What Makes a Great Brewery

It seems like a new brewery is opening up just about every week these days.  And that’s always a good thing.  But, not every brewery is good.  Some stand out from the others.

Here’s my list of what makes a good brewery (if anyone is interested, I do offer free consultations for free beer)

1. Great Beer
Seems obvious.  Great beer will override any other deficiencies.  But you can’t just make one good beer.  You have to have a variety.  At the bare minimum, you need a lager, an IPA, a sour, and a good stout.  Hit all the buckets to keep us beer nerds interested.

2. Branding
Name your brewery something memorable.  Dallas Brewing Company just doesn’t work.  Be clever with the name and draw from something local.  And name your beers.  Nothing’s more disappointing than looking at the board and just seeing “IPA.”  Be creative.

3. Be a Brewery
Embrace it.  You can serve food, but don’t be a restaurant.  If I see a hostess when I walk in, I know I’m not in a brewery.  I’m in a restaurant that brews beer and the whole vibe is off.

4. No Cocktails
If you serve cocktails, then you’re a bar.  The bartenders don’t need to be shaking drinks.  They need the time to talk to people about beer.  You can serve wine or cider for non beer drinkers

5. Free Water
Have a water station somewhere so we don’t have to bother the bartenders.  They have more important things to be doing.

6. Outdoor space
Even if it’s just a few tables outside, you have to have it.  Beer is better outdoors.

7. Open early
Don’t wait until 4pm to open.  I’ve missed out on some great breweries because when I’m travelling because they’re not open.  You should be open by noon.  If you have good wifi and a water station, people will come early.

8. Sell your own beer
Crowlers and growlers are good but canning your own beer is better.  Crowlers and growlers have a short shelf life.  And we want to bring drinkable beer souvenirs home to share with friends and expand your reach.  I know it’s expensive.  But, it’s an investment that should pay off in additional income and establishing yourself as a legit brewery.

9. Hire Beer Lovers
Cute bartenders are nice.  Someone who loves beer and will take the time to make enthusiastic recommendations is better.  Much better.

10. Stay Family Friendly
This might be controversial, but I think one of the things that makes the craft beer scene so different is that you can feel comfortable bringing your family with you.  Young and (really) old.  Make them feel comfortable, too.   Though I have no problem with a no kids after 9pm policy or something similar.

So there you have it.  Follow those 10 simple rules, and you’ll be brewing beers for many years to come.