Worst Craft Breweries

[thunderwagn]

To each their own, but I've been drinking New Belgium brews since they 1st opened...when you could only get growler fills, then 22oz bombers... and I still find their offerings great. I've got one case (empty of course) labeled Sunshine Wheat with a best by date of 9-23-97, and some of the heavy glass bombers that filled it.
To this day, I still enjoy Fat Tire and just about every other mainstays that they offer. They may not all be my favorite styles, but I can't say any of them are bad.
They may have hit the big time, but they still run an impressive operation here in Ft. Collins, and I'll always remember the beginning days of the local craft beer scene with them, Odell, and even Coopersmith's all being top notch...still to this day. But again, just my opinion and to each their own. Beer is to enjoy.

 

[Cyclman]

I generally dislike NB, but Ranger is OK. Some of their limited beers are xlnt.

To me, Lagunitas is very meh.

 

[brandonlovesbeer]

Holy city brewing in Charlestown sc. Their beer is mediocre at best.

Brewery 85 in greenville sc. Their beer tastes like bad home brew.

 

[K_Sweets]

.

 

[K_Sweets]

I'm surprised the hate for New Belgium. It's not the greatest but I still enjoy it on occasion. I wouldn't say it's horrible. I too enjoy Fat Tire.

Holy city brewing in Charlestown sc. Their beer is mediocre at best.

I just moved from Charleston SC and I do declare those people would hunt you down for talking bad about their Holy City beer. I would agree though that it's only mediocre.

 

[C-Rider]

I'm gonna play the Devil's advocate here. I really have a hard time enjoying New Belgium's offerings anymore. IMO, over the years the quality has dropped significantly, while gimmicky named beers don't live up to their own hype or are sheer undrinkable. La Folie used to be one of my favorites... not so anymore, the complexity has vanished, now being an acetic abomination. They must make a killing with their flagship "Flat Tire," sustaining all the other ones.

Yea tried their FAT TIRE a few months ago on tap and my thoughts were...."so what's so great about this?"...

But their RANGER is GREAT IPA.

 

[CavA3R4]

Well, when Sam Adams Boston Lager first came out around what??? 1995 or so, I thought it was good. Well I tried some about a year ago and THOUGHT, man, they cheapened this and took out the hops etc.
Then I thought about it awhile. I've been brewing since 1990 (only 5 gallons extract at a time) and I thought, MAYBE my tastes have changed.
SO.... I grabbed my notebooks and found a "Pam Adams" that I made back in 1996 and I went to the local brewstore and bought the ingredients. I made the beer, waited 6 weeks, and then I BOUGHT a 6 pack of Sam Adams Boston Lager. Well, it tasted the SAME, so they DID NOT cheapen their beer, MY Tastes have gravitated to the darker and more Belgian style ales.
Actually, after Pam Adams aged out a little more, I appreciated it once more.
SOMETHING to think about before we "bad mouth" a micro.
I have always loved New Belgian products EXCEPT for fat tire. Funny thing is the stores have everything except their ABBEY ale and I have to buy it at a HIGH PRICED liquor store. So I just brew my own Abbey style Belgians for a LOT less dough.

 

[MVKTR2]

K_sweets, I found mystery romp a coffee milk stout iirc to be very good and the heff wasn't bad. The same can't be said for now defunct crooked letter brewing's marketing.

Something I think missing from a lot of these types of discussions is how different and individualistic taste are. Just because I or you don't like something doesn't mean it's bad to others. For the record I too have a few breweries and beers I'm not fond of, among them I absolutely hate purple haze, have drain poured la folie, and find most of Sam Adams brews to be decently good with Irish Red being amazing.

 

[Murphys_Law]

I'm not going to name any place specific because I'm sure others like these places, but there are a few around here that make "ok" beer, just that - OK.

I really haven't had anything where I thought, "You're going places young man!

I'll usually go back just to have a few local beers but one place who had marginal beer also had a bad bartender and a head brewer who thought he is a gift. Didn't finish my one beer and have never had the desire to return.

 

[crusader1612]

I'm throwing in SouthGate Brew Co. in yosemite CA.

When I was in the US, i tried their IPA, and it tasted like a hefeweizen.....
Isoamyl Acetate much?

Otherthan that i had a pretty good time of it.

 

[Diver_Alan]

Mustang brewery in Oklahoma. All of their beers are just average and boring.

I would have to agree their beers have never impressed me.

 

[CavA3R4]

only brew that I thought was pretty good at BJ's brewhouse was the seasonal Grand Cru.
their FOOD is always good though and so is their service in No. Phoenix at Desert Ridge

 

[madscientist451]

Something I think missing from a lot of these types of discussions is how different and individualistic taste are. Just because I or you don't like something doesn't mean it's bad to others.

Sometimes I taste a commercial beer and wonder: "did anyone at the brewery taste this before sending it out"? But then I remember that I don't like a lot of things other people seem to be fond of....NASCAR, Mrs Pauls' fish sticks, Hillary...

 

[seatazzz]

Does your buddy at Rail Hop'n know your talking **** for him? Generally speaking that's not a very classy move. I'd be pissed as hell if someone threw my companie's name out there like that in a thread dedicated to bashing others in my industry.

I love it when people claim breweries like New Belgium and SA suck. I can assure you they are doing something right in the world of brewing. Beer is meant to be enjoyed, that's it, nothing more. Based on the volume of beer these guys produce there must be at least a few people out there who are enjoying the product.

To answer your question, yes he does. The conversation was had with many others present. There are also several reviews of the place that pretty much state the same. Since this is a thread basically "bashing" craft breweries, I felt my response was within the norm.

 

[Cavpilot2000]

No devil's advocate required. (Curious that you capitalized "devil," though ) New Belgium is clearly quasi-craft, mediocre, gateway beer. To me, flat tire is awful, but that's probably a style-preference thing. Add some hops, people!

Fat Tire IS awful (subjective opinion) - WAAAAAYY too much crystal malt so that it ends up saturating the palate with a heavy, cloying, almost oily film. Actually that tends to go for most Amber Ales for me, which is ahy I avoid the style like the plague. I agree - I think it's a gateway beer - one of those things that will appeal to non-beer drinkers because of its sweetness, and make them feel like they're drinking fine craft beer.

That is not to knock New Belgium in general - they have some other really good options. It's just that they made their name with Fat Tire, which I can't stand.

 

[kristiismean]

Fat Tire, I share a bomber of it 2-3 times a year...

Two places come to mind for me.

New Glarus. now hang on, beautiful place and I love their beer. Whenever i go to Illinois playground I always pick up a 6 pack of Spotted cow or moon man. That said, their beers all taste the same. Just with more or less hops. They have a very distinctive flavor in every single one of their beers without much variation. So great brewery, but horrible craft brewery...

Second i am not saying the name, but it's local to me, they started off with mediocre beer, (found out they were using extract), and now are doing full batches, and have a brew master, and the beers are still mediocre. and no, i don't want to spend 2 dollars extra and keep the glass. Now they are looking to expand and start distribution. Hmmmm, who are they going to have to go against? Revolution, Half Acre, Tighthead, Only Child, 3 floyds, Zumbier, Goose, Bells, or for another example, go to http://www.beer-bazaar.com and look at their offerings. Who is funding it????

 

[Cavpilot2000]

Yuengling.
Okay, so they may no longer be considered a small brewery since they opened up additional facilities and expanded distribution.

Their porter is actually decent, if light for the style (not a bad thing), but their flagship Yuengling Lager is swill (again, my opinion).
I would rather drink BMC than Yuengling lager. It's too heavy, too sweet, and really doesn't have a good taste. It fits no particular flavor niche unless you like your beer cloying and palate-saturating (see above comment on Fat Tire).

 

[peanasky]

Shipwrecked Brewpub in Egg Harbor, WI. They have survived purely on being a novelty in a tourist heavy town. I first had their beer in the bottle, and thought, boy, that's a wicked off flavor. Bought a different beer of theirs, same off flavor. About a year later I had the opportunity to try it at the brewery, had a flight of all their beer. Every single one had the same sharp nasty aftertaste off-flavor.

What upsets me the most is that tourists and vacationers will try this thinking that all craft beer tastes this way.

 

[Cavpilot2000]

Shipwrecked Brewpub in Egg Harbor, WI. They have survived purely on being a novelty in a tourist heavy town. I first had their beer in the bottle, and thought, boy, that's a wicked off flavor. Bought a different beer of theirs, same off flavor. About a year later I had the opportunity to try it at the brewery, had a flight of all their beer. Every single one had the same sharp nasty aftertaste off-flavor.

What upsets me the most is that tourists and vacationers will try this thinking that all craft beer tastes this way.

Probably an extract brewery with questionable sourcing or storage practices on the extract.

 

[GPP33]

Probably an extract brewery with questionable sourcing or storage practices on the extract.

I didn't realize there were actual extract breweries. I always figured that was just a home brew thing. I know you can make good extract beer but that's like building a restaurant around the frozen food aisle in the supermarket. That's about the only craft beer business I just can't support. Need to remember to do tours before drinking.....

 

[lightjt]

Trav77
the beers of Europe are incredible, the variety is great, and I had a great Alt last year when I took the train through Dusseldorf. People up here (PNW) to clammer for huge hop IPA's, which is fine. I like the brew pubs with a little more variety, Fallingsky is a great local place, also Portland has 80+ craft brewerys, heading there next month for a conference.

 

[jerbrew]

Probably an extract brewery with questionable sourcing or storage practices on the extract.

Is an extract brewery a thing? That's crazy. I know when I walk into a small place I look at their shiny gear and point out to myself their mash tun, brite beer tanks, etc. that's whole new idea to me. Sounds expensive.

 

[Vandulus]

Yuengling.
Okay, so they may no longer be considered a small brewery since they opened up additional facilities and expanded distribution.

Their porter is actually decent, if light for the style (not a bad thing), but their flagship Yuengling Lager is swill (again, my opinion).
I would rather drink BMC than Yuengling lager. It's too heavy, too sweet, and really doesn't have a good taste. It fits no particular flavor niche unless you like your beer cloying and palate-saturating (see above comment on Fat Tire).

Heh, I totally agree. Back in 2008 before Yuengling was widely distributed, I was working in PA when a friend raved about trying an "awesome local beer". I had a couple of sips of their flagship lager, looked at my friend and asked "So when are we trying the awesome beer, because this isn't it."

Ironically it was the same when New Belgium started being distributed here. My brother in law couldn't stop talking about their beer. My thoughts on most of the NB varieties I've tried - "meh."

 

[bucketnative]

Heh, I totally agree. Back in 2008 before Yuengling was widely distributed, I was working in PA when a friend raved about trying an "awesome local beer". I had a couple of sips of their flagship lager, looked at my friend and asked "So when are we trying the awesome beer, because this isn't it."

I am not a Yuengling fan, but if you look at it in the context of Coors Light or Bud Light or Miller Lite or PBR... it has significantly more body and flavor. I don't find it sweet at all. For a 'merican lager drinker, it may seem like an awesome local beer.

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

... Conversely, snobbery leads beer guys to cut smaller breweries a lot of slack. Unfortunately, that is also a double edged sword. If one says, "that beer sucks", when many people like it, it shows how refined ones palate is.

Refined palate? You've defined the snobbery well right their, friend.. Really, most of the opinion of what is terrible beer goes to what a person likes or dislikes. I for one, am not a big fan of IPAs, but of course they are rather popular these days. I like many Belgian style beers so if I'm out and Fat tire is on tap and there's nothing better (in my thoughts of what is good) fat tire it is.

Now one who judges beer, is educated about what qualities a style of beer should have and should be able to this is a good_____, but they still have their personal likes and dislikes.

I have a friend that visited a newly open brewery back in the 90s and according to her all the beers tasted like perfume or flowers. That wasn't my experience. The place is still in business and one of the brothers involved has a real microbrewery. As we mash this subject Bud light is still the biggest seller in the US... Cheers!

 

[Cavpilot2000]

I didn't realize there were actual extract breweries. I always figured that was just a home brew thing. I know you can make good extract beer but that's like building a restaurant around the frozen food aisle in the supermarket. That's about the only craft beer business I just can't support. Need to remember to do tours before drinking.....

Yes, there are basically "Brewpub kits" that serve as a startup for people who want to own/operate a brewpub but want it simple and easy. Often times it's either someone trying to break into the business on the cheap, or someone who is an entrepreneur who isn't interested in brewing, but sees a market opportunity to cash in on the brewery business.

Usually it involves the owner selecting from a menu of styles and maybe a few on rotation and then contracting for delivery of the materials on a regular basis from the seller. Usually the sellers offer the whole package with tanks, piping, and even help with setup, and then they sell these places what amounts to giant extract beer kits.

Some of them can actually produce some decent, drinkable beer, but usually will only have the usual menu (Blonde, Pale, Red, IPA, Porter or stout, and one or two rotating "interesting" beers).

But most just produce mediocre beer because they don't have much control over ingredients or process, as they're buying kits and a semi-automated process.

 

[Cavpilot2000]

Is an extract brewery a thing? That's crazy. I know when I walk into a small place I look at their shiny gear and point out to myself their mash tun, brite beer tanks, etc. that's whole new idea to me. Sounds expensive.

See above

 

[brandonlovesbeer]

Yes, there are basically "Brewpub kits" that serve as a startup for people who want to own/operate a brewpub but want it simple and easy. Often times it's either someone trying to break into the business on the cheap, or someone who is an entrepreneur who isn't interested in brewing, but sees a market opportunity to cash in on the brewery business.



Usually it involves the owner selecting from a menu of styles and maybe a few on rotation and then contracting for delivery of the materials on a regular basis from the seller. Usually the sellers offer the whole package with tanks, piping, and even help with setup, and then they sell these places what amounts to giant extract beer kits.



Some of them can actually produce some decent, drinkable beer, but usually will only have the usual menu (Blonde, Pale, Red, IPA, Porter or stout, and one or two rotating "interesting" beers).



But most just produce mediocre beer because they don't have much control over ingredients or process, as they're buying kits and a semi-automated process.

Oh my god!!! You just described the brew pub in my hometown. Maybe this explains why their beer was so eh. And they had the exact beers on tap that you just stated. "Blonde, pale, red, IPA (occasionally) and porter. "

 

[jerbrew]

Yes, there are basically "Brewpub kits" that serve as a startup for people who want to own/operate a brewpub but want it simple and easy. Often times it's either someone trying to break into the business on the cheap, or someone who is an entrepreneur who isn't interested in brewing, but sees a market opportunity to cash in on the brewery business.

Usually it involves the owner selecting from a menu of styles and maybe a few on rotation and then contracting for delivery of the materials on a regular basis from the seller. Usually the sellers offer the whole package with tanks, piping, and even help with setup, and then they sell these places what amounts to giant extract beer kits.

Some of them can actually produce some decent, drinkable beer, but usually will only have the usual menu (Blonde, Pale, Red, IPA, Porter or stout, and one or two rotating "interesting" beers).

But most just produce mediocre beer because they don't have much control over ingredients or process, as they're buying kits and a semi-automated process.

This answers so much. That's why there are so many random restaurants with "their own beer" which usually isn't worth the money not because its terrible but because its just not interesting. Thanks for dropping knowledge.

 

[trav77]

This answers so much. That's why there are so many random restaurants with "their own beer" which usually isn't worth the money not because its terrible but because its just not interesting. Thanks for dropping knowledge.

Usually the restaurants with "their own beer" are just having a local brewery contract brew it for them. At least around here that's the norm... probably not brewing it on site unless they're specifically advertising themselves as a brewpub.