There are a million places to visit and explore in the US but if you want a cold pint with local flavor but international respect then you’ll want to grab a designated driver and plan your road trip to some of the top national beer cities.
We’ve got the ultimate list of cities in the top ten states for best beer.
So pull up a stool and check out the best beer states and cities across the nation to add to your beer tasting bucket list.
1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Back in the days of Laverne & Shirley Milwaukee was hailed as the beer capital of the world. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind now it still reigns high in the brewery industry.
Major brewers Miller, Shiltz, and Pabst all got their start there and today MillerCoors produces more than 10 million barrels of beer every year in Milwaukee.
There are dozens of notable microbreweries with close to 20 popping up in the last three years alone. Competition means each works their hardest to provide the best quality product with the fullest flavors.
2. Portland, Oregon
Nearly 40% of all the beer purchases in the state are craft beers. This isn’t surprising with 200 craft breweries to choose from. More than 50% of the draught sold in the state is produced locally.
You don’t have to go to a pub to try the local brew though because in Oregon you can buy beer pretty much anywhere you can buy water. From gas stations to corner stores, beer stores to grocery stores you will have no trouble finding a beer to fit every mood or occasion here.
3. Denver, Colorado
The Great American Beer Festival is held here. It holds the Guinness Book of World Records world’s largest beer festival record with 3500 varieties of beer to sample.
The festival has a tendency to sell out within a few hours of tickets going on sale and draws beer lovers from around the world but isn’t the only time to visit Colorado.
There’s a beer trail you can follow that offers the opportunity to taste more than 30 local breweries.
4. San Deigo, California
When thinking alcohol and California most people think of wine first. California is one of the top places in the world for the best beers.
The state of California has more than 750 breweries operating and many of their finest ales made with the finest ale yeast are showcased in San Deigo.
5. St. Louis, MO
Since 1830s beer has been a part of the history of St. Louis with the humble beginnings of Anheuser Busch.
Budweiser is still strong in the city. But there’s much more to the St. Louis beer scene than the big breweries. Micro Craft breweries and brewpubs are popular throughout the city and the entire state.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago isn’t just the windy city but home to some of the most adventurous and delicious craft beers found anywhere. Ales with taste profiles far beyond the usual with brews containing flavor hints like papaya, lemon, or chocolate.
These aren’t your grandfather’s traditional beer with sophisticated and daring flavors elevating the entire beer scene in Illinois.
There are new and exciting Chicago breweries and brewpubs being opened each year.
7. Portland, Maine
Oregon doesn’t have the only Portland known for beer. Portland, Maine makes a name for itself with craft breweries and locally brewed ales and draughts to satisfy even the most finicky of beer connoisseurs.
Referred to by many in the draught world as Beertown U.S.A, Portland, Maine has gained the respect and admiration of beer enthusiasts everywhere as it continues to be the starting point for many delicious and expertly crafted ales and brews.
8. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington loves their beer. Whether it’s creating a golden ale or a dark and luscious stout the creativity and adventurous spirit of Seattle brewers has helped put the city and state on the beer lovers map of places to definitely visit.
There are more than 60 local breweries creating more than 250 craft beers that can rival the best international brews found around the globe.
9. Asheville, North Carolina
If you’re headed out on a road trip in search of the perfect beer then you’ll want to add North Carolina to your route. Beer is serious business in the Carolinas and they can offer up every quality of locally brewed beer you can imagine from honey-golden ales to rich chocolate stouts.
While in North Carolina you’ll want to be sure to head to Raleigh to the Raleigh Beer Garden where you have the option of more than 366 taps to choose from. You’ll feel right at home with the southern hospitality of locals who are proud to share the pride of brewing in their home state.
10. Grand Rapids, Michigan
USA Today named Grand Rapids, Michigan as Best Beer Town and Best Beer Scene and rightfully so with close to 100 micro craft breweries whipping up quality local brews.
During the summer, you’ll want to be sure to take the Grand Rapids Beer Walking Tour to find all the local treasures and taste all the local brews. Offering dozens of patios and hundreds of drinking establishments you’re sure to find a place that suits your taste.
The Quest for the Best Beer in the U.S.A.
You don’t have to travel far to find a great beverage as there are amazing options available from coast to coast. The quest for the best beer in the United States could take a lifetime to narrow the choices down to be able to pick just one favorite out of the thousands of brews out there.
Grab your drinking buddies, find a designated driver and hit the road. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of leisure at the local pub or want to travel across the nation in search of the best beer in the world, may you always find a comfortable stool and a cold glass to clink in celebration of life and America’s love for finely crafted beer.
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