An Ode to Bear Republic

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by breadwinner, Dec 23, 2014.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
Page 1 of 2
  1. breadwinner

    breadwinner Initiate (0) Mar 6, 2014 California

    I'm as much a sucker for variety as many of us BAs are, my fridge rarely without a new brew. I try to splice in old favorites, of course, and so it was recently that I picked up Bear Republic's Hop Rod Rye and Red Rocket Ale. I'm a bit ashamed to say it'd be long enough since my last encounter with both of them that I actually began to wonder whether my memory was getting a bit rose-hued and whether they'd still stand up.

    Delighted I was to find that memory had not deceived. Hop Rod is still the wonderfully unique creation it ever has been, the rye spice in perfect proportion to wonderful piney, minty hops and a dose of warming, brown sugar malt. Red Rocket has those same piney hops deliver a feisty opening punch, followed by a rich malt core, notes of chocolate and dark fruit slipping through, and a lovely bitterness enduring throughout.

    Though there are some who would suggest otherwise, I really think we (consumers) are in a golden age of craft beer, with access to an incredible variety of beer, brewers, and ideas, and the possibilities seemingly without end. And yet, in the midst of such wonderful creative energy, how refreshing, too, are the reminders of creativities unleashed decades ago, still with the power to delight the tastebuds and satisfy the senses. Though they continue to evolve and innovate (with things like, say, Tartare Peche), I tip my hat to @BearRepublic for their incredible longevity and continuing ability to produce world class beer.
     
    #1 breadwinner, Dec 23, 2014
    BearRepublic, johnInLA, GetMeAnIPA and 6 others like this.
  2. UnknownKoger

    UnknownKoger Pooh-Bah (1,895) Jul 9, 2010 California
    Pooh-Bah

    But seriously they need to bottle Tartare
     
    #2 UnknownKoger, Dec 23, 2014
    swolepeer and breadwinner like this.
  3. reefer_bob

    reefer_bob Savant (1,010) May 13, 2014 California
    Trader

    Racer 5 is my go to beer of choice!
     
    #3 reefer_bob, Dec 23, 2014
    GetMeAnIPA and breadwinner like this.
  4. grze

    grze Maven (1,460) Apr 17, 2012 Virginia
    Trader

    Man, that was some solid bit of advertising! In a good way that is, makes me want to try one of those and also reminds me that I joined the craft beer party so late, that I definitely miss so many fantastic beers. Chasing the new stuff doesn't make it any easier.
     
    #4 grze, Dec 23, 2014
    FrogOut69 and breadwinner like this.
  5. breadwinner

    breadwinner Initiate (0) Mar 6, 2014 California

    Ha -- what can I say, good beer deserves praise! Definitely check out BR's stuff (as well as so many of the "established" breweries out there), I bet you'll find some stuff you really dig.
     
    #5 breadwinner, Dec 23, 2014
  6. ESCO138

    ESCO138 Initiate (0) Dec 10, 2013 California

    Racer 5 and Lil Sumptin were my gateway beers that got me into IPA's and conveniently located by each other.
     
    #6 ESCO138, Dec 23, 2014
    GetMeAnIPA likes this.
  7. Curb71

    Curb71 Initiate (0) Oct 22, 2012 California

    Tartare Peche was one of the best sours I've ever had.
     
    #7 Curb71, Dec 23, 2014
    BearRepublic, aquazr1 and breadwinner like this.
  8. EPpy

    EPpy Initiate (0) Mar 24, 2014 California

    This thread makes me feel bad about enjoying my evening at ritual brewing. Now I wanna go back home and drink some bear republic.
     
    #8 EPpy, Dec 24, 2014
    breadwinner likes this.
  9. theconductor

    theconductor Zealot (739) Nov 4, 2008 California

    Hop Rod Rye is just so. damn. good. One of my favorite IPA's of all time. I'm really stoked that we are seeing more of BR's specialties in the Sac area these days. So many great styles coming out of that brewery.
     
    #9 theconductor, Dec 24, 2014
    breadwinner likes this.
  10. MiScusi

    MiScusi Pooh-Bah (1,803) Feb 12, 2005 California
    Pooh-Bah

    Love a fresh Racer 5. However, every time I've been to the Bear Republic brewpub it's been sorta lame. It became a "meh, let's go somewhere else" stop on our 101 tours.
     
    #10 MiScusi, Dec 24, 2014
  11. breadwinner

    breadwinner Initiate (0) Mar 6, 2014 California

    Never actually been to the brewpub -- would love to some day. Was it lame due to selection? Ambiance?
     
    #11 breadwinner, Dec 25, 2014
  12. GetMeAnIPA

    GetMeAnIPA Pooh-Bah (2,559) Mar 28, 2009 California
    Pooh-Bah

    Racer 5 was my gateway to IPAs. I still drink it and love it. Black bear stout is awesome and one the best buys ever! $9 for a quality stout?! Their special releases like 15 and X are also great.

    Overall a great brewery and glad to see them get some love. I would like to see some new or different release from them though.
     
    #12 GetMeAnIPA, Dec 25, 2014
    breadwinner likes this.
  13. Alexgnarcia

    Alexgnarcia Initiate (0) May 13, 2012 California

    Racer 5 would look really nice in a can,
    but that's just my 2ยข
     
    #13 Alexgnarcia, Dec 25, 2014
    BearRepublic likes this.
  14. BBThunderbolt

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

    I used to be a big Bear Republic fan, drank many gallons of Hop Rod Rye. Then they sent a brewery in a different country a C&D over the use of a single word in a beer that had a multi-word name. So, now, every time I drink a Central City Red Betty, I toast with a big Fuck You Bear Republic!
     
    #14 BBThunderbolt, Dec 26, 2014
  15. spark3148857

    spark3148857 Pooh-Bah (1,595) Dec 4, 2010 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah

    I see where you're coming from when comparing Bear Republic to say, Lagunitas or Russian River. However I have to say Bear Republic really seems to fit within the vibe of Healdsburg. The last time I went up the 101 corridor Lagunitas was completely packed, Russian River was the usual (though not too bad for Russian River) and Bear Republic was super relaxed and quiet. To me I would rather be at Lagunitas than BR, but sometimes that relaxing experience is what is needed...and Hop Rod Rye.
     
    #15 spark3148857, Dec 26, 2014
  16. johnInLA

    johnInLA Pooh-Bah (2,350) Jun 12, 2005 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I remember trying Hop Rod Rye when it was relatively new. It was my first Rye beer. After that it was the standard by which I compared all rye beers.

    Today I am happy to call it a classic which has withstood the test of time.

    I happen to have a bottle on hand, which I am looking forward to revisiting.

    Cheers to Bear Republic.
     
    #16 johnInLA, Dec 26, 2014
    breadwinner likes this.
  17. GetMeAnIPA

    GetMeAnIPA Pooh-Bah (2,559) Mar 28, 2009 California
    Pooh-Bah

    I haven't been but what I hear is it's tiny and nothing special. I've been told by a few people to skip it if I am up north visiting breweries.
     
    #17 GetMeAnIPA, Dec 26, 2014
  18. theconductor

    theconductor Zealot (739) Nov 4, 2008 California


    I assume that you no longer drink Lagunitas, Steelhead, Societe, DC Brau, etc... as well then?
     
    #18 theconductor, Dec 26, 2014
  19. BBThunderbolt

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

    Of the ones you listed, the only available is Lagunitas, and I don't drink much of their beer, mostly for taste reasons. The point is not there were beers with the same name, but that one word in the name was the same. If using a given word gives one entity exclusive rights to that word, the lawyers better get busy. There is no way a reasonable person confuses Red Racer: http://archive.barvolo.com/CC_RedRacerAd1.png

    with Racer 5: http://www.ambassadorofbeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/bear_racer5.gif

    And to directly answer your question, yes there are several other breweries who no longer get my coin, because of this stupidity.
     
    #19 BBThunderbolt, Dec 26, 2014
  20. theconductor

    theconductor Zealot (739) Nov 4, 2008 California


    Well, Lagunitas sent a cease and desist to a brewery named Undercover Ale Works because they have a beer named Undercover Shut Down Ale. That brewery is now named The Brewing Lair. I don't buy Lagunitas for my personal drinking for that and many other reasons. I still buy plenty of Bear Republic though.

    In the case of BR, there was more than just one word in the Red Racer. It was both words and the same font/style of lettering. There was obvious confusion as evidenced by this article. Personally, I hate going straight to a lawyer without trying to settle things in a more favorable matter, but I'm in no position to decide how they run their business.

    When we found out a brewery changed their name to the exact name of our taproom, we just emailed them to make sure we both agree that we can coexist in this world with the same name. They agreed, time to move on.
     
    #20 theconductor, Dec 26, 2014
Page 1 of 2
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.