Your Top 3 Most Influential Breweries

Southern Tier - Having gone to college in this area of New York and considering just how influential some of their big bottles are, I'm pretty proud of this brewery. Some of their 12 oz. are disappointing, but their specialty beers really are quite special.

Stone - I don't know how Stone isn't one of the most influential breweries. From their branding to their consistent production of quality, unique beers, Stone has it all and they rarely let down.

Sierra Nevada - Again, another Californian big-time player that nearly always produces special varieties of beers. I've almost always been satisfied with their regular distribution, and their specialty beers (Narwhal, Devastation, Bigfoot, etc.) are really incredible!

 

Breckenridge Brewery- Vanilla porter was my first Craft beer.

Great Lakes- Every beer i have had from them was top of the line (Chillwave of course being the best)

Maine Beer Company - Again, everything i have had from them is good chit

 

Shorts Brewing Company
Founders
Bells

 

1994 Highland brewing started the craft brew crazyness in Asheville my home town. No personal list for me could start with out them.

 

Good thread - everyone has a different experience

1. Bells/Founders - Oberon and Two Hearted were gateway beers for me. KBS was my first WOW beer
2. DFH - 60 and 90 Minute IPAs solidified my addition to hops
3. Schlafly - local brewery that is solid in many styles and always fresh

 

The Porterhouse - The first micro brewed beer I ever tasted. One of the best Christmas-time (and Easter-time for that matter) stouts i've ever had.
AleSmith - The first microbrewery that made me re-evaluate my life (lol) and my appreciation for beer.
Firestone Walker - The brewery that introduced me to barrel aging and solidified my love of IPA.

 

Influential now, for various reasons:

3 Floyds, for showing what an annual release day can do
Bruery, for the ridiculousness of an exclusive/ hoarders society
Hill Farmstead, for raising the bar on all New England breweries

 

Weihenstephaner- first brewery that I truly fell in love with
Sierra Nevada- In my opinion the quintessential American brewery
Orval- It may just be one brew (that's available) but I have a massive amount of respect for them for the years that they spent making their beer perfect

 

Stone
Deschutes
Rogue
Surly