Great Notion Brewing - Berkeley - Berkeley, California

Alice Hou

12/30/2024*
We went on TRIVIA night and had an absolute blast. I got a flight of their sours, and each one was a delightful burst of flavor. I found out they have happy hour at the taprooms from Monday to Friday, 2pm-5pm, which is an amazing deal.

The host was incredibly chill, making the night even more enjoyable. Plus, if you win the trivia, you get to take a celebratory shot of beer with the staff crew!

4/4/2024
The Guava Glow is like a tropical paradise in a glass, while the Breakfast Of Leisure tastes exactly like French toast with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. I couldn't resist grabbing two packs to enjoy whenever I want.tropical paradise in a glass, while the Breakfast Of Leisure tastes exactly like French toast with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. I couldn't resist grabbing two packs to enjoy whenever I want!

9/22/2023
I was thrilled to hear that Great Notion Brewery was bringing back their Mango Fluff! I even made sure to inquire with their staff about the precise date of its return and marked it on my calendar.

I got a flight of their Fury, Seedless, Nox Illuminate, FH Time Keeper, and Blueberry Muffin. They truly offer a fantastic selection of beers on their taplist! Additionally, I took the opportunity to purchase a pack of Mango Fluff and one of their beer glasses.

8/20/2023
The Over Ripe and So Wrong It's Ripe beers left an indelible mark on our taste buds. Over Ripe's tropical hazy IPA took us on a journey through ripe fruit flavors, while So Wrong It's Ripe's inventive twist amazed with its honey-infused and Citra dry hopped profile.

We couldn't resist taking home a pack of their Blueberry Muffin sour beer. It's a masterpiece that captures the essence of a blueberry muffin, baked to perfection with Oregon blueberries.

*July 2023
Their sours are top-notch, delivering a delightful explosion of flavors with each sip. The balance between tartness and fruitiness is perfection. Personally, my favorites were the Blueberry Muffin and Mango Fluff; they were simply outstanding.

C S (CS)

Great Notion Brewery: Berkeley's Explosion of Flavor and Innovation

Our insatiable thirst for exciting breweries and unique beers led us to Great Notion Brewery in Berkeley, and let me tell you, it was a revelation. Great Notion truly lives up to its name. Their beers are unlike anything you've ever experienced – bursting with flavor, pushing boundaries, and offering something truly special for every taste bud.

Convenience and Comfort: A Smooth Start to Your Adventure

Finding parking in Berkeley can sometimes be a hassle, but Great Notion makes things easy. They offer decent street parking options, and for those who prefer a contactless experience, pay-by-phone parking is readily available. Once you've secured your spot, head inside for a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The seating is described as "decent," suggesting a good mix of tables and chairs to accommodate groups of all sizes.

The MVP Hall of Fame: Electric Headband, Over Ripe Fruit, and More!

Now, let's dive into the main event – the incredible beers! Great Notion boasts a wide range of styles, but your review highlights a few true champions:

Electric Headband (MVP): I can describe this beer as "to die for" with its vibrant blue color and surprising blue raspberry flavor. A beer this unique deserves a visit on its own!

Over Ripe Fruit in the Can (MVP): This "mango heaven" sounds like a smoothie lover's dream come true. It's a testament to Great Notion's innovative spirit and their ability to create truly delicious and unexpected flavor combinations.

Munchies: This imperial stout takes the cake for intriguing ingredients. Combining pretzels, potato chips, and peanut butter might seem strange on paper, but a "complex" and "soulful" taste hints at a truly unique and satisfying experience.

GR 75: This red tart ale sounds like a delightful burst of tropical fruit flavors. I can mention notes of guava and raspberry, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a refreshing and slightly sour brew.

RIPE: As an IPA lover, my declaration that this is "one of the best IPAs I've ever tasted" is high praise indeed. It suggests a perfectly balanced and flavorful IPA that will leave any hop-head happy.

A Must-Visit for Beer Adventurers and Traditionalists Alike

Great Notion Brewery caters to all palates. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast seeking the next boundary-pushing brew, or a casual drinker looking for something unique and delicious, Great Notion has something for you. They even offer non-alcoholic options, like the "Black Cherry Cream Soda" – creamy, different, and perfect for those who want to enjoy the experience without the alcohol.

This place is a true gem, and with so many incredible beers on tap (including the "Beer Has No Name" hazy IPA), it's no surprise id plan to return for more.

CBC Brew

If you want the best tasting beer come here. Might be the best ever I’ve had. If there’d be a drop of a dollar off the beer during 5-7 it’d be SRO. Standing room only.
Owners may could go to RRB Santa Rosa for illustrations in a vibe where perfection meets the common man. Great Notion is the best beer I’ve been privileged to consume—I’m not certain but I don’t think anyone made me say that.

Tiff Elmore

Portland got us hooked. Favorite beer hands down. The bartenders were friendly and it was an awesome experience as always. Definitely worth a trip. The brews literally never disappoint and nowhere else compares ☺️👌🏼

Shelly

This place is just The Best!! From atmosphere to service and even their choice of food trucks. Everything was simply OUTSTANDING. The staff knows their stuff. Had the pleasure of getting to know &Mel, as well as Smish Smash burgers and their delicious The OG burger with fresh French fries. Everything hit the spot.

Yazdi Balsara

Great brewery , great atmosphere, I’m gonna definitely come back. They have some dope sour beers! Give em a try!

Roslyn Short

I love this place and their beer! I first had one at Alvarado Street Brew in Monterey, CA. They’ve got great sours and fruit forward IPAs for me and beer that tastes like beer for my BF. I wish they had more seating but that’s not a reason to rate below 5 starts. Maybe they will open a bigger location in Alameda or Oakland 🙏🏼 DOG FRIENDLY

Scott E

Amazing beers. Everything was great. Sours were great. Hazys were amazing. BA stout was awesome. Had to get some 4pks to go.