There are plenty of reasons to like these guys and I’m sure my opinions will changes as I sample more beer from Anderson Valley. I urge you to do the same.
Quick, make a list of your favorite California based breweries…I will wait. Was Anderson Valley on that list? Yeah, mine neither, but that shouldn’t be indicative of the quality of their beer. In fact, there are over three hundred breweries in California alone, so the chances of being familiar with them all are slim to none. Anderson Valley has been around since 1987 and has won dozens of awards at the World Beer Championships and The Great American Brew Fest to name a few. Anderson Valley was craft before craft was cool.
Location: Boonville, CA
Type: Production
Available in DC Market: Yes
Beer #1: Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout (5.7 % ABV)
Beer Advocate: A- 697 Reviews)
Rate Beer: 97 Overall, 96 Style
Notes: I’m a sucker for a good oatmeal stout, but I have to be in the mood to enjoy it unlike some styles that I enjoy at all times. Barney Flats is a great example of the style and something I wish I could get more often. Slight bit of chocolate, roasted malt, and plenty of oats creating a nice a full body. Paired with Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin? Yes, Please.
Beer #2: Boont Amber Ale (5.8% ABV)
Beer Advocate: B (9 Reviews)
Rate Beer: 90 Overall, 98 Style
Notes: I recently had the Boont Amber at the Rock and Roll Hotel on H Street. As I had few options other than Brooklyn Lager and the other subpar offerings, I opted for a Boont Amber. I was fairly disappointed. Boont Amber seems to be suffering from a lack of identity. This amber was just touch on the sweet side and included other common characteristics of the style, but the beer never really came together for me.
The jury is still out on how I feel about Anderson Valley. I haven’t been overly impressed but remain open-minded and eager try more of their offerings. There are plenty of reasons to like these guys, and I’m sure my opinions will change as I sample more beer from Anderson Valley. I urge you to do the same.
This profile is a part of the DCBeer.com SAVOR Brewery Profile series. For more information, follow the link to see profiles of all 2011 SAVOR participants.
Beer Review Disclaimer: The beer reviews found on Beer Advocate and Rate Beer do not represent the opinions of this site. We provide these in the hope that they will serve as a resource showing what some craft beer fans have thought of the beers. These reviews can be a helpful guideline, but are not the be-all end-all about a beer’s strengths or weaknesses.
