Craft beer breweries

[Wes_G]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

I was so excited with craft brewing 10-15 years ago when it kinda started out. I won’t even try any of them anymore. They are all over-hopped garbage. Like drinking a cup of roses. Then if you go to an IPA, which is what a vast majority are; they are simply undrinkable. Do craft brewers know there are ingredients for beer beyond hops?

This is the best post on here for me. They are so bitter I can't even drink them. And you step inside most places and you are lucky if there is more then 1 non IPA option.

[HyperMOA]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

You offer a lot of interesting criticism.
What beers do you like?

I tend to gravitate to Lagers over Ales. Especially Reds, ambers and Pilsners. I really enjoy stouts and porters however, which of course are ales.

I feel like I should love wheat beer being a farmer, but for some reason I just can’t love it. I also hate having stuff added to beer. If you gotta add limes, coffee, pumpkin spice or what-have-you to swallow your beer; you are drinking the wrong beer. Having said that, I have had enough beer and Clam to float a battleship, and will admit Brewster’s raspberry wheat ale is one of my favourite beers; which contradicts everything I just told you. Also, one of the most refreshing beers I ever had was a cucumber ale at the Billing’s Beerfest.

I used to like hoppy beers, or what used to be considered hoppy, as I have stated the craft brewers have ruined that for me.

As for my refrigerator at home. Over the last decade I couldn’t tell you how many craft beers I have tried and wanted to love but now you will find next to none. You will find AGD, big rock traditional ale, Rickard’s red, Pilsner, lucky lager, wild rose wraspberry (which isn’t as good as Brewsters but it works), Guinness extra stout, Kokanee gold when I can find it, Alexander Keith’s red when I can find it. There are a few more if I thought harder, but those are the likely culprits at any given time. My wife really likes Alley Kat Aprikat and Moosehead Radlers, which you can probably guess aren’t my thing, but they are in my fridge as well.

[YoteStopper]

Drink quite a range, from multiple breweries but generally if buying a pack at the store it usually from one of the following:

Fernie Brewing
Old Man River Brewing
Snake Lake Brewing
Medicine Hat Brew Co
Hells Basement
Railyard Brewing

Was a fan of Siding 14 out of Ponoka, but they shut down earlier this year. Tough market these days, lot of competition and the thirsty customer being bent over in so many ways they either drink less or drink cheaper beer. I drink less these days mostly for health but life is bloody expensive cutting back a bit didn't hurt.

[Talking moose]

I’ll drink anything. And I’ll like it all. That said, I am particular to whatever’s in front of me. Go beer!

[Au revoir, Gopher]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

I tend to gravitate to Lagers over Ales. Especially Reds, ambers and Pilsners. I really enjoy stouts and porters however, which of course are ales.

I feel like I should love wheat beer being a farmer, but for some reason I just can’t love it. I also hate having stuff added to beer. If you gotta add limes, coffee, pumpkin spice or what-have-you to swallow your beer; you are drinking the wrong beer. Having said that, I have had enough beer and Clam to float a battleship, and will admit Brewster’s raspberry wheat ale is one of my favourite beers; which contradicts everything I just told you. Also, one of the most refreshing beers I ever had was a cucumber ale at the Billing’s Beerfest.

I used to like hoppy beers, or what used to be considered hoppy, as I have stated the craft brewers have ruined that for me.

As for my refrigerator at home. Over the last decade I couldn’t tell you how many craft beers I have tried and wanted to love but now you will find next to none. You will find AGD, big rock traditional ale, Rickard’s red, Pilsner, lucky lager, wild rose wraspberry (which isn’t as good as Brewsters but it works), Guinness extra stout, Kokanee gold when I can find it, Alexander Keith’s red when I can find it. There are a few more if I thought harder, but those are the likely culprits at any given time. My wife really likes Alley Kat Aprikat and Moosehead Radlers, which you can probably guess aren’t my thing, but they are in my fridge as well.

I'm with you on the IPAs, yes they should be hoppy but not so much it makes your mouth pucker. The other thing that bothers me about the new IPAs is it shouldn't be a strong beer. I haven't seen one below 7%.

I think you might be being a little harsh on craft brewers in general, though I will admit that I haven't tried a lot in the last 10 years (and I do find I dislike more than I like). I find the price too high to buy a six pack on spec. If I'm going to spend close to $5 for a beer, I will have an erdinger dunkel (but that is a once a month treat).

As for what is in my fridge, the first three on your list for sure. Guinness is kind of a once a year thing. Don't think I've had a Pil since high school... might grab a case one of these days. Newcastle Brown sneaks in there every now and again as well.

ARG

[Ackleyman]

ORIGIN Malting and Brewing Tap Room in Strathmore is not a bad place to down some beer. Laid back place with huge picnic tables. They have 12 different craft beers so your probably going to find one or two you like.

[Fradaburidi]

Originally Posted by Wes_G

And you step inside most places and you are lucky if there is more then 1 non IPA option.

Lagers are harder to make. They have to be fermented at lower temperatures and then lagered for a few weeks. Because they are lightly hopped and relative lower alcohol any fault in the brewing process is more evident than in a heavily hopped high alcohol ale.

Ales are fermented at higher temperatures and usually you can have them ready in a week. If you screw, you add more hops.

When it comes to hops, North American ones are usually more bitter than the European ones, some of the North American ones are just unbearable to me. I suppose European ones are more expensive.

I like all kind of beers when they are done right and not overpriced: lager, sour, ale, stouts, wheats, hefes, you name it, and even Belgians.

If one thinks IPAs are high in alcohol then they should check out some Belgians, they can go very high.

[calgarychef]

I love ipa if it’s nicely balanced between sweet and bitter.

Traditionally they were high alcohol beers with extra hops to last the trip to….
India, believe it or not. So if you’re complaining about too much alcohol or hops then ipa isn’t a good choice, quit your whining and choose better! No one forces you to drink them. I have a great dislike for the “sours” I’ve figured out that although I like bitter beer I do not, like sour beers. I avoid them instead of complaining as I know that they appeal to some folks.

And don’t forget that you can always get a sample of any beer before you rent that full pint.

Then there’s the thing that every brewery has their own style. There’s one about 1/2 a mile away from me that makes traditional Scandinavian styles.
They mostly all taste like they’re filtered through dirty socks. I don’t go there anymore but others seem to love that sock flavour and the place seems busy.
I’d rather drive to the wild rose brewery as I like their beer. It’s changed for the worse though since sleeman bought them out.

[HyperMOA]

Originally Posted by calgarychef

I love ipa if it’s nicely balanced between sweet and bitter.

Traditionally they were high alcohol beers with extra hops to last the trip to….
India, believe it or not. So if you’re complaining about too much alcohol or hops then ipa isn’t a good choice, quit your whining and choose better! No one forces you to drink them. I have a great dislike for the “sours” I’ve figured out that although I like bitter beer I do not, like sour beers. I avoid them instead of complaining as I know that they appeal to some folks.

And don’t forget that you can always get a sample of any beer before you rent that full pint.

Then there’s the thing that every brewery has their own style. There’s one about 1/2 a mile away from me that makes traditional Scandinavian styles.
They mostly all taste like they’re filtered through dirty socks. I don’t go there anymore but others seem to love that sock flavour and the place seems busy.
I’d rather drive to the wild rose brewery as I like their beer. It’s changed for the worse though since sleeman bought them out.

That is correct, hops were used as a preservative to make the sail from Britain to India then be consumed before spoiling. It usually contained twice the hops of a regular ale. Nowadays, the regular craft brews contain twice as much hops as the old IPAs and the craft IPAs I would guess are in the 5 times range. Its atrocious. I even liked Alexander Keiths but won't touch it now as I have been soured to IPAs

[trapperdodge]

The micros flourish because of tax breaks. They've multiplied like an invasive species and I suspect once they peak there will be contraction in their market. They have an incentive to keep prices high and lobby government hard to make sure $1 beer never hits the market.

[NKP]

Another good one is Banded Peak. Mt Crushmore is my go to if I'm drinking more than 1 in a sitting.

[muirsy]

Originally Posted by trapperdodge

The micros flourish because of tax breaks. They've multiplied like an invasive species and I suspect once they peak there will be contraction in their market. They have an incentive to keep prices high and lobby government hard to make sure $1 beer never hits the market.

Yeah, how dare entrepreneurs start businesses from scratch and make premium products to sell locally.

Show me on the doll where the craft brewmaster touched you.

[6MT]

Originally Posted by trapperdodge

The micros flourish because of tax breaks. They've multiplied like an invasive species and I suspect once they peak there will be contraction in their market. They have an incentive to keep prices high and lobby government hard to make sure $1 beer never hits the market.

Now that's funny! Just what dream world are you living in? The craft beer industry is a real long way from your conspiracy theory. But you're entitled to your opinion. (As entertaining as it is.)

[walker1]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

That is correct, hops were used as a preservative to make the sail from Britain to India then be consumed before spoiling. It usually contained twice the hops of a regular ale. Nowadays, the regular craft brews contain twice as much hops as the old IPAs and the craft IPAs I would guess are in the 5 times range. Its atrocious. I even liked Alexander Keiths but won't touch it now as I have been soured to IPAs

Keiths is listed as an IPA but it sure is not by todays standards!!!! It is 5% and really a easy drinking beer. Had the family back east a few weeks ago and did The Keith's Brewery tour and it was great! We had a fine time.
Even the quality of a keiths is not the same as 20 plus years ago when they sold out to Labatt and now brewed in 5-6 places. I often wonder how many thousands of them I consumed being a Maritime boy!!!!!
Good ole Vitamin K!

[Pembina]

If you like dark beer try Omen brewing in Edmonton.

[6MT]

Originally Posted by walker1

Keiths is listed as an IPA but it sure is not by todays standards!!!! It is 5% and really a easy drinking beer. Had the family back east a few weeks ago and did The Keith's Brewery tour and it was great! We had a fine time.
Even the quality of a keiths is not the same as 20 plus years ago when they sold out to Labatt and now brewed in 5-6 places. I often wonder how many thousands of them I consumed being a Maritime boy!!!!!
Good ole Vitamin K!

I agree, Keith’s is no where close to an IPA. But it was brewed and sold by marketers. Not quality beer aficionados.

Still, it’s not that bad. A cold one on a hot day is refreshing.

[trapperdodge]

muirsy

I'm all for entrepreneurs risking their capital and starting up a business. All I'm saying is the AB gov't has made conditions very favourable for the micro industry.

25 years ago Big Rock was considered the micro brewery. Today there are what, 50 micros? How'd that happen without generous startup conditions including tax positions.

I don't support the MB industry but I'm ok with those that do.

[fordtruckin]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

I was so excited with craft brewing 10-15 years ago when it kinda started out. I won’t even try any of them anymore. They are all over-hopped garbage. Like drinking a cup of roses. Then if you go to an IPA, which is what a vast majority are; they are simply undrinkable. Do craft brewers know there are ingredients for beer beyond hops?

Haha true on both sides of the border!

[brendan's dad]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

That is correct, hops were used as a preservative to make the sail from Britain to India then be consumed before spoiling. It usually contained twice the hops of a regular ale. Nowadays, the regular craft brews contain twice as much hops as the old IPAs and the craft IPAs I would guess are in the 5 times range. Its atrocious. I even liked Alexander Keiths but won't touch it now as I have been soured to IPAs

My Buddy drinks Bud Lights and calls my craft beer a hand full of dandelions, I then just remind him he is drinking Bud Light!

My go to's are Sea Change "The Wolf" and "Trash Panda". Journey IPA is really nice as well.

[Chris84]

I understand that not everyone shares the same taste and can certainly understand why some don't enjoy the craft brews. As for my taste, though, I truly enjoy them.
Some of the ones I really enjoy are:
- Sea Change: The Wolf (my go to) and for something lighter I enjoy Death Wave.
- Cabin: Super Saturation
- The Establishment: Sky Rocket
- 88: Night Gallery
- Folding Mountain: Afternoon Social (On a side note, you'll be hard pressed to find a better patio to enjoy a beer and a meal).

There are others, but these top my list. As for the cost and the alcohol content, I find that I don't drink as many beer. They do cost more and I am spending more, but not a lot more than I was spending when I was drinking beer made by the big guys.

For sure you have to pay attention to the alcohol content, because if you don't certain ones can sneak up on you pretty quick!!

Whether you enjoy craft breweries or beer from the big guys, this is a great thread. Thanks to the OP.



Chris

[sako1]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

Not at all. I love beer and was so excited with craft brewing, only to be so let down. Am I wrong? Please point me to a craft brewer who isn’t producing over-hopped trash and their menu isn’t 90% IPAs.

Do you know why IPAs exist? Do some research on why the IPA exists. Now a standard lager contains much more hops than an original IPA and craft IPAs are probably in the neighborhood of 5 times.

So disappointing for a beer drinker that Lucky Lager is better than 99% of craft brewers.

Hey. I love my Lucky Lager lol

[HyperMOA]

Originally Posted by sako1

Hey. I love my Lucky Lager lol

So do I, craft brewers were supposed to improve upon it, and blow my mind though.

[muirsy]

Originally Posted by sako1

Hey. I love my Lucky Lager lol

Me too! Other than not liking the taste of IPA's, I'll drink pretty much any other types of beer, craft or otherwise.

Sometimes I want a Coors Lite, sometimes I want a craft raspberry wheat ale. Other times I feel like a Corona, or a coffee stout.

I think the greatest thing craft breweries has done, is bring a whole whack of different options to the table - and that's forced the big companies to do the same.

When I was 18, which was only 22 years ago, there were about 5 beers to choose from - Keiths and Sleeman were considered 'fancy' lol. Having more choices is a good thing!

[HyperMOA]

Originally Posted by muirsy

When I was 18, which was only 22 years ago, there were about 5 beers to choose from - Keiths and Sleeman were considered 'fancy' lol. Having more choices is a good thing!

Where did you shop? 5 available??? I can probably list 15 without leaving the Molson umbrella.

Canadian (just terrible beer by the way)
Pilsner
OV
Calgary
Bohemian (fantastic beer by the way)
Dry
XXX
Ice
Export
Golden (or was it golden ale)

OK, my mouth got the better of me. I could only do 10 from the era you speak of. If I included Excel, 67, and Ultra I coulda been closer. But I won’t.

Now there is all of Labatts and anhauser of the era too. Then you always had “fancy” beer, as you say, which were Guinness, Richards, Moosehead, Corona, Heineken, Becks, and Stella. Also Keith’s and sleemans as you mentioned.

And that is when Big Rock was the new kid on the block too. They make some great beers.

You needed to stop buying off-sale at 3AM and visiting a liquor store. 😀

[muirsy]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

Where did you shop? 5 available??? I can probably list 15 without leaving the Molson umbrella.

Canadian (just terrible beer by the way)
Pilsner
OV
Calgary
Bohemian (fantastic beer by the way)
Dry
XXX
Ice
Export
Golden (or was it golden ale)

OK, my mouth got the better of me. I could only do 10 from the era you speak of. If I included Excel, 67, and Ultra I coulda been closer. But I won’t.

Now there is all of Labatts and anhauser of the era too. Then you always had “fancy” beer, as you say, which were Guinness, Richards, Moosehead, Corona, Heineken, Becks, and Stella. Also Keith’s and sleemans as you mentioned.

And that is when Big Rock was the new kid on the block too. They make some great beers.

You needed to stop buying off-sale at 3AM and visiting a liquor store. 😀

5 was an exaggeration lol. But there was a fraction of options out there as compared to today

[6MT]

I'm sitting at Endeavor Brewing in St. Albert right now. Enjoying their hazy IPA. Delicious!

[Cottus]

Polyrhythm in Edmonton is my go to. Great and unique beers, a dozen or so on tap and lots of rotation every month. Lots of seats in the taproom, a patio for nice weather. Its music vibe seems to attract a customer base that is more fun than other breweries.

Folding Mountain in Hinton is destination worthy, as well.

[hayseed]

Love the Blindman Breweryi in my hometown of Lacombe

Don’t really have a per say favourite, try a new pint just to wet the palate, I do enjoy a new ice cold pint like once a month when I stop in..

However I really love the tall boys of Five of Diamonds brew, sponsored by Len Thompson Lures in Lacombe as well.