Most Creative Minds in Craft Brewing

Where should someone like Matthias Trum, of Schlenkerla, be "ranked"? A few years back he took the reins of a brewery that almost single-handedly sustained an ancient, world-class style over the course of centuries. In that time he has not only built on that tradition, but has introduced multiple lauded beers that have garnered praise -- and many many awards -- worldwide. He is an accomplished graduate of the top brewing university in the world, and has at least a dozen new styles in development. Is trying out most, if not all, of your experiments/"creativity" on a willing -- if generally uninformed -- populace a prerequisite for BA laurels? Someone advise me here, please.

 

Creativity is really an over used word when it comes to beers. Many people like to throw Founders out there, and many of these people are not those with access to their brewery only beers. They base this statement mainly off their regular line up and Backstage series. Maple Bourbon barrels were creative when they were first used, sticking other beers in these barrels is rehashing old ideas, they may still be good ideas but they are not really creative anymore.

This is not a knock on Founder, great brewery making great beers, I am simply using them as an example. Many breweries could be used in place of Founders for this example. Let us not apply the creative term all willy nilly, all it does is minimize the term and takes away from those who are truly creative.

Being truly creative is not easy. There is very little which is new, almost everything has been done at some point and much of what is "new" is simply rediscovered.

I prefer to think of those who brew to a specific flavor instead of a style as the more creative. Short's Dessert beers for example, the beer itself may not always be innovative but the thought process, ingredients and process are not traditional.

 

Brad from Jackie O's is one of the most creative brewers out there

 

Second Brad from Jackie O's
Shaun Hill
Evil Twin

 

Shaun Hill (Hill Farmstead)
I'd also throw in John Kimmich. Before Irene The Alchemist brewpub always had some amazing stuff, and honestly Heady Topper wasn't my favorite beer from there - blasphemy i know.

 

I'd say Shorts for sure ! Kuhnhenn, Right Brain in Traverse City, and Oddside Ales in Grand Haven have been coming up with a lot of good stuff too

 

Oh and lets not forget Mikkeller and Brewdog for there marketing abilities. Although Brewdogs Abstract series isn't too bad.

 

David Logsdon and Charles Porter----Logsdon Organic Farmhouse Ales
Alex Ganum----Upright Brewery
Paul Arney----The Ale Apothecary
The team at Block 15

 

Stillwater? Any love for Brian Strumke?

Also, Tired Hands seems to be doing some gnarly stuff.

 

undoubtedly chad at crooked stave is the most pioneering dood in the game these days, making beers and aging them and blending them at a level far beyond his 28 years of age. anyone who has ever tasted surette reserva or any of the WWB series can surely attest to this!

 

spider bite is doing some really cool stuff. anyone on long island should check them out.

 

No Funky Buddha yet?

Funky Buddha

 

Ill second Shaun Hill. Not the craziest beers, but he's thrown some ingredients I wouldn't think of into beers and they always turn out well. Vera Mae having dandelions for example. DFH is creative but I normally don't like the result. There's a difference between being creative and producing good beer, and I think it's about a nice mix of both when you're not just looking for "to style" beers every brewery makes.

 

Joe Pond; Olvalde Farm and Brewing Co.

 

Couldn't agree more, and I'll show some more MI love by mentioning The Livery and Greenbush. Dark Horse puts out some impressive and unique brews as well. I'm also quite happy that RBB is finally starting to bottle their beers so maybe I can help spread the word...

 

Couldn't agree more. I look forward to every beer festival I can get to that they are serving at.

 

Ditto

 

The Bruery

 

I LOVE Upright. Their beers are amazing, but I don't really see much creativity there. They just do what they do very well.

I'd say Andy Parker - Avery. They don't bottle/distribute most of their truly crazy stuff.

 

Rogue - White Whale Ale. Nuff said.