Promotional Feature
The craft-beer revolution is here, America. What began as a few innovators setting up small breweries in the 1990s and early 2000s has grown into a nationwide movement; there are now more than 4,144 breweries in the country, topping the historic high of 4,131 (from back in the boozy 1870s!). Yep, Americans have woken up big-time to the joys of complex, delicious and locally produced frothy stuff. And we’re here to help you pick the most delicious beer of the bunch. For this boozer’s bucket list, we scouted some of the best—and most widely available—craft breweries on the market. The revolution is happening, and these spots are lighting our fires.
ALLAGASH BREWING COMPANY Portland, ME
You know the ubiquitous Allagash White, one of the finest witbiers anywhere, but this brewery, a northeastern stalwart, has a bevy of complex brews for your drinking pleasure. Beers like Curieux, Black, Saison and Tripel pay excellent homage to Belgian brewers. TRY Something from the Coolship series. Allagash is one of just a handful of breweries using coolships, which are shallow metal vessels that capture local yeasts in the night air that then spontaneously ferment in oak barrels for one to three years. The resulting beers are complex and funky, and the best ones use local Maine fruits effect (as in the hard-to-find Coolship Cerise).
BELL’S BREWERY Kalamazoo, MI
There’s more to Bell’s than its Two Hearted Ale, one of the finest IPAs in America, and Oberon, a popular wheat ale released each summer. The portfolio ranges from the delicate Oarsman to the robust Expedition Stout. Bell’s started near America’s “Third Coast” in 1983 as a home-brew supply shop; its first commercial beers were produced in a 15-gallon soup pot. TRY The Oatsmobile pale ale. It’s more full-bodied and hoppy than you would think a 4.3 percent ABV beer could be.
BOULEVARD BREWING COMPANY Kansas City, MO
Visit KC and find Boulevard everywhere; deserved. Opened in 1989, the brewery is best known for its Unfiltered Wheat and 80 Acre Hoppy Wheat, but the expansive portfolio, which includes the Smokestack Series, demands drinkers’ attention because of its creativity (how about an imperial stout with coconut?). TRY Saison-Brett, a drier, earthier (and better) version of their already world-class Tank 7 saison, a farmhouse ale with wide appeal and a big following.
BREWERY OMMEGANG Cooperstown, NY
Brewery Ommegang specializes in Belgian beer styles. Its authentic offerings have introduced many American consumers (some through Game of Thrones–themed beers) to traditional styles, which tend to be easy to quaff yet fruity and spicy (not peppery!) because of the Belgian yeast strains. Near NYC? Ommegang’s annual Belgium Comes to Cooperstown event (August 4, 5) is worth the trip for food, beer, music and camping lovers. TRY Rosetta is a wonderful example of Ommegang’s commitment to bringing Belgium’s complex yet approachable beers to a wider audience.
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PHOTOGRAPHS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT, SPREAD): SHUTTERSTOCK; COURTESY THE BRUERY; COURTESY CIGAR CITY BREWING; COURTESY GREAT LAKES BREWING CO.
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