't nearly as restrictive as they used to be just a few years ago.

I would agree that those breweries are probably getting you beer fresher, but Stone does pretty well with that.

Better? Yeah . . . that's pretty subjective, like you said, but Stone is no slouch as far as providing a wide variety of beers, outside of their year-round line-up, that is, which is exclusively IPAs/hoppy beers.

As far as price point goes, Stone is definitely not the cheapest out there, but I think the breweries that you mentioned are still coming in over what Stone charges. Not sure on that, though, so feel free to correct me.

 

Not in style of beer, although Stone has certainly made enough beers with off centered ingredients. But they're large and brought craft into a lot of areas. They occupy the same market niche.

 

Not buyin no left coast junk. Was gifted a 22 of enjoy by recently. Was good. Night Shift Santilli won gold in the world beer cup against 280 or so in the " American IPA Category" so there's that. And it is 2 days to 2 weeks old , max for most of my stuff. I have so many, so fresh, so good and local breweries right near by. I would venture 50 within 50 miles. And I haven't tried them all. My desire to try CA brews that are older? Zero. In my fridge? Austin st patina, 3 different Night Shifts, some Alchemist heady topper and their stout, Foundation afterglow, Wachusetts' wally and some Notch left of the dial. That's just what I can think of. I need stone because? Not. Limited bandwidth. Oh and some leftover Zero Gravity cone head from my bike trip.

 

I agree with this but pricing wise in our state they are a bit above most and while I will pull the trigger occasionally I do not think their product is THAT great to include it regularly in my lineup...same with Alesmith up here in Minnysota..

 

I complained about never seeing wootstout on the shelves, then 2 days later found 10 of them on my favorite stores shelf. Complaint redacted.

 

@JackHorzempa -- Fair enough: I'll look into Stone's "True Craft" financial program a little further to see what I can learn. I come from a financial background, so I'd find this interesting. If I were a talented brewmaster looking to start my own independent brewery, I'd definitely take a keen interest in Stone's program -- or at least its potential. I read about Stone's financial program in a more recent article than the one you read. Nevertheless, I know as much as you do. Like you, I don't know of a single investment that Stone has consummated, which isn't to suggest that there have been none. Regardless, I like the spirit behind the concept, particularly since I strongly support local, independent breweries here in California (at least in drinking their creations ).

 

Ive seen it in the stores from 2016 quite a bit. That's why i havent tried it, i figured if it's not selling well it must not be good. Plus big bad baptist hangs out next to it and that usually gets my high end stout money. I will try it now though because of your recommendation. Thanks!

 

As good as Stone's IPAs are, anymore I realize that some of their best beers are their dark malty beers. Xocoveza, W00tstout, and RIS are incredible, and Coffee Milk is also very well done. Interestingly enough, Citrusy Wit was of my favorite Stone beers in the past few years. I haven't seen it yet this summer, though. Does anyone know if they're still going to brew it?

 

Their flagship IPA is only ok. Stone Ripper is good. Nothing really sticks out about them

 

@huthuty , seeing as how you rated stone's beers between 4.08 to 4.75, which means outstanding to world class, I'm surprised you'd have the nuts to now run them down. As a neophyte you really don't have the heft to give a negative opinion when you already ranked them so high. Besides you ranked natural ice a 3.95.?????

 

i really like the style *shrug* just way better IPAs out there
also, natty ice is boss, fight me

 

just calls em as I sees em. Arrogant bastard is not an IPA by the way

 

did i say it was?

 

Cmon @huhuty, its no crime to be new to craft. I just took offense that you could rate a few beers so high, then run down one of the originators of craft beer who were doing it while you were in grade school. Just keep a little perspective in the future. You can go back to malt liquor for all I care.