Best 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best American Beer Producers
Wild Fields Brewhouse is a craft brewery located in Atascadero, California. Known for its commitment to brewing high-quality, small-batch beers, Wild Fields Brewhouse blends traditional brewing techniques with creative, innovative flavors. The brewery offers a variety of beer styles, often focusing on local ingredients and seasonal flavors.
In addition to its craft beer selection, Wild Fields Brewhouse features a welcoming taproom where visitors can taste freshly brewed beers and enjoy food offerings in a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere.
AWARDS
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
World Beer Cup - Gold
2022
BEST Wild Fields Brewhouse
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2016
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020
BEST Fat Head's Brewery
AWARDS
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2022, 2021
International Beer Challenge - Best No or Low Alcohol Beer
2022
International Beer Challenge - Best No & Low Alcohol Beer
2020
BEST Athletic Brewing
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2023, 2018
European Beer Star - Gold
2023
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2022, 2020
BEST pFriem Family Brewers
Mike Hess Brewing is a well-known craft brewery based in San Diego, California, and it has a strong presence in the craft beer scene. In 2019, Mike Hess Brewing acquired North Park Beer, brewery that was also based in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego.
Following the acquisition, North Park Beer Co. continued to operate under its own brand while benefiting from the resources and experience of Mike Hess Brewing.
10 Barrel Brewing Company is a prominent craft brewery based in Bend, Oregon, with additional locations across the United States. Founded in 2006, the brewery has quickly become known for its innovative beers, commitment to quality, and strong connection to the craft beer community.
The name "10 Barrel" reflects the brewery’s production scale, initially designed to focus on small-batch brews using 10-barrel batches.
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2016
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2023, 2022
BEST 10 Barrel Brewing
Pivo Brewery is a craft brewery located in Calmar, Iowa. Established by Craig and Sara Neuzil, the brewery combines a passion for brewing with a deep respect for history and sustainability. The brewery building, completed in 2017, features repurposed materials, including wood and antiques from local farms and churches.
Pivo Brewery offers a wide range of beers crafted with care, reflecting the region's unique character and the owners' commitment to quality.
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2023
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2022
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2021, 2020
BEST Pivo Brewery
AWARDS
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2022
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2022, 2021
BEST Pilot Brewing
Deschutes Brewery is a craft brewery in the northwest United States, located in Bend, Oregon. Founded in 1988 as a brew pub, it is known for such products as Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale. In 2008, the brewery opened a second pub in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon.
It began as a small brewpub and has since grown into a nationally distributed brewery with a diverse lineup of beers. Known for its innovative brewing techniques, Deschutes has played a significant role in shaping the craft beer industry.
AWARDS
International Brewing Awards - Gold
2024, 2019
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2022
European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2020
BEST Deschutes Brewery
AWARDS
European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2021
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2020
BEST Firestone Walker Brewing
Best American Beers (Styles and Brands)
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2022
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2023, 2020
AWARDS
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2023, 2022
World Beer Cup - Gold
2023, 2018
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2023
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2022
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2021, 2020
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
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2023
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2021, 2020
AWARDS
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2022, 2021
World Beer Cup - Gold
2022
AWARDS
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2023
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2022
World Beer Cup - Gold
2022
AWARDS
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2023
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2022, 2021
AWARDS
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2022, 2020
AWARDS
Untappd - 4.56
Untappd - 4.69
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