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What to eat in the United States of America? Top 15 American Beers (Styles and Brands)

Last update: Thu Jan 30 2025
Top 15 American Beers (Styles and Brands)
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best American Beer Types

01

Ale

NEW ENGLAND, United States of America
3.8
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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. 
02

Ale

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3.8
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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. 
03

Ale

VERMONT, United States of America
3.7
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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. 
04

Ale

CALIFORNIA, United States of America
3.7
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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. 
05

Ale

CALIFORNIA, United States of America
3.6
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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. 
06

Ale

CALIFORNIA, United States of America
3.6
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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. 
07

Ale

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3.6
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Blonde ale is a beer style that has vague boundaries, but which falls somewhere between cream ales and Kölsch style. This rather new style probably originated as a lighter version of pale ale. Its origin is often associated with American microbreweries, but modern blonde ales are commonly produced in other countries as well, namely Belgium and France.


They are sometimes referred to as golden ales, though some make a distinction between the two. These beers range from pale yellow to golden, and they are characterized by malt sweetness, toasty and bready aromas, medium body, and low to moderate hop character. 
08

Hybrid Beer

SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America
3.6
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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. 
09

Ale

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3.6
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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. 
10

Ale

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3.5
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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. 
11
Hybrid Beer
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3.5
12
Ale
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3.5
13
Ale
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3.3
14
Lager
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
2.7
15
Ale
LOUISVILLE, United States of America
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best American Beers (Styles and Brands)

01

Beer

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, United States of America
5.0
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Goggle Fogger is known for its signature notes of banana, clove, and a hint of citrus freshness, which are typical characteristics of the Hefeweizen style. This refreshing and light beer is ideal for fans of classic wheat beers.
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2024, 2022

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2023, 2020

02

Beer

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, United States of America
5.0
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If you look closely, you can imagine the magic of the dusk light on the mountains reflected in the amazing color of this brew. Unfiltered with a foggy appearance and light aromas of wheat, bubblegum, clove, and spice. Finishes silky smooth. Take a sip and set your mind aglow.
AWARDS

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2023, 2022

World Beer Cup - Gold

2023, 2018

03

Beer

CALMAR, United States of America
5.0
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Based on ancient Scandinavian recipes, this beer has no bittering hops. Juniper berries, rosemary, bay leaf, black walnuts, bog myrtle, and toasted caraway seed provide the traditional “Gruit” style beer flavorings.
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2023

U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold

2022

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2021, 2020

04
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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 - 4.76

05

Beer

SEATTLE, United States of America
5.0
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This hugely effervescent farmhouse ale has subtle peppery notes accompanied by overtones of lemon while expressing slight earthy, spicy characteristics typical of French-Belgian yeasts.
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2023

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2021, 2020

06

Beer

ATASCADERO, United States of America
5.0
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Pine Mountain Monolith is a brown ale on the lighter side, great for a hike at Stadium Park in Atascadero. Notes of baked bread and toasted nuts compliment hints of caramel all backed up by a nice toasty malt backbone. Not overly sweet with a clean and crisp finish.
AWARDS

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2022, 2021

World Beer Cup - Gold

2022

07

Beer

FORT MYERS, United States of America
5.0
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This highly acclaimed Imperial Stout boasts decadent layers of rich chocolate and hints of dark roasted coffee.
AWARDS

U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold

2023

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2022

World Beer Cup - Gold

2022

08

Beer

LONGMONT, United States of America
5.0
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AWARDS

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2023

U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold

2022, 2021

09

Beer

PORTLAND, United States of America
5.0
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AWARDS

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2022, 2020

10

Beer

CHARLTON, United States of America
5.0
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King JJJuliusss is one of the most renowned IPAs (India Pale Ale) produced by Tree House Brewing Company in Charlton, Massachusetts. It is an enhanced version of their classic JJJuliusss IPA, showcasing intense tropical aromas and a bold, full-bodied flavor.
AWARDS

Untappd - 4.56

Untappd - 4.69

11
Beer
INDIANA, United States of America
5.0
12
Beer
CALIFORNIA, United States of America
5.0
13
Beer
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, United States of America
5.0
14
Beer
DENTON, United States of America
5.0
15
Beer
HOOD RIVER, United States of America
5.0
16
Beer
BELLINGHAM, United States of America
5.0
17
18
19
Beer
AMARILLO, United States of America
5.0
20
Beer
OAKLAND, United States of America
5.0
21
Beer
SANTA BARBARA, United States of America
5.0
22
Beer
ALPINE, United States of America
5.0
23
Beer
ATASCADERO, United States of America
5.0
24
Beer
SALT LAKE CITY, United States of America
5.0
25
Beer
SAN DIEGO, United States of America
5.0
26
Beer
AUSTIN, United States of America
5.0
27
Beer
DULUTH, United States of America
5.0
28
Beer
ATASCADERO, United States of America
5.0
29
Beer
BEND, United States of America
5.0
30
Beer
GOLDEN, United States of America
5.0
31
Beer
PORTLAND, United States of America
5.0
32
Beer
IPSWICH, United States of America
5.0
33
Beer
CHICAGO, United States of America
5.0
34
Beer
VIRGINIA, United States of America
5.0
35
Beer
MILFORD, United States of America
5.0
36
Beer
TRACY, United States of America
5.0
37
Beer
LOUISVILLE, United States of America
5.0
38
Beer
DENVER, United States of America
5.0
39
40
Beer
GOLDEN, United States of America
5.0
41
Beer
VIRGINIA, United States of America
5.0
42
Beer
SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America
5.0
43
Beer
DENVER, United States of America
5.0
44
Beer
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, United States of America
5.0
45
Beer
ALAMEDA, United States of America
5.0
46
Beer
BEND, United States of America
5.0
47
Beer
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, United States of America
5.0
48
Beer
CAMAS, United States of America
5.0
49
Beer
SALT LAKE CITY, United States of America
5.0
50
Beer
TEXAS, United States of America
5.0
51
Beer
WINSTON-SALEM, United States of America
5.0
52
Beer
MINNESOTA, United States of America
5.0
53
Beer
BEND, United States of America
5.0
54
Beer
INDIANAPOLIS, United States of America
5.0
55
Beer
MASON, United States of America
5.0
56
57
Beer
DECORAH, United States of America
5.0
58
59
Beer
BERKELEY, United States of America
5.0
60
Beer
INDIANAPOLIS, United States of America
5.0
61
Beer
WASHINGTON, D.C., United States of America
5.0
62
Beer
INDIANAPOLIS, United States of America
5.0
63
Beer
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, United States of America
5.0
64
Beer
DECORAH, United States of America
5.0
65
Beer
GLASGOW, United States of America
5.0
66
67
Beer
CALIFORNIA, United States of America
5.0
68
Beer
CHARLOTTE, United States of America
5.0
69
Beer
CINCINNATI, United States of America
5.0
70
Beer
MILFORD, United States of America
5.0
71
Beer
SAN DIEGO, United States of America
5.0
72
Beer
NASHVILLE, United States of America
5.0
73
Beer
ASHEVILLE, United States of America
5.0
74
Beer
NEW ORLEANS, United States of America
5.0
75
Beer
BEND, United States of America
5.0
76
Beer
SAN DIEGO, United States of America
5.0
77
78
Beer
PASO ROBLES, United States of America
5.0
79
Beer
SPARKS, United States of America
5.0
80
Beer
HAMBURG, United States of America
5.0
81
Beer
NEW BRAUNFELS, United States of America
5.0
82
Beer
CHICAGO, United States of America
5.0
83
Beer
HAMBURG, United States of America
5.0
84
Beer
INDIANA, United States of America
5.0
85
86
Beer
PASO ROBLES, United States of America
5.0
87
88
Beer
SAN DIEGO, United States of America
5.0
89
Beer
SPARKS, United States of America
5.0
90
Beer
MCALESTER, United States of America
5.0
91
Beer
PASO ROBLES, United States of America
5.0
92
Beer
DENVER, United States of America
5.0
93
Beer
PASO ROBLES, United States of America
5.0
94
95
Beer
BEND, United States of America
5.0
96
97
98
Beer
LONGMONT, United States of America
5.0
99
Beer
CONCORD, United States of America
5.0
100
Beer
VENTURA, United States of America
5.0

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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American Beers (Styles and Brands)