Top Craft Breweries in the US

Our country is home to some of the best breweries in the world. We could list them all here but that would be a never ending post. We’ve taken the top seven states for craft beer and picked some of the best breweries in the area. You’re welcome.

7) Pennsylvania - The German Immigrants settled in this state in the 1700’s and 1800’s which destined Pennsylvania to have great beer and great sausage. Today, the state boasts over 100 brew pubs and small breweries all contributing to its rich history brewing beer. So whether you’re enjoying a pint in the city, or deep in the wilderness, which only takes 2 hours to get to from any major city, these beers are sure to be a great addition. Some stand out breweries include: Victory Brewing Co, Troegs Brewing Co, and Church Brew Works. I’m especially partial to the Hop Devil from Victory and the Nugget Nectar from Troegs.

6) Vermont -  This state has some absolutely breathtaking scenery, a bustling live music scene in Burlington, and a “supposed” lake monster in Lake Champlain. It is also home to some of the tastiest craft beer in the country. So whether you’re hitting the bar after the slopes, or seeing one of the nine Phish cover bands playing a show at Nectar’s, you can’t go wrong with any of these. The Alchemist, Switchback, Otter Creek and Long Trail are all solid Vermont Breweries. My top picks have to be the Heady Topper from the Alchemists, that is if you can find it. This beer sells out pretty much 5 minutes after it gets tapped.

5) Washington - Make sure to pack a raincoat, because you may get wet in our next state. Although the number of coffee shops may outnumber breweries 10:1, Washington has some of the best artisan beers in the country.  Some of the top breweries include: Fremont Brewing Company, Reuben’s Brew and Holy Mountain Brewing. My favorites is Fremont Brewing’s seasonal summer ale. Great for those camping trips and barbecues.

4) Michigan - Next on the list is home of two great college football teams, that hate each other, but not as much as they hate Ohio State,  and some record breaking wind chill temperatures during the winter. Don’t worry if you need to stay indoors though, because Michigan has got some great breweries that are sure to warm you up, even when going outside could mean the loss of your toes. Founders Brewing Company, Bell’s Brewery and Short’s Brewing Company all brew some of the best beer in the Great Lakes Region. My picks would have to go to Bell’s Midwestern Pale Ale and Founder’s IPA.

3) Colorado - It’s no secret that Colorado has some of the best craft breweries in the country. After all, Colorado was at the forefront of the craft brewing back when the rest of the country didn’t even know what it was. Some top breweries include Great Divide, Odell Brewing Company and New Belgium Brewing Company.  The top beers from these breweries in my opinion are The Denver Pale Ale from Great Divide, Easy Street Wheat from Odell’s and of course Fat Tire from the New Belgium Brewing Company.

2) California - Boasting the most craft breweries in the country, at 431, you’re sure to to be able to find something you like. It’s tough to even start a list of top breweries because there are so many unique and artfully crafted beers, but I’ll do my best to give you some solid choices the next time you’re in the Golden State. Lagunitas, Stone, Anchor Steam and Green Flash Brewing Co are all fantastic choices. If IPA’s are your thing I highly recommend the Lagunitas IPA and the West Coast IPA. Anchor Steam is the country’s oldest craft brewery and you can’t really go wrong with any of their fine beers.

1) Oregon - To round out the list of our top states for craft beer we must travel to the land of man buns and beards. That’s right, Oregon. This state could practically live off of its micro brew scene, and for good reason, they brew some of the most essential beers in the world. The top breweries you have to check out in between going to local farmers market and Voodoo Donuts are: Bend Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery, Hair of the Dog Brewery and Hopworks Urban Brewery. Some must try beers from these wonderful breweries include Hop Head Imperial IPA from Bend Brewing Co and Deschutes’ Obsidian Stout.

There you have it, the list of the top 7 states for craft beer. There is a plethora of great craft beer in America, take the time to sample. Undoubtedly there are some great beers that are not on this list. Make sure to keep trying new things, don’t get yourself in a beer drinking rut. There are too many great breweries out there changing the way we look at beer.