Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

Should be of note this is based entirely on volume of sales.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

Yes, volume of sales as determined by the Brewers Association.

Just thought some might find the list interesting.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

I've seen a list like this before, and it always amazes me how high on the list New Glarus is, given that I think they only distribute in Wisconsin (believe this is correct). Not that they aren't a great brewery, but I know that almost all of the other breweries ahead of them have a much wider distribution, most can be found here in South Florida at Total Wine and the like. I guess they like beer in WI :D

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

glad to see my state well represented....:banger
#3 as well as many others....great beers all, particularly the Oskar Blues

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

I wonder that the criteria is to be a "craft" brewery. I was suprised not to see August Schell brewery on the list.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

My understanding is that in the beer industry any company producing between 2,000 and 2 million barrels of beer per year is considered a "craft" brewer. Breweries producing less than 2,000 barrels are considered micro-breweries. This is what I've been told by people who work in the beer industry.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

I can verify that. :r

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

Lush:su

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

Surprised to see Bells higher then Stone. Stone just seems more readily available. Bells just recently started selling in Arizona.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

Glad to See to in my State Represent the top ten

10. Harpoon is my Favorite

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

This is the brewery that makes Saranac. They are also know as Utica Club.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

Wow! #41 surprises me.
I went there a week or so ago and their beer sucked schwetty donkey balls.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

There may also be a judging on taste. I have 2 cases of New Glarus (Fat Squirrel) sitting in my game room. I have a trucker friend that brings it down from WI. She has been offered $100.00 for a case. It is a known brewery. Thats why it may also be judged by taste or the general population knowledge of it being out there.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

New Belgium is #3 and their beer is boring to say the least. I guess you can't account for taste.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

As I said... it's about volume.

There's some in there I wouldn't touch, others further down the list that are spectacular, and a lot of amazing breweries in the Oregon area that aren't on that list simply because they don't distribute.

Not really sure what this list proves... but then again judging a craft beer brewery based on how 'good' it is would be so subjective and difficult to accomplish that it likely would never happen.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

Not all of them: (their wild/sour ales are very different and tasty)
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/192/1917
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/192/42474
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/192/26541
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/192/1912

Although I guess Fat Tire is their #1 beer, and yes it is not very exciting.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

I don't think so, quote from the top of the page: "The Brewers Association just announced the top 50 breweries in the U.S. based on sales, by volume, for 2009, which is listed below here." Not sure why they would lie and/or skew the results based on taste???

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

This list is based upon volume alone, not taste.

Re: Top 50 Craft Breweries For 2009
 

I am familiar with way too many on that list! :al :r