Great Lakes Brewing News Archive

Beer Traveling with Coops

Originally Published: 10/97

By: Steve Hodos

Reviewed by Steve Hodos

Coop's Road Map guides to Micro-breweries and Brewpubs have been published since 1993. I started using them with the 1994 edition and am a loyal fan. They are an organized, easy to read, and contain an inclusive list of microbreweries, regional breweries and brew pubs. With the demise of the On Tap books and newsletter (a yeoman's effort by Steve Johnson), these maps are best state-by-state brewing lists available for purchase.

The maps fold up and are sized like standard state road maps (the kind I remember being free at gas stations). One side is the basic map‹a black and white multi-state plan showing major roads, route numbers, significant cities and some recreational facilities (lakes, national forests, wildlife preserves, parks, etc.). Each city with a brewing location also gets labeled with a colored beer mug. If there is more than one location in a city, that is noted by a number in the mug. Some congested areas get blown-up sections. Space around the edges is filled in with beer logos and the back flap has reviews of several sites, often written in the first person.

The reverse side of the map contains a list of brewing sites alphabetically by state, city and name. The listing includes the street address, phone number, business hours and icons for food service, on premise beer, take away beer and classification (micro, regional or brewpub). I was pleased that local numbers were also given when an 800 number was listed. I was surprised that zip codes were omitted! I also would have preferred that the phone listing always include numbers (775-2337 instead of 775-BEER). This listing is the heart of the map. It is the information you need, clearly and concisely presented and easy to read. Those looking for lists of beers, brewing equipment, production figures, etc. will have to look elsewhere. Even the information on beer styles and history that appeared on previous editions has been dropped to make room for breweries.

There are currently ten maps in the series. All except the Northeast issue were published in 1997 (The Northeast edition is from last year). The 1997-98 issues are clearly dated on the front, a real plus. The publisher is dropping a rotating issuing schedule in favor printing all the maps in the spring of each year. This will enable them to get fresh information out just before the big beer travel season. Also, in 1998 a new cover design will be used and about 1100 locations will be listed.

I have purchased Coop's maps at brewpubs, homebrew supply outlets and at some big beer retailers. I haven't often seen them at bookstores, even those with beer sections.

The maps can be ordered directly from Coop's. Currently they are available at $3.95 (plus 65 cents shipping) each. A set of all 10 is offered for $36.00 including shipping. California residents must add sales tax. Contact Lone Mountain Designs at P. O. Box 153, Menlo Park, CA 94026 or at (800) 259-3139. Their e-mail address is: bcoop@leland.stanford.edu

A few cautions. While I highly recommend these maps, I would never travel a great distance without calling first. Even a brewery that you know is open may have changed its hours. I would also label the claim on Lone Mountain's order form "no other map is needed to guide travelers..." hyperbole. Be sure to have an adequate state road map for your trip. In bigger towns, a city street map is also a good idea.

I buy Coop's maps for myself. I also find they make great gifts. They are easy to ship to far off friends and I cannot think of a better bon voyage gift for a beer aficionado!