Beyond the brew giants of this world lies a virtually never-ending rolodex of micro-breweries who churn out tasty, hop-tinged lagers, stouts, pilsners, and seasonals in smaller, more exclusive batches. Here’s a list of 8 of our favorite micro-breweries currently stocking your soon-to-be favorite happy hour spot.
1. Six Point
This discreet Red Hook, Brooklyn brewery has slowly been increasing their yield every year since they were established in 2004. With tasty pints like Righteous Rye, Sweet Action, and Brownstone Ale, they have developed a strong following amongst micro-brew enthusiasts. The strong Brooklyn brewing tradition lives on, thanks in part to this full-flavored brew house.
2. Ommegang
When Brewery Ommegang owner, Don Feinberg, began his beer making journey on a 136 acre farm in upstate New York in 1997 he couldn’t have imagined that his Belgian-style pours would come this far. Brewery Ommegang churns out classically constructed ales like Hennepin, Rare Vos, Three Philosophers, and Ommegang Abbey Ale to the thirsty masses. The Abbey Ale won the 2010 World Beer Cup award for best Belgian Abbey Ale.
3. Lagunitas
The Lagunitas Brewery in Lagunitas, California has been perfecting boldly hopped ales since 1996. Their signature IPA can be found at many micro-brew focused bars across the country. They pack personality in very pint, with song lyrics and stories on the packaging.
Photo by deegephotos (via flickr)
4. New Belgian Brewery (Fat Tire)
Colorado’s New Belgian Brewery was founded in 1991 after founder Jeff Lebesch decided to take his passion for brewing to the next level. Their signature ale, “Fat Tire” can be found in 19 states across the country and is based on recipes picked up on a Belgian bike tour.
5. Anchor Steam
An upperclassmen within the microbrew ranks, this San Francisco brewery was originally established in 1896, but was rejuvenated in the mid 1960s and has been running operations out of the same plant from 1979 to present day. Their Anchor Steam, Liberty Ale, and Anchor Porter brands can be found nationwide.
6. Troegs
Harrisburg-based Troegs is a regional treat. Founded in 1996 by brothers John and Chris Trogner, Troegs is distributed to Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, and Washington DC. Their roster of beers is deep, with hoppy IPAs, rich, coffee-infused stouts, and lighter seasonal ales. A variety of choices mean there is a Troegs for every occasion (if you’re in the area, of course).
7. Goose Island
The Goose Island Brewery began as a single bar named Clybourn in Chicago in 1988. Since then the brewery has grown to almost nationally recognized proportions. They distribute their large list of beers in nearly every corner of the United States, brewing award winning pale ales, and oatmeal stouts, as well as a bevy of seasonal ales. The Clybourn is open to this day, and has become a popular destination for brewery visitors in the Midwest.
8. Dogfish Head
This Delaware brewery of growing visibility has been carving out a substantial spot in the micro-brewing landscape since 1995. This creative brewery produces flavorful IPA’s as well as rich stouts. They are currently featured on the Discovery Channel show “Beer Wars”, but don’t worry, they still concoct a mean beverage.
Next time you walk into a bar with a hankering for a cold one, why not try something new? The standard big-brewery lagers and ales will always be on tap, but if you see a microbrew on tap, jump at the chance to taste something that was crafted in small batches, with much attention, and always with an eye for quality.
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