In this article, we are going to discuss the best craft beer brands in the 10 biggest U.S. states. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the history of modern craft brewing, the craft beer industry in the United States, the state with the most craft beer, the craft beer capital of the U.S., the craft beer challenge faced by the major beer producers in the country and the future outlook of the craft beer industry, head to Best Craft Beer Brands in Each U.S. State.
10. Michigan
Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted Ale, 7% ABV
Bell’s has produced some of the best craft beer brands in the state and helped put Michigan on the craft map back in 1985. Their beloved flagship American-style IPA takes 100 percent Centennial hops from the Pacific Northwest and rounds it out with the fruitiness of Bell’s house yeast, resulting in a brew that’s not too bitter and not too sweet.
9. North Carolina
Burial Surf Wax, 6.8% ABV
In a little more than 6 years, Burial has become a destination you absolutely can’t miss among the sea of breweries in Asheville. Brewed with Mosaic, Citra, Centennial and Columbus hops and lots of barley, the Surf Wax is a surfing-inspired ale that’s bright enough to wake the dead.
8. Georgia
Creature Comforts Tropicália, 6.6% ABV
This is an extremely sought-after and well-balanced, soft and juicy IPA. A hop aroma of citrus and ripe passion fruits leads into a full, fruit-forward hop flavor that washes over the palate, and ends with a subtle bitterness. The Tropicália is only available in the Peach State, but somehow Thor had one in hand while saving the world in Avengers: Endgame.
7. Ohio
Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, 6% ABV
Edmund Fitzgerald is among the best craft beer brands in one of the biggest US states. Brewed in memory of the ill-fated freighter that sank in Lake Superior, this bittersweet brew is nothing but sweet sailing all the way. With its rich roasted barley and bitter-sweet chocolate coffee notes, the Edmund Fitzgerald is as dark as midnight and full of flavor.
6. Illinois
Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale, 4.2% ABV
Following its acquisition by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) for $38.8 million in 2011, Goose Island has continued to brew a variety of great craft beer brands and the 312 Urban Wheat Ale comes out on top. Inspired by the city of Chicago, the 312’s spicy aroma of Cascade hops is followed by a crisp, fruity ale flavor delivered in a smooth, creamy body that’s immensely refreshing.
5. Pennsylvania
Victory Golden Monkey, 9.5% ABV
Pennsylvania is home to more than 350 craft breweries, including the oldest brewery in America. Victory brewing is one of the biggest and best craft breweries in the U.S., and one of the few to offer a Belgian tripel as a flagship offering. The Golden Monkey is strong and powerful, with imported malt, Belgian yeast and a mix of magical spices, resulting in mystical flavors that will enlighten your senses.
4. New York
Suarez Family Palatine Pils, 5.2% ABV
When it comes to lagers, there are only great ones or bad ones. This is a great one! With a world-class score of 95 on Beer Advocate, the Palatine is an unfiltered pilsner, with a creamy texture and pronounced notes of earl gray tea and a nice clean snappiness. A 4-pack of 16 oz cans of the Palatine will cost you $18 on the brewery’s website.
3. Florida
Funky Buddha Morning Wood, 11% ABV
With a world-class score of 100 on Beer Advocate, this Imperial Porter is one of the Highest-Rated Craft Beers in America. Aged in bourbon barrels for months and with its rich combo of coffee, maple and smoky flavors, the Morning Wood is a little bit of breakfast in a glass.
2. Texas
Jester King Buddha’s Brew, 4.7% ABV
Austin’s city motto is ‘Keep Austin Weird’, and the Jester King Brewery fits the bill perfectly. Buddha’s brew is the first Jester King beer brewed entirely in oak and is a collaboration with a Kombucha brand of the same name. The beer is infused with Kombucha, after the oak barrel fermentation process is completed.
1. California
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA, 6.7% ABV
Rated as one of the best craft beers of 2023 by Rolling Stone, Hazy Little Thing is aggressively dry-hopped and less filtered, giving this hazy IPA a fruit forward flavor, modest bitterness, and a smooth finish. This juicy IPA is as low processed as it gets, as it comes straight from the tanks and into the cans. Sierra Nevada is one of the best-selling craft beer brands in some of the biggest states in the US.
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