I am going to venture out and say that there are many of you who enjoy good beer. If you are anything like me, then you have probably said, “I wonder whether there are any good breweries around me.” You may not have been able to remember that thought because you couldn’t even imagine visiting a brewery.
My friend, how things have changed! Today’s breweries have evolved to the point where smaller players can brew on a smaller scale and take great pride in returning to the old methods of producing excellent beer. These same breweries also realize that beer is only for a small percentage of the population.
These days, many brewery joint ventures include in-house restaurants and movie theatres. This is a far cry away from what we associate with big, industrial plants when we think of a brewery.
The truth is that I wish these hip breweries had more to offer. Yes, it may seem unappreciative of me, but I am a consumer and want as many choices as possible.
First, I must define what “extra” means to me if I want to find a brewery with something more. This is a difficult task because it requires me to decide what I want from a brewery. Is it more important to have a limited number of beers or a wide selection? Do I prefer a casual atmosphere or a more formal one? These may seem like simple questions but they are essential if you want to find the right brewery.
Next, although I don’t know if you have this problem, I enjoy a good, cold beer with a snack. Breweries are trying to attract a wider audience by offering food options. I need to understand how important food is for me in order to find the right brewery. Are beer nuts and pretzels what I desire? Are I open to trying new foods? However, I would like to think that I am open to trying new foods. They love me and I love them. But, you can’t feed a family on snacks at bars. It is important for me to be able to get quality ingredients and freshly prepared meals on-site.
You need to understand what appeals to your family members when you want to make a brewery visit a family affair. What are they interested in? What is their favorite thing? Are they able to enjoy activities that are both family-friendly and suitable for younger patrons? These are difficult questions but necessary.
