Drake's Brewing Reputation + Appreciation Thread (2023)

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by elNopalero, Feb 17, 2023.

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  1. elNopalero

    elNopalero Grand Pooh-Bah (5,822) Oct 14, 2009 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Over the past few days I've followed the news about Bear Republic's merger/acquisition with Drake's Brewing through the various threads that have popped up.

    One thing I found interesting was the proportion of those who posted favorably about Bear Republic compared to Drake's. For example, I'm guesstimating that comments expressing some familiarity with Bear Republic's line-up (Racer 5 etc) vs. anything from Drake's ran about 5 to 1, at least.

    Any idea why this is? Is it a matter of having such an embarrassment of riches that they're overlooked? They certainly seem to be doing exceptionally well--I forgot about the expansion to Sacramento, and The Dealership seems like its perpetually busy based on the few times I stopped by in the last six or so months.

    I can think of some reasons--different distro footprint seems the likeliest, as they're both large production breweries, although I don't know the volume either operate at--but I still thought it fascinating to see, and I kept wondering what Drake's reputation is in these (Beer Advocate) parts.
     
    #1 elNopalero, Feb 17, 2023
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  2. jakecattleco

    jakecattleco Grand Pooh-Bah (3,749) Sep 3, 2008 California
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I've found most of their products to be high quality, but just not quite top tier. And have found Bear Republic stuff to be a little edgier (in a good way). That said, BITD fresh Aroma Coma and Hop Salad were outstanding.

    I've never been to a Drake's location... and I even work in Sac. It just seems there's always a better option for my palate and preferences to be found elsewhere.
     
    #2 jakecattleco, Feb 17, 2023
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2023
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  3. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,846) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Unless I've seen their name mentioned randomly here in BA (which, I dunno, maybe?) I don't think I've ever even heard of them.
     
    #3 BBThunderbolt, Feb 18, 2023
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  4. BigMcLargeHuge

    BigMcLargeHuge Pundit (807) Jul 28, 2008 Arizona

    Lover the Drake
     
    #4 BigMcLargeHuge, Feb 18, 2023
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  5. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    In a nutshell, I think this is their biggest problem. Lack of familiarity.

    Bear Republic beer saw national distribution. Does Drake even distribute outside of California? I assume they probably do, but I've never seen their beer in the NW (other than a few, random drops), or anywhere back East (when I lived there).

    That being said, I've been a fan ever since their early Jolly Roger strong winter ale days, and there's no doubt they make pretty good beer. That being said, I think @jakecattleco's assessment pretty much nails it. Good stuff, but not what I would consider top tier.
     
    #5 John_M, Feb 18, 2023
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  6. unlikelyspiderperson

    unlikelyspiderperson Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Mar 12, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Never been a Drake's fan. It's been at least 3 years since I tried any, when my dad picked up a pack of their pilsner while he was visiting.

    None of their stuff ever drew me back for a regular purchase. Not sure exactly why
     
    #6 unlikelyspiderperson, Feb 18, 2023
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  7. bcm119

    bcm119 Savant (1,195) Feb 17, 2001 California
    Society

    I like Drake's. It's not the sort of brewery that has a fawning fan base, but they make a solid line up of consistent, quality, fairly priced beer. The pilsner and IPA is not great. The Denogginizer is good if you want to relive the 90s, which I sometimes do. I think their best beer is the 1500 dry hopped pale, which is clean and bitter with a subtle doughy malt note. The kind of beer Michael Jackson would've given 4 stars.

    I think they brew the house beers at Jupiter in Berkeley (but don't quote me on that) and some of those are very tasty.

    Overall they don't brew the modern styles that get the BA crowd excited. But they make some very good consistent beers in slightly dated styles.
     
    #7 bcm119, Feb 18, 2023
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  8. IrishMASMS

    IrishMASMS Crusader (428) Oct 6, 2019 California
    Trader

    I've liked their barrel aged releases, and never had a bad experience at the barrel house or the Dealership.
     
    #8 IrishMASMS, Mar 12, 2023
  9. bret27

    bret27 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,064) Mar 10, 2009 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Don’t buy anything from either brewery anymore. I couldn’t name any Drakes beer aside from what I just read in this thread. The only time I see them come up is random Bay Area beer fests/events.
    At least with Bear Republic I remember some classic WCIPA’s that were ba top 100 back in the day. (Racer 5, Racer X, Hop Rod Rye).
     
    #9 bret27, Mar 12, 2023
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  10. pixiesfanyo

    pixiesfanyo Crusader (495) Oct 25, 2010 California

    I feel like both breweries have an issue with providing fresh beer.
     
    #10 pixiesfanyo, Mar 12, 2023
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