Brewery Wins

Ha, positive brewery news attracts far less responses.

Love your post and example @NorsemanOne , and love when breweries can provide either a QR Code or auxiliary menu to provide an informative description beyond a beer's name/abv/price/pour size.

Some other examples of brewery wins I see in Chicago and my travels:

• Breweries who are solid enough to brew quality / great beers over many styles.
• Breweries who will take chances with new styles, but wait to release a quality beer vs. selling beers that may not be ready or up to par.
• Breweries who have thoughtful events, such as Revolution Brewery having a band come in at times on weekdays, or their language table events which encourage conversations in various languages. Not all events breweries host may be in my wheel house, but I do appreciate when breweries host events that engage conversation or activity that bring people together.
• Happy Hours - Who doesn't like a deal!
• Great and friendly staff - I typically find breweries hire / keep staff more knowledgeable about beer in general (many have an cicerone serving or other beer education background), their brewery's offerings specifically, and are friendly and passionate about beer, more so than a general bar. Staff at my favorite beer bars share the same attributes.
• Breweries which are non-smoking (in states like Nevada that still allow indoor smoking) and also play intrusive music, have no TVs (or mute them), to allow for a more social experience.
• Breweries which hold charitable events, especially those who allow volunteer opportunities followed by a post event beer, or even a food or winter coat drive for charity.

There are likely many more, but these were the first that came to mind.

 

I always feel like it's a win when I stop into my local brewery and I'm faced with an intimidating range of styles to choose from. It's a wonderful feeling

 

Good friendly employees and ownership go a long way to gaining repeat customers, even if the beer is just average.

 

The coffee world provides 'tasting notes' and write-ups for much of their products. It's a shame it's not done more consistently within the beer community.

Alma Mader provides a brief write-up of each of their beers during release. The last sentence is usually a set of tasting notes for that beer. Much like when I'm trying to decide between which bag of coffee to buy, if I can't decide between two beers, I'll read the tasting notes and see which one better fits my preferences.

 

Off the top of my head:

• Commitment to well-made lagers even if that's not the majority of their tap list. I still dig IPAs but a brewery that has a solid portfolio of good lagers is always a plus. I give Tree House a ton of credit for this. Their lager program has churned out some absolute quality even though the NEIPAs pay the bills.
• Holiday events. Every holiday-related event I've been to for a brewery has been a great experience and I always appreciate going that extra step to commit to an event.

 

Every few weeks one of my local breweries will have a free musical concert. I don't go to them because I don't go out in the evenings anymore, but I'm pretty sure they have quality local performers.

 

This x 100. My wife and I are big brewery people, and invariably the ones we frequent most are all about the staff. We appreciate good service and a little personal touch.

 

There is a fairly small brewery we go to where the staff is extremely friendly and informative. The servers will take the time to explain the traits of what they are serving. My wife doesn't drink beer (I know right?) and she likes going there because they are so welcoming.

 

Tröegs is about the best you can get when it comes to breweries. IMO, they do just about everything right.

From their consistently great beers (minus Nugget Nectar), descriptions of beers, great food, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the amazing beer tour, it doesn’t get much better.

 

Ease of parking is always a big plus. Cheap food options. I don’t always need foodie food when I visiting a brewery and spending $7+ per pint. Do I really need the artisanal mac and cave aged cheese for $15 or would $5 Tyson chicken fingers hold me over until I can get home? Both are fine, but I don’t always like having to spend a fortune on food as well.

 

Great forum and responses. I echo pretty much everything that has been said. Here is what I will add that I haven’t see yet
-not just a variety of styles, but “out there” and inspired beers that reflect the brewer’s creative soul and speak to a deeper vision
-beers that use local ingredients and suppliers
-comfortable CHAIRS! I like to be able to sip and take it all in. Comfy or even just sturdy chairs do that, cheap metal stools do not
-A good NA option, really just one works, not just the stale soda in the back of a fridge.
-bathrooms that are not a disaster
-BEER ON CASK, and other various serving options
-I’ll be that guy: proper glassware (respect beer:boo plastic cups!)
-staff who love the product or at least know something about the beer, you can really tell

 

My very local brewery - KinderHill - Brew great beers in a variety of styles AND they know my name. Norm would feel at home!

 

I was on my way back home from Toppling Goliath in December when I happened by a small brewery in Calmar, IA. I decided to stop in for a quick snack and a beer and found myself in the most pleasant taproom I've ever seen. It is beautifully and tastefully appointed and incorporates many repurposed items into the decor. Besides the taproom, the building houses an events venue and an art studio. Did I mention great food and excellent beer including many Czech styles? Click below for the full story and make it a point to visit. It's worth a trip, and it's only 10 miles or so from TG and Pulpit Rock.

About PIVO Brewery