The United States is a country known for making beer a part of its culture. From crisp lagers to complex ales, the country boasts a diverse range of brews to cater to every palate. It’s no wonder then, that the U.S. is home to some of the best breweries in the world. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking to try some new flavors, the best breweries in the U.S. have plenty of options to satisfy your thirst.
Craft beer may have more of an influence on American culture than you think. A recent study reveals that living near a craft brewery actually increases property value. Researchers from the University of Toledo studied the city of Charlotte, North Carolina and tracked property values over several years between March 2009 and October 2016. Both single family homes and condos showed increases in value and sales after a craft brewery opened in the area.
Despite any preconceived notions, having the occasional glass of beer might even be beneficial to your health. In a study funded by The Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), a team of researchers finds that hops, which give many varieties of beer their bitter flavor, are also capable of preventing harmful proteins from clumping together in the brain. Drinking beer could help protect from the onset of Alzheimer’s in your 60’s and beyond.
Ready to get sipping? StudyFinds did the research for you, consulting eleven expert websites and compiling a list of the best breweries in the U.S. Grab a drink and let us know which breweries you frequent in the comments below!
The List: Best Breweries in the US, According to Experts
1. New Belgium Brewing Co.
If you’re in the Colorado area, stop by New Belgium Brewing Co. in Fort Collins, Colorado. “New Belgium founders fell in love with Belgian-style beers on a bike trip through Belgium, and launched their brewery in their basement in 1991. One of their first offerings, an amber ale called Fat Tire, became their emblematic brew,” explains USA Today.
“Coming in at the top spot is New Belgium Brewing Co. Founded in 1991 in Colorado, the craft brewing company is now not only nationally distributed, but also one of the largest craft breweries in the country,” says House Method. Try their Fat Tire brew, an amber ale, and their famous Voodoo Ranger IPA.
Tasting Table adds “Their Summer Bliss is a tropical wheat ale made with lemon and mango, while the Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA is packed with bright tropical aromas and has a refreshing citrus flavor. If this isn’t enough to convince you about how much you’ll love this brewery, friendly leashed pups are welcome to join in on the brewery fun on the patio and inside the taproom.” Visitors can also grab a snack or meal from one of the food trucks outside the brewery.
2. City Built Brewing Company
Step inside City Built in Grand Rapids, Michigan and experience a vibrant atmosphere influenced by the owner’s Puerto Rican heritage. “This brewery is all about representing their environs, diversity, education, creative expression, and overall providing a community-driven, palate-pleasing escape for everyone,” says Thrillist.
Try the Prague Underground Czech pilsner and the Werewolves of Michigan West Coast IPA. Restaurant Clicks reports “You can find beers ranging from passion fruit sours to chocolate malt session porters and everything in-between! For non-beer enthusiasts, they also serve hard seltzers, cider, mead, wines, and soda. They also have an on-site kitchen featuring pub favorites like beer cheese and Puerto Rican-inspired dishes that pay homage to Collazo’s background.“
“Hailing from Beer City USA, Grand Rapids, City Built is genuinely one of the best breweries in America. Not only do CEO Edwin Collazo’s fermenters pump out classic beers but also ‘drinkably complex’ ones brewed using experimental styles and an array of exotic fruits and spices,” writes Bison Brew.
3. Jester King Brewery
Jester King Brewery is located about 20 miles outside the city in the hills of Austin, Texas, making this location a scenic farmhouse brewery. Tasting Table says, “One of the best features of this brewery is its nature trail. You can buy your favorite brew and then enjoy all of the natural grandeur that surrounds the brewery. Jester King’s nature trail is open every day from eight until dark.”
Cool Material reports “Jester King draws inspiration from traditional farmhouse breweries that use local ingredients while crafting spontaneously fermented beer. Their 10 Year Anniversary Dry-Hopped Farmhouse Ale with Oats and Triticale, and New Clear Fishin’ brews come highly recommended, or the Atrial Rubicite and Das Wunderkind.”
“It could be argued that Jester King practically started the experimental brewing movement. The Lone Star joint has been tinkering around with things like hop plasma and brett for years, jump-starting trends along the way. Winos especially will appreciate the brewery’s work as it tends to be complex and incredibly elegant,” writes The Manual.
4. Dogfish Head Brewery
If you’re in the mood for some craft beers made with the freshest ingredients and unique flavors, check out this spot in Milton, Delaware. “Dogfish Head became one of the early proponents of so-called extreme beer, generally higher in alcohol than ordinary brews and flavored with unusual ingredients. For instance, its Bourbon Barrel-Aged Fruit-Full Fort. It’s made with four kinds of fresh berries and boasting a 17% ABV,” points out USA Today.
As the 12th biggest brewery in the United States, Dogfish is also a hotspot for hosting local events. The brewery is open seven days a week and has a campus, distillery, tasting room, and kitchen. “Not far from the coast, this brewery’s tasting room (look for the Steampunk Treehouse sculpture) hosts beer-release parties, drop-in tastings of exclusives on tap, and fun events like Vintage & Vinyl,” mentions Martha Stewart.
“You can find Dogfish Head in all 50 states of the U.S., too. As a matter of fact, on their website, you should check out their interactive ‘Fish Finder.’ Here you can enter your fave brew, spirit, or cocktail, and they will let you know where you can find one within a certain number of miles. Now, how convenient is that?” asks Tasting Table.
5. Pure Project
“Pure Project’s entire oeuvre is unique. It was started in part by a Californian couple who returned to the Golden State after spending years in the Costa Rican jungle and felt inspired to imbue the spirit of the country into a brewery,” writes Thrillist. “Many beers at this brewery are imbued with unique jungle and floral notes like hibiscus. The interior of their tasting room also reflects the idea of sustainability, with repurposed wood and tropical plants.”
Pure Project has even brought home a bronze medal from the Great American Beer Festival before its first year of operations were over. Desert Sun explains “To the folks at this San Diego brewery every beer is an art piece that tells a story. Pure Project mixes globally sourced ingredients and mixes them with a Southern California influence. Creating unique and interesting flavors for patrons to enjoy.”
Hops Highway recommends trying the La Vie en Rosé (6.5% ABV) or the Milagro (5.3% ABV). Both showcase the establishment’s brewing philosophy of no chemicals and beers that tell a story of the ingredients and location. “Brewing such interesting and delicious beers quickly got the attention of people in the San Diego craft brewing industry,” they write. “For example, West Coaster Magazine recently listed Pure Project as one of ‘The Best New San Diego Breweries of 2016.’”