Top 50 U.S. craft breweries

You know what I hate most about these lists? They continually remind me of how many beers aren't distributed in Oklahoma.

 

Got some "objective" data to support that claim?

 

Those criticiaing the list might just want to read the description of how the list was constructed since it wasn't just one person's opinion that created the list or the ordering.

 

That’s not "objective" data that's somebody's personal opinion.

 

Going on the brewers I know on the list, Surly, SN, Alesmith and Lost Abbey were WAY too low. Not to be a homer, but Revolution and Half Acre weren't on the list, maybe there was a minimum distribution requirement (New Glarus did made the cut and they're biggest retailer is the Mars Cheese Castle). Both make great beer and are sold everywhere (eg. Walgreens) in Chicago, they probably deserved the nod. Toppling Goliath was also missing.

Side note: to the Ohio crowd out there, what is the general opinion of Maumee Bay out of Toledo? I really like their breakfast stout and the Rye is pretty solid too. Not they should be on the list, but I never really see them in conversation.

 

It's not awful. Its a good collection, yeah the rankings leave some room for debate, but I'm sure if we polled this website, aggregated everything based on some strutcture like minimum votes and distribution (to cut out places like Todd and Bud's Brewing in the woods of Vermont -- I made that up --, because 3 people went to HS there and voted for it), we'd get about 60-75% of the same names.

 

The list is good, of course there are omissions. The rankings are probably best ignored, because they really seemed to have swung and missed on most..

 

Yes, 60-75% of the names are correct. The order is pretty awful. There is no logical criteria. You could add weight to wide distribution, which might justify Founders being top 5, but then RR would need to drop a lot. Stone at #2 is wrong for sure. If you just look at quality and not distribution then HF needs to move up. In no rational model would RR be #3 and HF #38. The reality is that it isn't fair to include micro breweries in the same list with those who have wide distribution.

 

Unless you travel extensively or trade a lot, many of the beers these brewers create are out of reach right? Limited batches and distribution will always drive regional bias.

The list doesn't make your favorite brewer any less relevant to you it just highlights other peoples preferences.

 

Hopefully you didn't vote for Left Hand for that one too.

 

I really take issue with 21st Amendment's inclusion. They don't belong on a top 250 list let alone a top 50.

 

"I can't get most of these in my home state so I need to post a statement about that!"

 

Left Hand isn't my favorite option, but it certainly works in a pinch. I consider it my "beer of last resort."

 

Well, as a Chicagoan, I'm obviously biased, but really: out of Half Acre, Goose Island, Revolution, 5 Rabbit, etc. etc. they couldn't pick at least one of our great breweries? (P.S., I'll take that Bourbon County Brand Stout if you guys don't want it...)

 

Does anyone know what information was used, or ignored as some feel, to collaborate this list?

 

Seems like "the list" accomplished what all lists do: get people arguing.

 

That is an interesting list. No, I take that back.

 

Who cares its all opinion based. Lots of good breweries out there