I hate following up Vacax with a like post but I was just about to post similiarly about a brewery that I'd never even heard of until about 2 hours ago - Ruhstaller out of Sacramento. I found its three beers on a local Los Angeles shelf and bought them likely because of the extremely cool bottles. (Sorry,...I admit it. "Capt." is top wrapped in black hop sac; "1881" is top wrapped in khaki hop sack, and "Hop Sac" is fully wrapped in hop sack - very great looking bottles!) I have to confess that the "Hop Sac" (a wet hop pale ale?) was not so great; the "1881" (a red ale) was decent. However, the "Capt." (a black IPA) is simply sensational. I reviewed it and will let the review speak for itself. However, this is one of the most well balanced, all around "drinkable" brews I've had..period. (Those that know me will say that it's the Citra hops that stand out - and, they're probably right - I admit that I like most IPAs with citra). This one is just remarkably drinkable and quite delicious. I can't toute all of these brews but "Capt." deserves some recognition in my opinion.
Which Hop Sac did you get? The Kuchinski or Blue Heron hopyard? I found both of the Hop Sac's to be pretty awesome, but prefer the later.
I'll have to look into Capt. I picked up two 4-packs of 1881 during Whole Foods sales and found that to be an enjoyable beer. However, its price point ($12) works against it, as do their bomber price points ($9) for a brand-new brewery.
I heard that something went wrong with the Hop Sac batch and it got slightly contaminated, but it was too expensive to brew so they are selling them anyway to recoup costs. Not sure if I agree with that business model as it potentially takes away future goodwill/earnings, but that's the word. I was able to try a bottle from a friend and thought it was pretty off.
I just saw an article from February where Ruhstallers founder J.E. Paino says "his foremost priority is the quality of Ruhstaller beer." If what you say is true, I think his priority is $$$. Otherwise he would find a way to eat the cost and not release a contaminated brew. Bummer
Well, we probably shouldn't rush to judgment on hearsay, but I agree that's a disappointing anecdote. Then again, "commitment to quality" is largely an exercise in boast and not action (not naming names).
I guess I can stop being disappointed about missing that beer then. Love the packaging, and the 1881 and Capt. are both. Solid beers. But as arbitrator stated, the price point is pretty high for the quality.
I prefer the 1881 Kuchinski, and the Blue Heron Hop Sac. J.E. is a really nice guy, and I don't think that he's in it for the $$$. He's sourcing his hops and barley from California, which I think is pretty unique.
Had a mental image of Al Davis pop into my head as soon as I read Arbi's post as well - though I think the Raiders' empty boast is actually "commitment to excellence".
I like the Capt. and 1881 and get them on tap in town sometime, but for the quality and the price point of the bombers, it is hard to buy them when I see them around town. I love the packing though.
If they name one of their beers Jimmy or Jimmies, I don't care what it tastes like I will buy it all.
There;s a huge difference between Hop Sacs, IMO. The Blue Heron is well balanced and excellent, but the Kuchinski Hop Sac is funky and virtually undrinkable to me. I like the 1881 varieties very much, but LOVE the Capt.! Outstanding Black IPA, one of my favorites. It's unfortunate some may not try the others after trying the Kuchinski Hop Sac. Probably should have been pulled.
not sure if serious... I keep passing up their stuff in favor of other bottles, but what I can say though is that I don't usually give second chances when it comes to putting out bad beers.
Agreed. The Kuchinski Hop Sac is really funky, but try the Blue Heron Hop Sac variety with fresh hops from Sean McNamara's new Blue Heron hop farm in Winters, CA. It is excellent and nothing like the Kuchinski Hop Sac, IMO. Back to the Capt. Black IPA, I have had it as a staple in my beer fridge for about a year and reviewed it recently. I consider it to be an outstanding, world-class black IPA!
Someone gifted me a bottle of the black IPA earlier in the year. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was.
Especially coming from a contract brewing company that's spending money on things like cute little cloth booties for their bottlenecks. It's an interesting gimmick, and it seems to be getting their beer noticed in some circles, but it does make you wonder about their priorities, especially given the poor quality of at least some bottles of hop sac.
