[majorvices]

Pretty cool graph. Obviously this explosion can't continue, there are only so many taps!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/06/us-craft-beer-breweries-growing_n_1748520.html

[euge]

Not to mention that our population has quintupled since 1890? So we still aren't putting it away like our forefathers.

But it is heartening. I like most of the breweries on the slideshow except Magic Hat. Can't stand their weirdly flavored beer. Regardless, I wish everyone continued success and increasing profits

[Titanium Brewing]

http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/media/press-releases/show?title=brewers-association-reports-2012-mid-year-growth-for-u-s-craft-brewers

[nateo]

People drank way too much in the 19th century. Prohibition was rooted in some serious concerns for society. Average consumption was equivalent to 1.7 bottles of hard liquor a week, about three times as much as we drink today.

I agree about Magic Hat being supremely disappointing. Their "Not quite pale ale" was so fantastically disappointing. It was like a bad imitation of Pyramid's apricot ale. I believe any beer with fruit extract added to it should clearly state so on the bottle.

[brewmichigan]

The population of the US was about 63 million in 1890. Since there were 2,011 breweries in 1890, that meant there was 1 brewery for every 31,000 people. With todays population being 312 million, each brewery is supporting about 146,000 people. I suppose most of that is supplied by the big 3 though. We still have room to grow even if we don't party like its 1899. 

[Delo]

I agree about Magic Hat being supremely disappointing. Their "Not quite pale ale" was so fantastically disappointing. It was like a bad imitation of Pyramid's apricot ale. I believe any beer with fruit extract added to it should clearly state so on the bottle.

I used to be a fan of Magic Hat a long time ago, but it seems like their quality has gone down. I know they were bought not that long ago, but IMO the quality wasn't that good before they were bought.   Didn't they buy Pyramid or are owned by the same owner? They did brew a colaboration beer, a Gose, for the Vermont Beer fest with Trapps lodge that was really good.

[Joe Sr.]

I have to say I'm surprised to see Magic Hat so far up on the list.

I like their beer a couple years ago when I first came across it.  Maybe just because it was different, I don't know.  The last six-pack I had was pretty rough, though.  There's a bottle or two left somewhere in the basement.

Bell's, on the other hand, does not last in my house.  Maybe my favorite brewery.

[morticaixavier]

I agree about Magic Hat being supremely disappointing. Their "Not quite pale ale" was so fantastically disappointing. It was like a bad imitation of Pyramid's apricot ale. I believe any beer with fruit extract added to it should clearly state so on the bottle.

I used to be a fan of Magic Hat a long time ago, but it seems like their quality has gone down. I know they were bought not that long ago, but IMO the quality wasn't that good before they were bought.   Didn't they buy Pyramid or are owned by the same owner? They did brew a colaboration beer, a Gose, for the Vermont Beer fest with Trapps lodge that was really good.

I would have liked to taste that. Trapp Family Lodge is doing some really nice traditional german beers with local ingredients. amazing place to sit on the deck and drink a beer to, overlooking the mad river valley.

[majorvices]

Bell's, on the other hand, does not last in my house.  Maybe my favorite brewery.

Just got a six pack of Bell's Two Hearted the other day and while it is not horrible I don't really enjoy it. I haven't enjoyed a Two Hearted in a while. Seems like the quality has slipped there. Either that or they are expanding too far out from their local and the freshness is biting them in the ass.

[Joe Sr.]

Bell's, on the other hand, does not last in my house.  Maybe my favorite brewery.

Just got a six pack of Bell's Two Hearted the other day and while it is not horrible I don't really enjoy it. I haven't enjoyed a Two Hearted in a while. Seems like the quality has slipped there. Either that or they are expanding too far out from their local and the freshness is biting them in the ass.

I tend to go for their Third Coast Old Ale, Expedition Stout, and pretty much any stout they make.  Hoppy beers are not my thing.  It may be that expansion is straining them, however.

[Delo]

I would have liked to taste that. Trapp Family Lodge is doing some really nice traditional german beers with local ingredients. amazing place to sit on the deck and drink a beer to, overlooking the mad river valley.

I remember going there as a kid to go skiiing and it really was amazing.  Last year at the brewers fest they had a "Session Rauchbier" that I thought was really good. They werent going to bring it, but changed their minds and I'm glad they did.  Would love to go there now. 

[hopfenundmalz]

Pretty cool graph. Obviously this explosion can't continue, there are only so many taps!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/06/us-craft-beer-breweries-growing_n_1748520.html

Either they will run out of places to put sell the product, or run out of raw materials.

[brewmichigan]

Bell's, on the other hand, does not last in my house.  Maybe my favorite brewery.

Just got a six pack of Bell's Two Hearted the other day and while it is not horrible I don't really enjoy it. I haven't enjoyed a Two Hearted in a while. Seems like the quality has slipped there. Either that or they are expanding too far out from their local and the freshness is biting them in the ass.

I've noticed that if I grab a sixer that was bottled more than a couple months ago, it's not as good as it should be. On tap at the eccentric cafe, it's awesome. Check the bottle date and see how old it is.

[Jimmy K]

Pretty cool graph. Obviously this explosion can't continue, there are only so many taps!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/06/us-craft-beer-breweries-growing_n_1748520.html

I don't know, there are a LOT of BMC taps out there.

[narvin]

It was like a bad imitation of Pyramid's apricot ale.

So.... It was good?