What is good beer? – Revisited. Extraordinary encounters of the beer kind.

2 comments

July 13, 12:12 PM

by Charlie Papazian, Beer Examiner

 

 

Beermapping.com

This is part 4 revisting comments regarding my June 26 post, What is Good Beer?

David K. says: I think that the most important thing in defining good beer is the brewer. I think that the brewers' dedication, effort, and creativity really show in a beer.

Today there are many breweries that excel.   You can feel the emotion, passion and dedication to beer the moment you walk into the brewery. I’m talking about the feeling when you know that without exception every single employee is working towards a vision that is ultimately to make beer not only with great character but also working to make enjoying it an ultimate experience.   You can never know this feeling unless you visit breweries. 

            It’s not just about a good brewer. It’s about a passionate owner(s), who understand the long tradition they have chosen to perpetuate. It is not just about quality ingredients, equipment, science and a sense of art. It’s not about the business of brewing nor the quality of the beer.   It is a gut feeling you get when you know that the owner, brewer, markers, customer service staff, packagers, designers, etc are all onboard the same journey.   It shows when you set foot in these special breweries. It’s not a television . smile, a screaming billboard nor a cute packaging design. The message you feel is the one imbued into every aspect of the beer and brewery you experience. Truly great beer gets brewed in special places.   It has nothing to do with small or large, ale or lager, American or foreign.   You increase your chances of great encounters of the beer kind by seeking small, but that is my opinion. Life is short, especially the beer drinking part of it. Extraordinary beers are worth seeking. But it takes an effort. It’s more than just a journey to the pub or store to buy what tickles your fancy. 

The average American lives within 10 miles of a brewery. Taking the effort to locate the brewery that’s beyond the glass at the end of your arm is an accessible endeavor.

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