I think it’s time for a #NLBreweryBracket Rankings thread!!! I spent way too much time working on this. I tried to rank them in an objective manner - no townie bias - focusing on a variety of things. Popularity, brand recognition, longevity, diversity of brews, availability.

It’s not perfect. I’m sure some will disagree with this ranking. But keep in mind the voting should ultimately determine where a brewery ends up. The bracket will be designed in a way it won’t just produce a winner, but also rank the remaining 19 breweries. #NLBreweryBracket

RANKING TIME!
1) @QuidiVidiBeer. Should be no surprise here. Been around for 25 years. The most recognizable local brewery. Really have stepped up their game recently and have been producing some great beers. Great location. Diverse selection. Very accessible. #NLBreweryBracket

2) @portrextonbrew. Pioneers in the local industry. They paved the way for other breweries and demonstrated that a rural brewery can not only survive, but thrive. Established in 2016, they have become the face of rural brewery success. #NLBreweryBracket

3) @Yellowbellybrew. Can’t deny what they have done in the province since they opened in 2008. They built their success on a small selection of beers with the occasional seasonal beer. Being in the YYT airport makes them the face of local beer for many tourists. #NLBreweryBracket

4) @DildoBrewingCo. Brand and merchandise are in point. Few missed opportunities I think with clever beer names, but I digress. They have quickly become a staple within the brewery-tourism scene and have shown that rural breweries can be a year long venture. #NLBreweryBracket

5) @SplitRockBrew. Another rural NL gem. When I heard this place was opening a few years ago it automatically made sense based upon tourism and location. They focus on small-batch brews, but can be purchased in NLC at select locations. I also love their logo. #NLBreweryBracket

6) @landwashbrewery. From the start, these guys laid the groundwork for what a successful brewery looks like. Foundation of solid brews, innovative approach to food, good branding, and strong social media presence. I’m proud they are in my hometown. #NLBreweryBracket

7) @bannermanbrewco. Another brewery that from their inception seem to have done everything right. Quickly become a mainstay in downtown St. John’s with producing some robust brews. I’m excited to see their plans for expansion with their continued success. #NLBreweryBracket

8) @BootlegBrewCo. First brewery to open in Corner Brook and they have not disappointed. If someone told me a tiny KFC location would turn into a successful brewery, I wouldn’t have believed you. Bootleg has found a way to thrive despite a small location. #NLBreweryBracket

9) @STORMBrewing709. The OG small-batch brewery in NL. Been around for 25 years & have found success in their limited quantity, high quality approach. They have no taproom, limited marketing, but still generate excitement when you hear “Storm is in stock”. #NLBreweryBracket

10) @NinepennyBrew. Often gets lost in the conversation when discussing breweries in YYT area. Despite that, they have found an untapped market & have found success in a short time frame. Prime example that you don’t have to be a tourist destination for success. #NLBreweryBracket

11) Baccalieu Trail Brewing (no twitter). This brewery is another example of how to have a business succeed in rural NL. Perfect picturesque location to have a few brews, & their expanding accessibility to beer is encouraging. Can’t wait to see how they expand. #NLBreweryBracket

12) @WNLBrewing. These guys are no afraid to think outside the box. Big cans. Bold beer. Brave ideas. When I saw the fish recipe on the can, I knew they’d do alright. One of the first of the new-wave breweries in NL and have found their foothold in the market. #NLBreweryBracket

13) NL Cider Company. Use apples from abundance of unused apple trees in central NL to create a niche brewery that has found success in their limited scope but superb quality. Hard product to get at NLC due to its limited production but high sales. A good sign. #NLBreweryBracket

14) @CrookedFeeder. Cormack might not seem like a prime brewery location, but they are a testament of the adage “if you build it, they will come”. They have really shown that non-tourist rural locations in NL can have brewery success. I also love their logo. #NLBreweryBracket

15) @MillStreetBrew. More of a traditional brewery in a mainstream sense, but still brewing small batches of local beer. Another one of those breweries that are often left out of conversations, but still need to be included due to their presence and popularity. #NLBreweryBracket

16) Boomstick Brewing Co. New on the scene but entered the market with a variety of beer available in NLC. Quickly they have generated excitement around their brewery and beers and I think will be mainstay in the NL brewery scene for years to come. #NLBreweryBracket

17) Rough Waters Brewing Company. A relatively new brewery located in Deer Lake. Beer with purpose is how they describe themselves on their website. I couldn’t agree more. Shape label design and broad availability will contribute to their growing success. #NLBreweryBracket

18) @SecretCoveBrew. Located on the Port au Port peninsula, Secret Cove are becoming known not only for their clever beer names (i.e, Port au Porter) but quality brews. Not a traditional tourist location for NL, but another example or rural brewery success. #NLBreweryBracket

19) @IronRockBrewing. Only brewery located in Labrador in this competition. I’ve only heard good things about this brewery. A brewery that seems to be steeped in Labrador history and will no doubt make the region proud for their future successes. #NLBreweryBracket

20) @NorthernLtd. New on the brewery scene but are quickly making a name for themselves. With great branding and in a high traffic tourist area that is St. Anthony, RagnaRock seem poised for success in the industry. I can’t wait to see what they do. #NLBreweryBracket

So in sum, #NLBreweryBracket rankings. These rankings will act as seeding for the bracket face off which will start in a few days. Still finalizing bracket ideas but the competiton will take place in a series of Twitter polls. Essentially asking “which brewery do you prefer?”