Best North American Beer Types
The hazy New England IPA is a modern beer style that originated in 2011. The examples of the style will usually have less hop bitterness than standard American IPA and a character dominated by intense and juicy tropical hop aromas and flavors, typically reminiscent of tropical fruit, stone fruit, and citrus.
They are always hazy, with a full body and a creamier mouthfeel. Heady Topper, brewed by The Alchemist in 2011, is considered a prototype. The beer influenced the emergence of an entirely new style and was used as inspiration for many varieties that came afterward.
THE BEST New England IPA Ales
American India pale ale originated from the standard British version—but the use of American hops and different brewing practices gave birth to a new style with distinctive characteristics. The beers that fall into this versatile category are usually medium-bodied, bitter, and less full than their English counterparts, but they will typically have more intense fruity, citrusy, and floral character, as well as a powerful hop profile.
They are moderately strong, typically between 5.5 and 7.5% ABV, and may range from pale gold to copper. Malt flavors are generally low to medium, but subtle nuances of caramel and toast can be present. Among the general American IPA style, there are also regional differences.
THE BEST American India pale ale Ales
American pale ale was developed in the 1980s as an American counterpart to British pale ales and bitters. These beers are typically clean and crisp, and they will have more hop character than their British equivalents as well as higher alcohol content, usually around 4.4–6.0% ABV.
The use of American hops, primarily Cascade, will give these beers distinctive citrus and piney aromas. Their color may range from dark gold to amber and copper. They are usually medium-bodied and have a subtle bitter finish. Sierra Nevada Brewery produced the prototype of American pale ale, and their version was a model on which other breweries mainly relied in production of American pale ale style.
THE BEST American pale ale Ales
Black IPA or American Black Ale is a versatile craft beer style that combines fruity hop character and moderate dark malts. The examples are typically medium-bodied and may be clear or hazy, while their color varies from dark brown to black.
They are packed with hop aromas and flavors that range from fruity, citrusy, piney, and floral. Their hop character is well-balanced with moderate amounts of dark caramel malt aroma and flavors reminiscent of chocolate and coffee. Alcohol content typically falls between 6 to 9% ABV.
THE BEST Black IPA Ales
American barley wine originated from the original British style of barley wines—bold brews with strong malty flavors. The first examples of American-style barley wines appeared in 1975 with the first version that was released by Anchor Brewing Co., which was then followed by Sierra Nevada Brewing’s Bigfoot.
The American version is also characterized by intense malt character, but unlike the British counterparts, American versions will usually have more assertive hop flavors. The beers that fall into this style are typically rich, full-bodied, light amber to medium copper, and luscious.
California common is a hybrid beer style that is brewed with lager yeast but is then fermented at ale temperatures. Modern interpretations were made to reflect historical steam beer that first appeared on the West Coast during the Gold Rush era.
It was an improvised and somewhat rustic style that grew out of necessity. This upgraded modern version was introduced in the 1970s by the Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco. Anchor protected the label steam beer, while California common is used for other examples of the style.
American amber ale originates from California and the Pacific Northwest, where it appeared in the 1980s. The style was modeled on pale ales and strong bitters, but it eventually grew as a separate and distinctive category. Amber ales are brewed with crystal malts, which provide toasty and toffee flavors.
The color of these medium-bodied beers may range from amber to copper or deep red. They are characterized by moderate to strong malt sweetness, while the use of American hops occasionally provides for citrusy and piney aromas. Although they often resemble American pale ales, amber ale should typically have more body and more pronounced caramel flavors.
THE BEST Amber ale Ales
A Session IPA (India Pale Ale) is a style of beer that merges the hoppy characteristics of a traditional IPA with a lower alcohol content, making it more suitable for extended drinking sessions. Typically, Session IPAs have an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging between 3% and 5%, significantly lower than the standard IPA, which often has an ABV of 6% to 7.5% or higher.
Despite the reduced alcohol content, Session IPAs retain the bold hop flavors characteristic of IPAs, featuring aromatic profiles with notes of citrus, pine, floral, or tropical fruit. The malt backbone is lighter and less sweet, allowing the hops to shine while providing a crisp, refreshing finish.
THE BEST Session IPA Ales
Cream ale is a hybrid beer style that originated during the pre-Prohibition era in the United States. These light and easy-drinking beers were fermented at slightly lower temperatures with ale or lager yeast (sometimes both), and they were primarily invented to rival golden lagers that were made by German immigrants.
They were also sometimes blended with lagers, aged at cooler temperatures, and during brewing, some brewers would add corn, rice, or wheat. It is not clear where the style initially appeared and why it was given its current name—despite the term cream, no dairy products are used in these beers.
THE BEST Cream ale Hybrid Beers
Although it has origins in traditional English brown ale, the American version has developed into a separate style with its distinctive characteristics. The first versions of the style appeared in Texas in the 1980s which coincided with the appearance of the craft beer revolution.
These beers are typically stronger and darker than their English counterparts. They are often robust with a malty character and flavors of caramel, chocolate, or coffee. Most varieties will have more notable hop aromas than classic English brown ales, but they should still remain below mid-level.
THE BEST American brown ale Ales
Best North American Beer Producers
Blindman Brewing is an award-winning craft brewery located in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 2014, the brewery is dedicated to producing innovative and high-quality beers using the best, often locally sourced, ingredients. Since its inception, Blindman Brewing has been committed to creating beers that not only satisfy the palate but also inspire new perspectives on what craft beer can be.
With a focus on innovation, its brewers carefully select ingredients to craft beers that are rich in flavors and full of character. The brewery takes pride in its wide range of beers, from light ales to complex and aged barrel-aged brews. One of their most well-known beers is Dwarf Sour Cherry, celebrated for its balanced sour and fruity notes.
Muddy York Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery founded in 2013, known for its handcrafted, award-winning beers. Their lineup includes traditional ales and modern IPAs, offering a wide range of flavors for beer lovers to enjoy. As a family brewery, Muddy York Brewing Co. places great importance on ethical business practices and community values.
Their code of conduct reflects a strong work ethic and moral standards, focused on creating a welcoming and safe environment for both visitors and staff. Muddy York Brewing Co. continues to nurture its passion for craft brewing, blending tradition and innovation in every sip to deliver an authentic experience to beer enthusiasts.
BEST Muddy York Brewing Beers
Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. is a celebrated craft brewery located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Over the years, Phillips Brewing has grown into a hub of creativity and innovation, producing small-batch beers that push the boundaries of flavor and style.
The brewery is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, including malting its own barley—a rarity among Canadian craft brewers. This allows Phillips Brewing to work closely with local farmers, reduce environmental impact, and maintain exceptional control over the brewing process.
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024
Untappd - 4.0
BEST Phillips Brewing and Malting Beers
AWARDS
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
RateBeer - 4.55
Untappd - 4.5
BEST Toppling Goliath Brewing Beers
Beau’s Brewery is an independent, family-run brewery from Vankleek Hill, Ontario, founded in 2006 with a clear vision: to brew beer with character, integrity, and soul. From the very beginning, Beau’s has stood out for its commitment to exceptional quality, using only certified organic ingredients and sustainable brewing practices.
But Beau’s is more than just a brewery – it’s a community. Through strong ties with local residents, support for the arts and humanitarian initiatives, and transparent business values, Beau’s has built an identity that goes beyond beer. With its brewery doors open to visitors, a welcoming taproom, and an on-site shop, Beau’s invites all beer lovers to experience true craft brewing – where passion is poured into every sip.
Great Lakes Brewery is an independent, family-owned craft brewery located in Etobicoke, Ontario, proudly brewing exceptional beers since 1987. Known for its creativity and consistent quality, the brewery is recognized as one of the pioneers of the Canadian craft beer scene.
Their philosophy centers on brewing small-batch, handcrafted beers using carefully selected ingredients and innovative techniques, resulting in rich, distinctive flavors. Great Lakes Brewery offers an extensive and diverse range of beers to satisfy all craft beer lovers, with the Canuck Pale Ale standing out as a flagship – a bold and flavorful American-style Pale Ale that has become a fan favorite.
AWARDS
Untappd - 4.5
BEST Fidens Brewing Beers
AWARDS
Untappd - 4.5
Untappd - 4.6
Untappd - 4.7
BEST Side Project Brewing Beers
Anchorage Brewing Company is a well-known craft brewery based in Anchorage, Alaska. The brewery has garnered attention for its innovative beers, particularly those that emphasize barrel-aging, experimental flavors, and the use of high-quality ingredients.
It is highly regarded in the craft beer community, both in Alaska and beyond, for producing complex and flavorful beers with a unique twist.
AWARDS
Untappd - 4.5
Untappd - 4.7
BEST Anchorage Brewing Company Beers
Hill Farmstead Brewery is a highly regarded craft brewery located in Greensboro Bend, Vermont, USA. It is considered one of the best and most influential craft breweries in the world, particularly known for its artisanal, small-batch beers that often focus on traditional brewing methods and experimental styles.
Founded by Shawn Hill in 2010, the brewery has earned a reputation for producing a wide range of exceptional beers, from pale ales to complex, barrel-aged brews.
Best North American Beers
Dwarf Sour Cherry is one of the most famous beers in the Blindman Brewing lineup, and for good reason. This beer is a wheat ale enriched with sour cherries, giving it a unique, deep red color and a very distinctive, refreshing flavor. As a sour beer, Dwarf Sour Cherry has a rich tartness that is balanced with fruity cherry notes, giving it a refreshing yet complex character.
The cherries add a subtle sweetness that balances the sourness, resulting in a beer that is both refreshing and full of flavor. While it is sour, the beer is not overly sharp, offering a pleasant tartness that reminds one of natural fermentation. What makes Dwarf Sour Cherry special is that it uses souring bacteria and special yeasts that create this unique flavor profile.
AWARDS
Untappd - 4.1
Phillips Dino Sour Stone Fruit Sour is a vibrant, tart, and juicy sour ale that delivers a refreshing explosion of stone fruit flavors with every sip. Brewed by Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., this beer is part of their Dino Sour series, known for its bold acidity and bright fruit-forward character.
With notes of ripe peach, apricot, and nectarine, this sour ale strikes a perfect balance between tangy tartness and natural fruit sweetness, creating an irresistibly crisp and flavorful drinking experience. The light body and clean finish make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy bright, refreshing, and easy-drinking sour beers.
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024
Untappd - 4.0
Gaslight Helles Lager from Muddy York Brewing Co. is a bright German-style lager known for its clean, golden hue and smooth, slightly sweet grain flavor with a subtle, dry finish. With 5.4% ABV and 18 IBU, this beer offers a refreshing experience, ideal for lovers of classic lagers.
It is brewed using premium Bohemian Pilsner malt, while a unique yeast strain adds to its distinctive taste and aroma. Gaslight Helles Lager has earned a reputation as one of the best in Ontario, thanks to its balanced profile and exceptional quality.
A meticulously curated blend of the best of what our barrel room holds. Kentucky Brunch takes time and care to mature, and those that take the time and care in pouring the beer will experience the development of a delayed-release, mocha hued head.
Intense aromatics of espresso and maple syrup lead into bourbon drenched maple candy and chocolate brownies on the palate.
AWARDS
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2023, 2021
RateBeer - 4.55
Untappd - 4.8
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS
European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2022
Three Bridges Brown is an American Brown Ale brewed by Wild Fields Brewhouse. As an American brown ale, it typically features a malt-forward flavor with caramel, toffee, and nutty notes, but also incorporates a noticeable hop presence that is more characteristic of American-style beers compared to its English counterparts.
The beer is likely to be medium-bodied with a smooth, balanced finish, combining the richness of roasted malts with a moderate hop bitterness.
AWARDS
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2022
World Beer Cup - Gold
2022
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2023, 2022
AWARDS
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2022
Untappd - 4.5
AWARDS
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2021
Untappd - 4.6
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