For the longest time I didn't understand why people raved about this brewery because I had many similar (thought usually lesser) experiences with their beers. Then I tried one from an independent retailer who knows how to handle beer and my eyes were opened. If the next one gushes too, try not to be too put off about trying other beers of theirs - they're generally a pretty great brewery.
It's a real shame to hear about reviews like this because I know how passionate Shaun, the head brewer, is about his beer and delivering a quality product to the consumer.
I s'pose there is an inherant risk firstly distributing beers through major retailers, but also with live yeast in the bottle. And I know the more delicate beers in the shape of the Nirvana PA and Whale Ale have had problems in transit. Unfortunately, that's out of the hands of the brewer, for the most part anyway.
Like anything, if you really want to experience the beer at its best, goto the source...easy enough for me, I live a 30min drive away...but failing that, I think the beers are better off tap, once again, probably not too common.
I have a feeling their more 'robust' brews, like the 2IPA, Grand Cru, Anniversary Ale, Heart of Darkness, etc... do travel a bit better.
