Craft Beer Bus tours....worth it??

Like everything on this site...if you over think it you'll probably have a bad time...otherwise it really isn't much more than hanging with other like minded people who are looking to get buzzed and not have to do the driving.

If you don't like people it probably isn't going to be fun...I'm not much into cabs, like talking with strangers and think $40 bucks for the ride, snacks and a beer or two sounds fair.

I would probably be more inclined to do this if I hadn't already visited any of the breweries...but that's just me.

 

I guess it might be better than getting on a huge ass ship with a bunch of strangers and calling it a vacation. I tend to prefer more laid back recreation and leisure than to be shepherded around for a fee. I love meeting people and having conversations, but I do that most everyday.

 

My wife set up one for me for my 30th birthday. We took about 15 people and went to 3 different breweries, toured them, spoke to the brewers, and got several samples at each. Had a fantastic time

 

I prefer to be as independent as possible on things like this. That's one of the reasons I don't do cruises (the others being norovirus, bad food, rude people, small cabins, the stench of feces, bad art, bath-tub-sized swimming pools, and exceptionally over-priced booze) or all-inclusive resorts and such. I don't like being a prisoner to their schedules and subject to other people's interests. That being said, I'm sure in some cases it might work out to be the best bet if a person were strapped for time or were really out of their element and wanted the comfort of having someone else set the agenda and lead the way.

Akron seems pretty tame, so I would just go it on my own.

 

Maybe if i'm on Vacation in a unfamiliar city, i might think about it. But i agree with stephens101

 

The Maine Brew Bus is a good time...

 

That sounds like a good post retirement business. Especially in San Diego where visitors need a rental car to get around.

 

Well first off, Hoppin Frog doesnt sell pints at the brewery, and theyll actually get you a tour?! Last time I was there (2 years ago before the taproom), you couldnt see one single piece of the brewery. Like I asked when it was slow as hell, and they wouldn't let me see just one FV. I had even purchased damn near a mixed case too.

That alone might be worth it.

Also speaking from the experience of someone who has driven to 3 different tours and attempted pints on a Saturday, I would much rather have someone drive me around. I tried it 3 times here in Durham (Triangle, Full Steam, then Bull City Burger), and the last time I should have gotten a DUI. Since then, hell no. Its just not worth it, honestly.

Also, Thirsty Dog is a massive, winding operation with two different areas (standard brew house and separate building altogether for sours). Seeing that operation might also be worth it. The other two and VERY new, so its always kind of interesting to see it. If I were back home, i would probably spring for the this.

 

I did one in Asheville a few years back and really liked it. I would do another one in some other city when I can. It's fun for me to visit different sites, hang out with like minded people, and not drive for a while. It's probably not for everyone but it is for me.

 

Cabs will cost more than $40, but if you bring 3 friends you have a $160 buffer before it costs YOU extra. In addition to probably being cheaper in the long run, you won't be running on someone else's time. Maybe brewery #3 is just too awesome to leave after X number of minutes.

 

I wasn't trying to make a statement about the beer scene in Ohio at all, so apologize if I wasn't as clear as I should've been. I was actually talking geographically and culturally, compared to the rest of the US mainly, Ohio isn't that much different. My point was if I was in a foreign land with a language barrier, unfamiliar customs etc. I think doing the tour thing would probably be a good idea. If I was in Ohio I would rather spend time at the fine brew pubs and breweries on my own.

 

We paid a friend of a friend to drive a bunch of us around to about 8 (? I don't remember how many!) breweries in San Diego. It was tons of fun! I'd love to do it again and hit different places.

 

From what I remember though, Hoppin Frog was the ONLY brewery in Ohio to not have a taproom. Great Lakes, Thirsty Dog, Marietta, Weasel Boy, and hell even lil ol Ohio Brewing had a taproom.

 

Interesting topic.. Personally, I'm on the fence. I like my independence and am lucky enough to have a DD every time I go to more than one brewery. It's just not worth it.

Locally, we have "hop cars (taxis). maybe its a bus sized vehicle, i dont know", "bike tours", or "running groups". I think even the breaking bad trolley detours some days into a brew trolley. I've seen many groups come and go at various places. It seems fun. But it's fast paced and very schedule oriented. Most are able to get a handful of samples, and move onto the next place. I won't name names but breweries seem to hate it. It may garner a few repeat customers, but pint sales is where its at. Samples for everyone with a set price is a bit too structured for most breweries. 200 little glasses given at one set "tip" price is a bit of extra work. Only so many groups seem welcomed. So consider yourself lucky if you can get into any noticeable group event

It's not about getting sloshed at one place with these insurance based groups. Sometimes one place is better than others. So I personally enjoy that freedom to exert all my energy at ONE place, or maybe just two. I've never personally been on a tour (just a random bar patron watching the group get told instructions like they are kids). I honestly feel more than half the group just wants a good quality buzz. I don't know if that is achievable with the current size offerings.

I almost consider them like those tour guide hawkers in times square NYC getting in the tourists... I have never seen the insides of some of my favorite breweries but that's okay. I feel the tourist appeal is there for many of these places. The quick sample appeal is there for many more.. I don't generally visit a city to only sample the beers, and then move onto the next city. There has to be that tipping point of ENJOYMENT for me..

Maybe if I'm in a far away land and someone recommends a beer tour, I may do it.

I did alright visiting PHX many months back. With a solid DD, anything is possible. I guess there is a group market for anything though. Back in 2009 before any sort of brewery craze on vacation up in southern Maine/Northern NH, we hit up multiple breweries/brewpubs in a 45 mile radius of north Boston. Very fun times.. Sometimes you just can't structure fun.

 

I say if you are in the right town, put on a good pair of walking shoes, and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to sober up when you are done. I know finding 5 or so great top rate beer establishments within walking distance is no problem in Portland, Denver, Boulder, San Diego, Asheville, Bend, Hood River, and many other places.

Portland Example 1:A 3.2 mile walk, with a 1.6 mile return (mostly along the Willamette River Esplanade):
Upright Brewery: BA 98 Special Herbs Scotish Gruit, BA 97 Fantasia Wild Ale; BA 95 Barrel Aged 7 with Brett
Burnside Brewery: Open Beer Comp (OBC) 2013 Gold ESB Stock Ale; OBC 2013 Silver Rye Rogen Spring Rye
Cascade Barrel House: BA 100 for the Establishment. Known for Barrel Aged
Commons Brewery: GABF 2014 Silver Sour; GABF 2013 Silver French Belgian Saison
Hair of the Dog Brewery: BA 100 - Adam From the Wood Old Ale; BA 97 for The Establishment

On the above tour you will pass right by several other breweries and fine beer establishments.

I intend to post more examples for places such as San Diego and Denver.

 

Put on your walking shoes for a 3.6 mile loop in Mira Vista (San Diego). There are just 4 of them, but they are close together and damn fine:

Alesmith Brewery: GABF Gold 2014 & 2013 - Old Numbskull Barleywine; GABF 2013 Silver Decadence Quadruipel; WBC 2014 Gold - Old Ale
Mike Hess Brewery: WBC 2014 Gold Habitus Rye Beer
Ballast Point Tasting Room: 2014 GABF & WBC Gold - Grunion APA; OBC Gold - English Pale
St Archer Brewery: GABF Gold - White Ale Belgian Witbier