It's hard to top a brewery like cantillon. And I am not sure how big craft beer has grown in Europe. But the sheer number of breweries in the us is mind boggling. Hill farmstead. Three floyds. Can get up there in quality. You just need to like more intense beers.
Well, as a matter of fact, I do like the more - 'intense' - beers as you so charmingly describe it.
Recently spoke to a person from Cheshire who said the craft scene is slowly growing. As time goes on, I think we're going to see the crummy low end-low quality craft breweries in the US close down due to the better competition. I remember when the craft scene was exploding several years ago, it was common to buy 20 beers, enjoy 4-5 of them and the remaining beers to be bleak.
Agreed.
In Europe, and in the UK and Ireland the craft beer, and artisan beer scene has indeed exploded. However, as you have so rightly pointed out, the quality of some (and occasionally much) of what is on offer is pretty variable.
Still, I like the idea that it exists, if not always the execution of these ideas, and sometimes, truly 'experimental' beers cause my heart to sink.
Nevertheless, at their best, they can offer some superb beers, drawing on local traditions, - some of which were in danger of dying out - and often using high quality - and sometimes, natural - ingredients.
Actually, I have to say that I have learned quite a lot about beers form these threads, and have had some outstanding beers recommended by some who post here, for which I am profoundly grateful.
Had I not been a member - and somewhat prolific poster - here, I would never have heard of - or thought to try - Founder's beers.
And that brings me to my next point: Founder's won the toss, this evening, for I am siping a glass of Founder's Backwoods Bastard as I write.
