Photo: mfajardo
Here are twenty of the best microbrews America has to offer and the towns to drink them in.
1. Kettlehouse Brewing Company, Missoula, Montana
Known lovingly as the “K-hole” by Missoulians, this tiny brewery features an even smaller taproom where you’ll find locals of all stripes downing Cold Smoke Scotch Ale.
They don’t serve food, but the intensely hoppy Double Haul will usher in the perfect ending to a day of fly fishing the Clark Fork (a mere 200 feet from the front door) or exploring Glacier National Park.
2. Barrio Brewing, Tucson, Arizona
If you’re visiting Tucson to cure Seasonal Affective Disorder, consider this brewery for your therapy. Barrio is hard to find, but the beer and the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains makes it worth the effort.
Their porter is a GABF award winner and even in the heat of summer should not be passed over for the lighter beers in their lineup. Don’t be alarmed when the patrons shout that a train is coming. Beers go on special when the railroad gates come down over the road outside.
3. Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River, Oregon
This tiny town in the Columbia River Gorge is the gateway to Mt. Hood and home to some of the world’s best windsurfing and kayaking. The drive through the gorge to get there is worth the trip itself, but the beers take it to the next level. Enjoy a cask-conditioned Imperial Stout while looking out over Hood River and the Columbia Valley.
4. Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Break away from the tourist strip and head to Second Street for late afternoon sun and fresh beer out on the patio. You can hear live music, mingle with locals, and drink a great Scotch Ale.
5. Clipper City Brewing Company, Baltimore, Maryland
Every year, scores of tall ships sail into Baltimore’s historic ship-building Inner Harbor as mobile museums. After exploring some of the ships that altered the course of human exploration and transportation, grab a Loose Cannon IPA. Clipper City is known as much for their whimsical beer labels as for their small-production winter reserve ale.
6. Free State Brewing Company, Lawrence, Kansas
Kansas may be considered fly-over country, but as you look over the wheat fields, you’ll realize all those craft beers you’ve enjoyed your whole life were born right here. What better way to get in touch with the beer’s grainy lifeblood than a stop into Free State? Lemongrass Wheat is the perfect thirst-quencher for a summer afternoon on the prairie.
7. Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que Smokehouse & Brewery, Austin, Texas
While you’re in Austin checking out the music scene, get back to what Texas is really about by visiting Uncle Billy’s. Don’t expect to find a dark beer on tap, but the Back 40 Blonde is surprisingly hoppy. Also available are brews by the newly opened 512 Brewing.
When in Texas do as the Texans do and slather their signature habanero hot sauce on your food.
8. Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, New York
Photo: Techincolocalvary
Brooklyn Brewery’s central location in the city makes it an easy stop-over between sites and events. Notable brews are The Pennant Ale ‘55 and the Post Road Pumpkin, one of the best flavored ales around.
9. Sleeping Giant Brewery/Lewis and Clark Brewing Company, Helena, Montana
This small city is central to all locations in the Big Sky State but is best known for its deep roots in the boom-and-bust world of precious metals. Stop into Lewis and Clark (still known as Sleeping Giant to the locals) for a burger and a Tumbleweed IPA, one of the best IPAs in the country.
10. Deschutes Brewery & Public House, Bend, Oregon
Bend has become synonymous with rec-head culture. At Deschutes you’ll find friends recounting the day’s rides along McKenzie River Trail or how the world looked from atop one of the Three Sisters.
While the Deschutes brewery has a nice taproom, its Public House offers special brews — like cask-conditioned ales — that the brewery doesn’t.
11. Ale Asylum, Madison, Wisconsin
You expect something different from this funky Midwest college town and the Ale Asylum delivers. The cleverly named brews run the emotional gamut from Ambergeddon to Happy Ending, fitting perfectly with the underground culture of the city that gave us The Onion.
The brewers bring their eclectic tastes to the taproom. The Hopalicious APA, as the name suggests, tastes like it’s brewed on the other side of the Rockies.
12. Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham, Washington
Ideal parking at the Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham, WA. Photo: Evil Erin
A trip to the San Juans won’t be complete without a stop at Boundary Bay. Like most taphouses worth visiting, it’s often packed with locals. The IPA has the hoppiness associated with the Pacific Northwest, and the Amber is well balanced and smooth.
13. Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company, Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Pizza does various takes on the traditional pie, and their Shiva IPA and Houdini ESP are both exceptional brews.
14. Moab Brewery, Moab, Utah
Moab is home to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and is unique in the world for its mountain biking scene. When visiting the Moab Brewery, check out the Dead Horse (named after the famous Canyonlands vista point) and Deraillieur Ales.
15. AleSmith Brewing Company, San Diego, California
AleSmith shows you what craft brewing is all about. Both the brewmasters and their beers have won awards. They have a huge selection (by brewery standards) on tap, so expect to spend a full weekday afternoon sampling. Note: the taproom isn’t open weekends.
Happy folks beering up at the The Long Trail Inn, Vermont. Photo: broken_images
16. Long Trail Brewing Company, Bridgewater Corners, Vermont
The Green Mountains of Vermont are home to the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the U.S. It crosses the state’s highest peaks from the Massachusetts state line 270 miles north to the Canadian border. It’s also the namesake of Long Trail Brewing, one of New England’s premier micros.
Stop into their active brewery and see the action from a balcony above the floor on a self-guided tour, or just enjoy one of their signature ales on a balmy day in their riverside “beer garden.”
17. Twisp River Pub, Twisp, Washington
Northwest sport climbers and mountaineers alike will run across the small town of Twisp at some time in their lives, if only passing through to get to the exposed granite of the northern Cascades. The Twisp River Pub is excellent; Methow Brewing is a true microbrewery, keeping batches to 100 gallons or less for the highest quality. They also pull some beers by hand using a traditional beer engine.
18. Novare Res Bier Cafe, Portland, Maine
Old Port’s Novare Res has the best beer selection anywhere in New England. Whether you grab a seat inside at one of the wood-paneled bars or outdoors on the expansive patio, anything from Maine’s local Allagash Brewing is a good pick for a pint.
19. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Expect something different from Dogfish Head beers — like the Raison d’Extra, a brown ale brewed with raisins. If you’re going to sample more than a couple, bring money for a cab. These beers not only have plenty of alcohol, but they seem to have been magically brewed to hit harder than most. Dogfish also handcrafts gin, vodka, and rum. Plan to sleep in.
20. New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, Colorado
New Belgium was one of the founders of the microbrew movement and has since grown to the point that it blurs the line between micro and macro. Their top-notch beers have a wide fan base, but they also put on a deep roster of community events focused on sustainability.
Don’t miss the summer Bike-In Cinema nights (think drive-in, but with bikes and beer). There’s nothing more pleasurable than lying back on the grass under glittering stars, sipping a Fat Tire Amber and enjoying a flick with 300 like-minded souls.
Community Connection:
Traveling this Spring? Check out our roundup of 10 of the World’s Best Beer Festivals in May.
This isn’t the first Trips article to profile standout towns. Make sure to check out Gateway to Pristine America: 12 Towns on the Edge of Spectacular Wilderness as well as our picks for the Top 15 Adventure Towns Worldwide.
About the Author
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47 Comments... join the discussion!
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I think Brewer’s Art is way better than Clipper City (as far as baltimore microbreweries go)
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Long Trail is a good brew but the best micro brew in Vermont is Trout River, from East Burke, which also happens to be home to the best mountain biking east of the Mississippi.
Great post!
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Great roundup. It’s always nice to see micro-breweries with their own distinct personalities. My only question: when’s the Canadian roundup coming
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Boundary Bay is in my college town – no better place to chill after a hard day of studying! And their food is fabulous!
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How can New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus Wisconsin possibly not be on this list? They have won NUMEROUS awards. Are they possibly not considered a microbrewery? I find that hard to believe since they only distribute locally in Wisconsin. If they are this list surely needs to be revisited. Check this link to view the long list of previous awards they have received:
http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/Awards.cfm?BeerID=21
They have a vast array of seasonal and limited edition brews as well as their staple of year round concoctions. I understand you can’t get em all in the top 20 but for my money there is none better. Thank you.
Pat in WI
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mmmm beer! I love beer, I mean really. I would marry beer ( is that legal in Iowa?) if my folks and uh, wife would understand…and foot the bill. And i would have a beer flavored cake and serve beer for dinner, and my lovely beer bride would toss a beer bouquet!
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I immediately skimmed down to see if DFH made the list.
Great round-up, Eric!
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Novare Res is a bar, not a brewery.
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Bike-in cinema sounds fantastic. Sign me up.
And I agree with Ian…it would be hard to choose from BC alone!
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I would venture as the top 20 in BC, in no particular order other than alphabetical:
Barley Station
Cannery
Central City
Crannog
Driftwood
Dix
Granville Island (on Granville Island, not Kelowna)
Howe Sound
Longwood
Mission Springs
Nelson
Phillips
R&B
Spinnakers
Swans
Steamworks
Taylor’s Crossing
Tree
Yaletown
Whistler Brewhouse↵ -
Awesome to see Novare Res get a shout-out here (no, it´s not a microbrewery itself, but does serve all the best brews Maine has to offer). It was a favorite hangout spot when I lived in Portland.
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Great roundup. Proud to say I’ve been to 2 of these, Long Trail and New Belgium. I think New Belgium gets a special mention because they’re a standout example of how a company can grow into a total powerhouse but still retain hometown roots and employee ownership, as well as being stewards of their local area and pro-conservation / sustainability in general. not to mention that Fat Tire is just a staple brew when you live in CO.
Looking forward to checking some of these others.
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It seems that this article is more focused on the breweries in terms of the establishments to visit, rather than the total quality of their brew catalogues.
In that respect, great article!
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Asheville Pizza and Brewing? Really? If you’ve been to Asheville, why didn’t you hit up the Pisgah Brewery. It’s all organic beer, and they have an amazing view room, live music, and an outdoor fire pit.
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I second (third? fourth?) the ahhhhh, beer commentary. Microbreweries are the best-kept U.S secret. When people ask me what I miss most about the U.S, I finally have something to say besides, “uh, my family…and, uh, eggs at three in the morning…” BEER.
Although I must say my favorite beer of all time isn’t on this list. Bell’s 2-hearted, of Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo Michigan, makes my heart weep.
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Michigan, hello?
We have more breweries than all yea-alls!
Ann Arbor Brewing company
Grizzly Peak Brewing company
Fletcher street brewing
BELL’S!! (love the two hearted ale!)
and a host of others,you could probably write an article on the top 20 Michigan breweries and yet they didn’t make the cut?
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After you hike, bike and kayak in Acadia National Park (more at http://ouracadia.com), try Bar Harbor Brewery and Atlantic Brewing. Then get a lobster at Thurston’s Lobster Pound.
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Although these days I can only drink beer of the gluten-free variety (oh, how I miss Chimay!!!), my favorite American micro-brewed beer was Humboldt Hemp from the Humboldt Brewing Company in Arcata, CA (and they have a really good Chocolate Stout too…yuuumm…).
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sirs
nice list, well intentioned, but lacky in any real substance. a few belong, brooklyn, dfh probably, nbbc.
but no anchor? no sierra? no descutes? no russian river? no three floyds?any list lacking any of above is not credible. but thanks for playing anyway
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Brewergreg – I don’t believe Sierra Nevada is still considered to be a microbrewery. Craft beer, yes, but it’s kind of a major player at this point. But thanks for playing…
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@brewergreg: Deschutes is on the list, see #10.
I think it´s great the U.S. has so many killer microbrews. Every other comment reads “What! You left off…?!” Let´s just be happy we have this many options available to us.
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It’s great to see Kettlehouse get the credit they deserve. I live in Missoula and they make some tasty brews. Some other very good beers they make are Lake Missoula Amber, Fresh Bong Water, Old Bong Water, Zula Stout. Basically anything you are feeling they will have!
We also have two other great breweries in Missoula:
Big Sky Brewery – Home of Moose Drool Brown Ale
Bayern Brewery – Make one of the best ambers I’ve ever had.↵ -
Don’t think Brooklyn Brewery’s a micro anymore, since it’s #31 on total beer volume in the US (http://www.beertown.org/ba/media_2009/Top_50_Release.html). For quality microbrewed ales in NYC area check out: Bluepoint, Southhampton, Six Points, Kelso and even Heartland is decent. Also check out Beer Table which is one of the most unique bars, maybe in the US.
In Philly check out Triumph Brewing Company (brewpub) which brews truly awesome German style beers. I was dazzled.
Enjoy!
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Hal-
I second your comment! Back home, I was a micro brew nerd, but I now live in Korea where finding a beer that’s worth a damn is an adventure itself. I’ve been to 6 on this list and they are all worth your time- one of the greatest thing going is that the possibilities are nearly limitless.
p.s. Big props to Kettlehouse- nothing better than a cold smoke after a day ripping fat montana powder!↵ -
Thanks Jon.
Have you checked out Platinum Brewery in Seoul (assuming that’s where you’re living)? They put out some decent brews. There’s a location in Apgujeong and another in Gangnam.
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This is great! I can’t believe there’s good beer hiding in Kansas…that makes me happy.
It sounds like you need me to give you a proper beer tour in Asheville and you can return the favor in Montana. Mountains, moose, and beer is a good combo.
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Technically, New Belgium is classified as a craft brewery these days. Also, if you’re ever in Fort Collins, their tasting room and tour is excellent and free.
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I’m so glad Boundary Bay made it on this list. I’m from Bellingham and it really is an awesome place to hang out and their beer is soooo good. Highly recommend the Scotch Ale and the Cabin Fever Seasonal. Every Wednesday night during the summer is Reggae Night!
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I love these lists because everyone becomes territorial…Here in Philly, Victory seems to be king…
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I’m just envious that he was able to hit up all those micro breweries to try them all. That’s my type of job. Going from state to start judging breweries!
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Maybe someone mentioned this- I haven’t read all the comments.
My opinion? Whoever wrote this really needs to go to Portland, Oregon. That the Rogue Brewpub was left out only tells me that the author must have never visited.
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Summit is probably not a micro anymore, but its quality is legendary. Michael Jackson saw fit to put it on the cover of his world guide to beer. But it started small. I remember the 1920s vintage bottling line that broke down all the time, and the two Webers in the back of the shop. But, seriously… who won “Best Brewery in America” in 2007? Anyone? Bueller…? That would be Surly. Brewed and operated by three guys, they have made such an impact on the Twin Cities market they can barely keep up with production. New clients are lucky to get it, and the loyalty is amazing. If you like Two Hearted (and who doesn’t?) try the Surly Furious.
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I’m in the middle of a year of living in Thailand and aside from my dog, I’d have to say that American microbrews are what I miss the most! My U.S. homebase is in Fort Collins,CO so I know the New Belgium culture quite well. If anyone is ever in the area, be sure to make a day of the local brew tasting by visiting Odell, Fort Collins Brewery, C.B. & Potts, and Coopersmiths. They also host Brewfest each summer than gives you a taste of all Colorado has to offer. If you have the time, tour the whole state and see just how wonderful the life is of a beer drinker in Colorado–CHEERS!
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Im going to have to second the Rahr brewery in Fort Worth and honorable mention to Saint Arnold in Houston, Ugly Pug and Lawnmower are my faves!
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Deschutes brewery, All you will find there is a bunch of tourist and Republican. Gerry Fish the owner is a big time supporter of Bush administration and quite a jerk. Try one of the other really great brewery in Bend. The Bend Brewery where the owner meet you at the door. And the beer is great. Silver moon is a little hole in the wall but also great beer.
Mike
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Glad to see a Utah brewer represented! That’s my home area. There are a few good breweries here. We have Red Rock and Squatters in Salt Lake. Moab has Eddie Mcstiffs as well as the Moab brewing co. I think Park City has Uintah ( no positive on that one ). For a conservative state, we make really good beer!
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Definitely some notable ones left out, but to be fair I’ve only tried 2 on this list. I can think of Stone, Bell’s, Rogue, Sierra, Redhook, the Lost Abbey, Magic Hat, Ithaca, Harpoon, River Horse, and Troegs that are some favorites that didn’t make the cut!
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Kettle House? You’ve got to be kidding me.
They use some crappy yeast that makes their beers taste vinegary like it’s gone bad in the fermenter.
Big Sky makes far better quality beers.
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Please try Ninkasi Brewing Eugene, OR.
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Way to go, Kettlehouse!
Now crank up that canning line and get enough brew made that some will get all the way to me in Vermont!
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What about Schlafly Bottle Works- St. Louis Missouri. Up and coming brewer in the Micro-brew market. Just entered the top 50 micorbrewers in the US.
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Surly Brewing produces great beer. I was really surprised not to see them on this list. They’re easily my favorite brewery, and they can hardly produce fast enough to keep up with the demand. They’re definitely still really small, but they are THE definition of a ‘diamond in the rough.’ I guess not too many people have discovered Minnesota’s microbreweries — more for me!
Oh, and while Bell’s Two Hearted is a great beer, it really doesn’t hold a candle to Surly Furious. There’s just so much more character in the Furious.
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@ Steve–
Exactly!
Are you going to the Summit Brewery tomorrow night for the Historic St Paul baseball thing? Should be fun–
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I’ve had some great beers in several locations, such as the following:
Oregon: Deschutes (regardless of ownership or political affiliation — it’s still good beer) & Full Sail are great, among others (Bridgeport, etc.)
New Hampshire: Smuttynose
New Hampshire & Washington: Red Hook
Massachusetts & Vermont: Harpoon (great IPA)
New Jersey: Flying Fish
New York: Southampton & BluepointCheers!
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OMMEGANG in Cooperstown NY…Cave aged (in Howes Caverns) Belgium Style
and the Old World NYC classic McSorleys…they were there before your Grandfather was born, 7th off of 3rd
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long trail would definitely NOT be my pick for vermont. their beers are alright, but uninteresting. how about trout river? or magic hat?
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