Are you a beer enthusiast looking to explore the diverse and exciting world of American beers? Look no further, as we have curated a list of the 13 best American beers that you should definitely try. From IPAs to stouts, and everything in between, these beers represent the pinnacle of American brewing. So grab a cold one, sit back, and discover the top brews the US has to offer.
Best Overall: Alchemist Heady Topper
Region: Vermont | ABV: 8% | Tasting Notes: grapefruit, pine, bitter hops
Alchemist’s Heady Topper is the beer that started the IPA craze in the US. This double IPA, with its signature grapefruit and pine flavors, is a true icon of American brewing. Despite its popularity, Alchemist remains committed to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that every can of Heady Topper delivers a mouthful of hoppy goodness.
Best IPA: Brouwerij West Picnic Lightning IPA
Region: California | ABV: 6.8% | Tasting Notes: hops, peach, sweet malt
When it comes to IPAs, Brouwerij West delivers with their Picnic Lightning IPA. This hazy IPA is packed with hop flavor and boasts a velvety texture thanks to the use of oats and spelt. With its fruity notes and a perfect balance of sweetness and hoppy bitterness, this IPA is a must-try for any beer lover.
Best Pale Ale: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Region: California | ABV: 5.6% | Tasting Notes: citrus, pine, bitter hops
Sierra Nevada is an iconic American brewery known for its commitment to quality and community. Their Pale Ale has become a benchmark for the style, with its refreshing citrus and pine flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your craft beer journey, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a timeless classic that should be on your list.
Best Stout: Bell’s Expedition Stout
Region: Michigan | ABV: 10.5% | Tasting Notes: malt, chocolate, dark fruit
Bell’s Expedition Stout is a beer that demands attention. Crafted with aging in mind, this stout offers a rich, roasty flavor with hints of chocolate and dark fruit. Whether you enjoy it fresh or aged, this beer is sure to satisfy your stout cravings.
Best Porter: Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald
Region: Ohio | ABV: 5.8% | Tasting Notes: chocolate, coffee, tobacco
Great Lakes Brewing pays tribute to the legendary freighter, Edmund Fitzgerald, with their delicious porter. This beer is packed with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of tobacco, creating a rich and robust drinking experience. With numerous awards to its name, including gold medals at prestigious beer competitions, Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter is a must-try for porter enthusiasts.
Best Brown Ale: Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale
Region: Florida | ABV: 5.5% | Tasting Notes: chocolate, espresso, toffee
Cigar City Brewing’s Maduro Brown Ale captures the essence of Ybor City, Florida, where it originated. With its notes of chocolate and espresso balanced by a touch of toffee and hops, this beer is a testament to the brewery’s dedication to crafting unique and flavorful ales.
Best Cream Ale: Genesee Cream Ale
Region: New York | ABV: 5.1% | Tasting Notes: malt, corn, vanilla
Genesee Cream Ale is a true American classic. This refreshing beer combines the smoothness of a cream ale with the crispness of a lager. With its notes of malt, corn, and a hint of vanilla, Genesee Cream Ale is the perfect beverage for those hot summer days.
Best Lager: Notch Session Pils Czech Pale Lager
Region: Massachusetts | ABV: 4% | Tasting Notes: cracker, herbs, hops
Notch Brewing’s Session Pils Czech Pale Lager is a true gem among American lagers. With its low alcohol content and crisp flavor profile, this beer is perfect for those looking for a light and refreshing option. The combination of cracker-like malt, herbal notes, and a touch of hops makes this beer a standout in the world of lagers.
Best Pilsner: Allagash Truepenny Pilsner
Region: Maine | ABV: 5.5% | Tasting Notes: orange peel, lemon, grass
Allagash is known for pushing the boundaries of beer styles, and their Truepenny Pilsner is no exception. This crisp pilsner combines classic flavors with an Allagash twist. With hints of orange peel, lemon, and a touch of grass, Truepenny takes the drinker on a journey to Eastern Europe’s lagering caves.Best Wheat: Lost Coast Great White
Region: California | ABV: 4.8% | Tasting Notes: floral, coriander, pepper
Lost Coast’s Great White is a hazy wheat beer that delivers on flavor. With its fruity phenols, floral aroma, and the perfect balance of coriander and pepper, this beer is a refreshing delight. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or enjoying a backyard barbecue, Lost Coast Great White is a fantastic choice.
Best Saison: Boulevard Tank 7 American Saison
Region: Missouri | ABV: 8% | Tasting Notes: grapefruit, hops, pepper
Boulevard’s Tank 7 is an American twist on the classic saison style. Bursting with flavors of grapefruit, hops, and a hint of pepper, this beer is perfect for those hot summer days. Crisp, citrusy, and refreshing, Tank 7 is a go-to choice for anyone craving a bright and lively beer.
Best Wild: Russian River Consecration Ale
Region: California | ABV: 10% | Tasting Notes: chocolate, spice, currants
Russian River’s Consecration Ale is a wild ale aged in local cabernet sauvignon barrels. With complex flavors of chocolate, spice, and currants, this beer is a true delight for the senses. Crafted with care and expertise, Consecration Ale showcases the best of American wild ales.
Best Barleywine: Anchor Old Foghorn Barleywine Style Ale
Region: California | ABV: 8.8% | Tasting Notes: bread, caramel, plum
Anchor Brewing’s Old Foghorn is a classic American barleywine that deserves a spot on any beer lover’s list. With its rich toffee notes, piney hops, and tight carbonation, this beer is a true indulgence. Perfect as a dessert beer or for aging, Anchor Old Foghorn is a timeless delight.
