ISO: Exceptional breweries that opened in 2017

Resident Culture just opened in Charlotte to rave reviews and will only get better with their extensive barrels they've got "cookin".

 

Barrel Culture in Durham, NC did a soft open end of August (full open Oct 28). I would put any of their "So Icyyy" series Berliner Weisse beers up against J Wake's in a blind or unblinded taste test any day. Based off appearances at just a few festivals, people from around the country showed up at their first bottle release a few weeks ago.

 

Cellar West Artisan Ales in Boulder, CO is making incredible barrel fermented Brett Farmhouse Ales! Outer Range in Frisco, Co has taken over the haze game in Colorado with continuous strong outings.

 

Explorium Brewpub in Milwaukee, WI. Great beers all around but also innovative beers such as the Tiramisu Stout and Smores Porter to the great BA beers like the Barrel Aged BA Baracus Quad.

 

Barrel Culture in Durham, North Carolina is making some of the greatest beers I have ever tasted. They is incredibly innovative and I believe will be a big part of the next evolution of east coast brewing that will redefine what we expect from beer.

 

I would give a vote for District 96 in New City, Ny. Balanced beers with some great NE-style IPAs

 

Not sure if my memory is failing me, or whether a technicality precludes them from “opening” in 2017, but I believe Springdale deserves mention (December 2016?). From barrel aged saisons and wild ales and krieks, to hoppy NE IPAs, and BA stouts, Jack’s Abbey’s sister brewery is serving up great beer that spans a wide spectrum. Really complex stuff that pushes the flavor boundaries.

 

Combustion Brewing - PIckerington, OH (Columbus) - Owner has Columbus Brewing Company roots and already building a solid rosters out in the 'burbs of Central Ohio. Opened Spring of 2017 after some delays -assuming to get things just right. So far has been really well received and could be a local player for a long time. Timing of their opening was shortly after Brew Dog opened their massive US brewery less than 10 miles down the road and Combustion is more than holding their own thanks to their high quality brews. I feel like they are just getting started and the future is bright.

 

May want to look towards Masthead Brewing in Cleveland, OH. They opened January of this year, and got a bronze at the GABF.

 

Resident Culture in Charlotte

Top tier.

 

On Tour Brewing in Chicago.

 

Green Cheek Brewing in Anaheim, CA and Barrel Theory in St. Paul, MN should be at the top of the list for sure!

 

A big second for Green Cheek. If they continue what they are doing I see a very bright future indeed for those folks!

 

Green Cheek

 

Very small and only open a few weeks but if you're near Lake Winny in NH Burnt Timber is excellent. Small but very cool brewery with a friendly vibe, good food n most important excellent brews.

 

Ah…love Wolfeboro. Those fellas have actually been around for a bit (e.g. taps at Beveridge Craft Beer & Soap, Lone Wolfe...), but finally got around to opening up a tap room

 

Ahhhh - I see. When I was there they were telling me they just opened, I didn't know they had been brewing beforehand.
Love Wolfeboro as well, been going there for over 20 years - my sister has a house there - what a great town.

 

Ya. 20/25+ years is right around my benchmark as well; perhaps we have the same sister? Anyways, to keep it topic related. met up with a hop farmer a couple years back who was in talks with Ryan Bolger at the time, but also reputable and good friends with Kimmich, Hill…

 

Barrel Theory in St. Paul, MN.

 

Stonecloud Brewing - OKC, Okla.

My Ratings (Out of 5):
5.00 - Purple Rain
4.75 - Madmartigan
4.50 - Smorgasbord, Whatta Man
4.25 - Astrodog, Neon Sunshine, Straight Juice Bro
4.00 - Business As Usual
3.75 - Saddle Tramp, Sei Barili Vol. 1: The IPA, Operation Steingraber, DDH Astrodog