The United States is home to the craft beer movement, though if you are a beer enthusiast you probably know that by now. Here are a few of the best:
- Sierra Nevada Brewing. Chico, CA
There are several tours including a “sustainable” visit to their solar garden and hop plantations. If you get the chance to go there you will be able to enjoy their “Torpedo” beer accompanied by local food in their taproom, which offers 19 beers on tap.
- Russian River. Santa Rosa, CA
What better experience than to enjoy one of the best beers in the world? That’s the Pliny the Elder, a bitter beer full of aroma and 8% abv.
- Stone Brewing. Escondido, CA
Access to their magnificent installations is only $3 including access to merchandising, bar, restaurant and even an in-house farm. Don’t forget to try their arrogant bastard ale, a dark beer with lots of hops with 7.2% abv.
- Anchor Brewing. San Francisco, CA
The first microbrewery of the United States with facilities that are over 100 years old. It’s a landmark in the craft beer sector, especially because of their Anchor Steam beer, a Californian style amber lager.
- Founders Brewing Company. Grand Rapids, MI
Near Lake Michigan are the best breweries in the country. Founders have a taproom where they put together tastings, talks, concerts and exhibitions. Don’t forget to try their Breakfast Stout, a brew aged in Bourbon barrels.
- Brooklyn Brewery. Brooklyn, NY
Just in front of Manhattan Island is the most famous microbrewery in New York. They produce some 40 varieties of beer, however, their most treasured brew is the Brooklyn lager.
- Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Milton, DE
One of the best known in the United States and abroad thanks to the owner Sam Calagione and his original recipes. There are tours of their facilities Monday to Saturday. You can’t miss their 120 minute IPA.
- Cigar City Brewing Company. Tampa Bay, FL
Visits to the brewery are Monday to Sunday for $5.35. They organise gastronomic events with their Maduro Brown Ale and their Jai Alai, an IPA brew they also sell in cans.
- Flying Dog Brewery. Frederick, MD
Known for their irreverent designs by Ralph Steadman, though they have won plenty of awards for their products also. They offer visits Thursdays through Saturdays. You should be looking out for their Pale Ale Doggie Style.
- New Belgium Brewing Company. Fort Collins, CO
In the foot of the Rocky Mountains is this sustainable microbrewery. They have a waiting list for tours but it’s worth the wait. Their Ranger India Pale Ale is very aromatic and balanced – definitely a must.