Matthew Frith

Review of NAPA SMITH BREWERY

I always stop here on my way to Sonoma. It is a gr...

I always stop here on my way to Sonoma. It is a great location and a great atmosphere. The beer is good. They have a wide range of choices and styles that will appease any beer lover and causal drinker alike. If you are a beer enthusiast, or have a developed palate, you WILL pick up on the various nuances in their styles. It is nice, for instance they have a fairly constant, ever-changing rotation of brews on tap. They may have a couple, or three brown ales, for example. You can try them and pick out the subtle differences in them. Much like how wineries will have three different varietals cabernet sauvignon to taste. Now, for some of the reviewers on here, this may be too much for them handle, which is fine, but then I would suggest getting a more "diverse selection" of styles, a selection where you can tell yourself "yes, now I know that is a stout, or yes, I know that is an IPA, I am sooooo good at beering!" You know, to make you feel better about yourself. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of their IPA's and pale ales. If you find that their IPA's do not fit the name they have chosen or are not bitter enough for you, all you simply have to do is ingest your outlook on life and reviews of breweries on Google to supplement your perceived "lack-of hoppiness/bitterness. Anyways, I have always had a great experience here. Friendly staff (not snobby at all), very casual atmosphere, and the beer is good. I always stop to get a growler fill and see what new beers they have on tap. If you are in the area, check it out and do not pass on this place. Don't listen to the naysayer. In fact, never listen to them. I always understand that their beer may not be a hit for everyone, no place ever is, just always be weary about a review that can't find one good selection out of the many that are offered. Check them out for yourself and form your own opinion. You won't be disappointed. Oh and the shuffleboard costs like 50 cents to play... so be sure to bring the family gold...