Special Report

50 Best Beers in America

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The 15th annual Best Beers in America survey conducted by Zymurgy magazine was released earlier this month.

The new ranking ended the eight-year reign of Russian River Brewing Company’s double IPA Pliny the Elder as the best beer in America. Pliny the Elder dethroned Dogfish Head’s 90 Minute IPA in the 2009 best beer ranking.

This poll was conducted of readers of Zymurgy, a publication of Boulder, Colorado-based American Homebrewers Association. The resulting list includes 50 of the best beers sold in America. They include extremely rare and more commercially available beers; brews with a drinkable, low alcohol content, and beers with such a high ABV they might as well be liquor.

Click here to see the 50 best beers in America.
Click here to see our detailed findings and methodology.

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50. Three Floyds Alpha King (tied—47th)
> Brewery: 3 Floyds Brewing Co.
> State of origin: Indiana
> Type: American pale ale
> Alc. content: 6.66%

While available year-round, Three Floyds’ description of its flagship pale ale screams summer. Alpha King is characterized as both bold and balanced, offering notes of sweet caramel with a feisty citrus hop.

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49. Oskar Blues Old Chub (tied—47th)
> Brewery: Oskar Blues Brewery
> State of origin: Colorado, North Carolina, Texas
> Type: Scotch ale
> Alc. content: 8.0%

If you’re a connoisseur of dark brews, this strong Scottish ale might be your go-to. Every swig contains a thick blend of malted barley, hints of beechwood-smoked malt, and touches of cocoa and coffee. The brothers from the beer review site at BeerAdvocate rave about Old Chub, “One of the most amazing beers in a can…I’d easily have this beer around all of the time.”

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48. New Holland Dragon’s Milk (tied—47th)
> Brewery: New Holland Brewing
> State of origin: Michigan
> Type: Bourbon barrel stout
> Alc. content: 11.0%

If you’re looking to get buzzed and are short on time — this brew should do the trick! New Holland Brewery’s Dragon’s Milk has a whopping ABV of 11%! Delay the buzz from escalating by accompanying the stout with one of New Holland Brewing’s suggested food pairings such as, red meat, rich cheeses, or even dark chocolate. The hints of vanilla in Dragon’s Milk will mesh well with any of those delicacies.

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47. Firestone Walker Union Jack (tied—47th)
> Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: West coast style IPA
> Alc. content: 7.0%

Union Jack is a brew that punches your taste buds with flavors of grapefruit and tangerine with each sip. The ale gets its name from the British gentleman who co-founded the brewery and refers to the colonial origins of the IPA style.

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46. Wicked Weed Pernicious (tied—47th)
> Brewery: Wicked Weed Brewing
> State of origin: North Carolina
> Type: Light golden style IPA
> Alc. content: 7.3%

Let your palate take a trip through the tropics with this golden IPA. The Pernicious offers hints of mango and has a dry finish. The Homebrewers Association survey respondents aren’t the only ones who have a fondness for the beer. In 2015, the ale took home the American IPA Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

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45. Russian River Consecration (tied—43rd)
> Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: Dark ale
> Alc. content: 10%

The Homebrewers Association survey shows that beer fanatics go crazy for Russian River Consecration, but wine aficionados might just love it, too. Why? It’s nearly a hybrid of the two. Dark ale is aged in barrels that used to house gallons of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged between four to eight months with black currants, this ale reveals notes of the berry as well as chocolate truffle and spice.

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44. Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale (tied—43rd)
> Brewery: Oskar Blues Brewery
> State of origin: Colorado
> Type: American strong pale ale
> Alc. content: 6.5%

Oskar Blues Brewery brands this ale as, “A hearty, critically acclaimed trailblazer that changed the way craft beer fiends perceive portable beer.” Given its place among America’s best beers, the brewery’s description may not be far off the mark.

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43. New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red (tied—43rd)
> Brewery: New Glarus Brewing
> State of origin: Wisconsin
> Type: Wisconsin Cherry Ale
> Alc. content: 4.0%

Brewed with cherries, Wisconsin-farmed wheat, and Belgian roasted barley, this fruity ale spends one year in oak tanks. The result is a highly carbonated brew with pungent flavors of cherry. The brothers from BeerAdvocate say of the beer: “There are well over a pound of cherries in every bottle and it’s lagered in oak tanks for a year. Not many American breweries are doing that now–let alone ten years ago.”

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42. Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA (tied—43rd)
> Brewery: Dogfish Head Brewery
> State of origin: Delaware
> Type: Imperial IPA
> Alc. content: 15-20%

With an abundance of hops, this beer has an ABV so high you’ll think it’s a typo — 15% to 20%, to be precise. This intense IPA is only brewed a few times a year.

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41. Stone Enjoy By IPA (tied—38rd)
> Brewery: Stone Brewing
> State of origin: California
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 9.4%

More than a dozen hops comprise this double IPA, and Stone Brewery wants you to enjoy it fresh. That’s why the enjoy-by date is clearly printed on the label so that you’ll drink it at its prime hour.

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40. Arrogant Bastard Ale (tied—38rd)
> Brewery: Arrogant Brewing
> State of origin: California
> Type: American Strong Ale
> Alc. content: 7.2%

So what makes this ale an Arrogant Bastard? Whatever it is, Arrogant Brewing certainly doesn’t try to hide its reputation with claims like “It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth,” and “Arrogant Bastard Ale openly challenged the tyrannical overlords who were brazenly attempting to keep Americans chained in the shackles of poor taste.” Enough said.

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39. North Coast Old Rasputin (tied—38rd)
> Brewery: North Coast Brewing Co.
> State of origin: California
> Type: Russian Imperial Stout
> Alc. content: 9.0%

This 18th century English-inspired brew scored the gold with a total of 94 points at the World Beer Championships in 2014. On brew review website Beer Advocate, the imperial stout scores a 95 overall and a 97 from the site’s founding brothers. The brothers say Old Rasputin is ”very complex, and true to its style.” With such accolades, this brew is undoubtedly worth a taste test.

Courtesy of Peter Anderson via Flickr

38. Deschutes The Abyss (tied—38rd)
> Brewery: Deschutes Brewery
> State of origin: Oregon
> Type: American double/Imperial stout
> Alc. content: 11.1%

This dark brew will enable you to unwind while savoring notes of molasses and licorice. Beware of drinking it too quickly because this brew has a dangerously high ABV content of 11.1%.

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37. Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter (tied—38rd)
> Brewery: Great Lakes Brewing Company
> State of origin: Ohio
> Type: Porter
> Alc. content: 6.0%

Great Lakes Brewing Company bestowed the name Edmund Fitzgerald to the porter in honor of the legendary sunken freighter. And it’s gotten some attention over the years. Since 1991, the brew has won a dozen medals and even the World Champion title in the World Beer Championships.

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36. Oskar Blues Ten FIDY (tied—27th)
> Brewery: Oskar Blues Brewery
> State of origin: Colorado, North Carolina, Texas
> Type: Imperial Stout
> Alc. content: 10.5%

With three of its brews among America’s best beers, Oskar Blues clearly cranks out some killer beers– this is the third time one of its brews has been featured on the list. The Ten FIDY is chock-full of decadence, including tastes of chocolate, caramel, and coffee.

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35. Founders Backwoods Bastard (tied—27th)
> Brewery: Founders Brewing Co.
> State of origin: Michigan
> Type: Scotch Ale
> Alc. content: 11.2%

Aged in oak and bourbon barrels, Backwoods Bastard has an earthy essence and a smoky flavor that complements notes of sweet caramel. On Beer Advocate, the scotch ale scored in the world-class range with rating of 95.

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34. Tröegs Nugget Nectar (tied—27th)
> Brewery: Troegs Independent Brewing
> State of origin: Pennsylvania
> Type: Imperial Amber Ale
> Alc. content: 7.5%

The Nugget Nectar blends pine, resin, and mango into a powerful amber ale. This brew is only available between January and March, because Tröegs doesn’t sell the stuff outside of those months.

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33. The Alchemist Focal Banger (tied—27th)
> Brewery: The Alchemist Brewery
> State of origin: Vermont
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 7.0%

The Alchemist is a family-run brewery based out of Vermont that specializes in unfiltered IPAs. The Focal Banger, one of the few year-round ales the brewery produces, is brewed at the Stowe location. Speaking of Stowe, it’s actually home to some of the state’s best ski slopes, so if you can’t afford a ski pass, down a couple of these bad boys and you’ll feel like you’re hitting the slaloms.

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32. Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA (tied—27th)
> Brewery: Sierra Nevada
> State of origin: California
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 7.2%

The Torpedo Extra IPA, an aggressive ale, is the first of its kind to be brewed with the help of a dry-hopping device called the Hop Torpedo. The Hop Torpedo controls how much aroma from the hops is imparted into the beer, so that the beer is not too bitter.

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31. Russian River Pliny the Younger (tied—27th)
> Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: Triple IPA
> Alc. content: 10.3%

The year 2005 marked the first year Russian River Brewing Company brewed Pliny the Younger. From then on out, it is only made once a year and for just under two weeks in February. Why? It’s evidently very expensive to make. However, the brew must be unlike any other on the shelf, seeing as it received a perfect overall score of 100 on BeerAdvocate.

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30. Odell 90 Shilling (tied—27th)
> Brewery: Odell Brewing Co.
> State of origin: Colorado
> Type: Amber ale
> Alc. content: 5.3%

Odell Brewing is sending a message to its drinkers by naming this amber ale “90 Shilling.” The name derives from the Scottish method of taxing beer — and only the highest quality beers were taxed that many shillings. Tied for 27th among America’s best beers, it seems many would agree.

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29. New Belgium La Folie (tied—27th)
> Brewery: New Belgium
> State of origin: Colorado
> Type: Sour Brown Ale
> Alc. content: 7.0%

Get ready to pucker up, not for a kiss but for a sour, malty brew. La Folie unleashes a variety of aromas, including green apple, plum, cherry, caramel, and citrus.

Melvin Brewing

28. Melvin 2×4 DIPA (tied—27th)
> Brewery: Melvin Brewing
> State of origin: Wyoming
> Type: Double IPA
> Alc. content: 10%

This well-loved brew is exceptionally flavorful– floral, citrusy, and filled with hops. This brew offers a summer-fresh flavor paired with a potent alcohol content. The brewers at Melvin Brewery say, “This is the best … DIPA in the world. So if you were even considering sulking today, think again.” That’s one heck of a statement friends.

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27. Fat Head’s Head Hunter IPA (tied—27th)
> Brewery: Fat Head’s Brewery
> State of origin: Ohio
> Type: West Coast Style IPA
> Alc. content: 7.5%

This beer has acquired an impressive collection of awards throughout the years. More recently, the Head Hunter won the silver medal in the American-Style IPA category at the World Beer Cup in both 2012 and 2014.

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26. Fat Head’s Hop Juju
> Brewery: Fat Head’s Brewery
> State of origin: Ohio
> Type: Western-style IPA
> Alc. content: 7.5%

The second Fat Head brew to make this list in a row, this beer won the silver award at the World Beer Cup in 2012 and 2014. A western-style IPA, the brewer boasts that Hop Juju is “a punch-you-in-the-mouth brew for those who truly love their hops! Uncivilized? Yes. Aggressive? Absolutely. Award Winning? Hell yes!’’

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25. Toppling Goliath pseudoSue (tied—22nd)
> Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewing Company
> State of origin: Iowa
> Type: American Pale Ale
> Alc. content: 5.8%

Toppling Goliath brewery bills its suds as big beer brewed in small batches. The company also describes pseudoSue as a beer that “roars with ferocious aromas of grapefruit, citrus, mango and evergreen.’’ Chicagobeers.com said the beer’s name is part an homage to the 67-million-year old Tyrannosaurus Rex discovered by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson in 1990.

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24. Russian River Blind Pig IPA (tied—22nd)
> Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 6.25%

Blind Pig is a limited distribution brew from Russian River, the brewer that makes Pliny the Elder. This full-bodied, hoppy brew has a dry, bitter finish. The beer scores a 96 out of 100 on beeradvocate.com, making it one of the higher reviewed brews on the site.

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23. Odell IPA (tied—22nd)
> Brewery: Odell Brewing Company
> State of origin: Colorado
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 7%

Odell says of its IPA “We added new varieties of highly aromatic American hops to create a distinctive bitterness profile and an incredible hop character.” It ranks just outside of the 20 most popular beers in the American Homebrewers Association survey. The beer also can claim the distinction of receiving a perfect 100 score from the bros on beeradvocate.com.

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22. Tree House Julius (tied—22nd)
> Brewery: Tree House Brewing Company
> State of origin: Massachusetts
> Type: Ale
> Alc. content: 6.5%

Tree House Brewing Co. calls its Julius “freakishly drinkable.’’ The Massachusetts brewery is a draft only brewery, which gives it freedom to constantly rotate offerings and introduce new ones.

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Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co.

21. Stone IPA (tied—19th)
> Brewery: Stone Brewing
> State of origin: California
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 6.9%

Stone Brewing was founded in 1996, and has breweries in Richmond, Virginia and Berlin, Germany. The company produces many different IPAs, several of which make this list. The brewery’s standard IPA is both crisp and loaded with hops, making it a go-to brew for a hot summer day.

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20. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA (tied—19th)
> Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Inc.
> State of origin: Delaware
> Type: Imperial IPA
> Alc. content: 9%

Delaware-based Dogfish Head offers a series of IPAs brewed based on the time the beer spends boiling, with a longer boil resulting in a hoppier, higher alcohol content beer. The 90 Minute IPA falls right between the 60 minute and 120 minute beers offered by the brand. It is also the most well-liked beer offered by the popular craft brewery.

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19. Lagunitas IPA (tied—19th)
> Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 6.2%

With a nod to pin-up models of the 40s in some of its signage, Lagunitas Brewing Company was founded in 1993 in Petaluma, California in the early 90s. Made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts, Lagunitas advertises the beer as “a well-rounded, highly drinkable IPA.”

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18. Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro
> Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company
> State of origin: Colorado
> Type: Sweet Stout
> Alc. content: 6%

While IPAs and other ales dominate this list, they are not the only kind of brew beloved by some Americans. Left Hand Brewing Company’s Milk Stout Nitro claims a milk chocolate fullness and vows to “change your perception about what a stout can be.’’ The company tells how it all started with a small homebrewers kit that one of the founders received as a Christmas present. The rest, as they say, is history.

Courtesy of Don LaVange via Flickr

17. Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout
> Brewery: Goose Island Beer Company
> State of origin: Illinois
> Type: Stout
> Alc. content: 14.2%

Goose Island Brewery’s own Bourbon County Brand Stout won the gold medal at the World Beer Cup awards in 2006. The 2015 edition of the classic stout was brewed in honor of the 1,000th batch at the company’s original brewpub in Chicago. The members of the Goose Island brewing team illustrate the appearance and scent of the stout, “A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with thick foam the color of a bourbon barrel. The nose is an intense mix of charred oak, chocolate, vanilla, caramel and smoke.”

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16. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
> Brewery: Deschutes Brewery
> State of origin: Oregon
> Type: Porter
> Alc. content: 5.2%

Named after Oregon’s volcanic butte, Black Butte Porter offers chocolate and coffee notes. Deschutes Brewery also lists many recipes that use the brew as an ingredient, from cupcakes and cookies, to mac and cheese and gumbo.

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15. Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
> Brewery: Cigar City Brewing
> State of origin: Florida
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 7.5%

The Jai Alai IPA is a homage to the Spanish fast-paced ball game once popular in Tampa. The company says of their IPA, “An intense bouquet of tangerine and candied orange peel entice the nose while flavors of clementines, Valencia orange and subtle caramel provide counterpoint to an assertive bitterness and rich malt character.”

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14. Lawson’s Finest Liquids Sip of Sunshine (tied—13th)
> Brewery: Two Roads Brewing Co.
> State of origin: Vermont
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 8.0%

Lawson’s Finest began in 2008 by owners and founders Sean and Karen Lawson; at the time it was a one barrel brewery. The brewers urge those about to indulge in the Sip of Sunshine to “Pour mindfully, inhale deeply and enjoy a tropical vacation in a glass.’’

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13. Founders All Day IPA (tied—13th)
> Brewery: Founders Brewing Company
> State of origin: Michigan
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 4.7%

You can always tell if there’s a fellow Founders Brewing beer drinker around. The brewery encourages imbibers to check-in when they drink one of the brews. The brewery lists many awards for its eight brews and, as of this year, they can say that achieved a very respectable rank of 13 among America’s best beers. The fellow brewers at Founders say the IPA, “Keeps your taste satisfied while keeping your senses sharp.”

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12. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (tied—11th)
> Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: Pale Ale
> Alc. content: 5.6%

According to the Sierra Nevada brewery’s site, founder Ken Grossman used the last of his money to try and produce the taste of the Pale Ale, going through 10 batches until he was able to recreate the classic flavor.

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11. Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale (tied—11th)
> Brewery: Boulevard Brewing Company
> State of origin: Missouri
> Type: Farmhouse Ale
> Alc. content: 8.5%

The brewers at Boulevard Brewing tried to recreate a Belgian farmhouse ale and Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale is what they devised. They had just the right mix of elements in fermenter number seven. The result? Fruity aromas complemented by hoppy-grapefruit notes.

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10. Ballast Point Sculpin IPA
> Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 7%

Ballast Point Brewing Co. foundations date back to 1996 after founder Jack White was tired of commonplace beers that line the shelves of stores and that were provided at keg parties in college. Driven by his intrinsic desire to create something legendary, Jack and his roommate Pete began home brewing in their apartment at UCLA. Today, one of their many creations, the Sculpin IPA, clocks in the top 10 on America’s best brews. The brewers say it’s, “A trophy beer that’s a testament to our homebrew roots.”

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9. Sierra Nevada Celebration (tied—8th)
> Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 6.8%

Come one, come all to the celebration! Celebration Ale was first brewed in 1981, which makes it one of the first American-style IPA’s. The brew received a score of 97 from the founding brothers of BeerAdvocate. One remarks: “Dreamy. So smooth. So rich. So fortified with malt goodness.”

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8. Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA (tied—8th)
> Brewery: Deschutes Brewery
> State of origin: Oregon
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 6.4%

Deschutes Brewery describes the Fresh Squeezed IPA as having a “juicy citrus and grapefruit flavor profile. As if fresh Citra and Mosaic hops were squeezed straight into the bottle.’’ Can you imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy cupcake that’s infused with the robust IPA? We promise, it’s not too good to be true. Check out the recipe, here.

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7. The Alchemist Heady Topper (tied—6th)
> Brewery: The Alchemist Brewery
> State of origin: Vermont
> Type: Imperial IPA
> Alc. content: 8.0%

The Alchemist’s own Heady Topper was named America’s most coveted beer by Men’s Journal in 2015. First brewed in 2003, the ale was kept exclusively on tap for eight years in their original brewpub in Waterbury, Vermont. Just eight years later the brew was canned, and as a result, became a hot commodity. Cases of it popped up for sale on Craigslist, with a four-packs costing up to $45. Talk about a black market product.

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Courtesy of edwin via Flickr

6. Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) (tied—6th)
> Brewery: Founders Brewing Company
> State of origin: Michigan
> Type: Stout
> Alc. content: 11.8%

The Kentucky Breakfast Stout, another palatable entry from Michigan’s Founders Brewing Company, is brewed with coffee and chocolate, then cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels for an entire year. The stout’s bourbon undertones must be irresistible because it received a perfect overall score of 100 on BeerAdvocate.

Peter Anderson / Flickr

5. Bell’s Hopslam
> Brewery: Bell’s Brewery
> State of origin: Michigan
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 10.0%

Another top beer hailing from Michigan, this time from Bell’s Brewery, Hopslam consists of a heaping malt bill, as well as, a lavish dollop of sweet honey. The brewers at Bell’s Brewery suggest that you pair the IPA with with pork and rib-eye steak, grilled asparagus and fennel bulbs.

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Courtesy of 3 Floyds Brewing Co.

4. 3 Floyds Zombie Dust
> Brewery: 3 Floyds Brewing Company
> State of origin: Indiana
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 6.2%

The creators of Zombie Dust have quite the imagination. They explicitly claim that this brew will be one’s only way to recover from a dreaded zombie apocalypse: “This intensely hopped and gushing undead Pale Ale will be one’s only respite after the zombie apocalypse.” Until that day, consumers have clearance to leisurely sip the beverage.

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3. Founders Breakfast Stout
> Brewery: Founders Brewing Company
> State of origin: Michigan
> Type: Stout
> Alc. content: 8.3%

Pumping out delicious beers for two decades, Founders Brewing Company’s Breakfast Stout scores the second spot on this list. If you’ve been diligently reading along, you’ll notice it’s the fourth beer from Founders to have made the cut in the country’s best brews. The founders of Founders, Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, have created the perfect concoction of coffee and beer with this particular stout. The company says of their prized stout, “Brewed with an abundance of flaked oats, bitter and imported chocolates, and two types of coffee, this stout has an intense fresh-roasted java nose topped with a frothy, cinnamon-colored head that goes forever.”

Adam Barhan / Flickr

2. Russian River Pliny the Elder
> Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company
> State of origin: California
> Type: IPA
> Alc. content: 8.0%

Not far behind the top beer stands Russian River’s own Pliny the Elder, a brew that the founding brothers at BeerAdvocate award a perfect score of 100. They say a, “Hint of nutty yeast and a big handful of biscuity malt are thrown at the palate and actually shows that this beer has balance.” Aside from the ale’s epic flavor, the beer’s name also holds richness– specifically, historical significance. Pliny, the man, lived in the first century- 23 to 79 A.D. According to our brewing references, he and his contemporaries either created the botanical name or at least wrote about Lupus Salictarius, or hops, currently known as Humulus Lupulus.

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1. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
> Brewery: Bell’s Brewery
> State of origin: Michigan
> Type:: IPA
>Alc. content: 7.0%

Finally, the moment you’ve all been patiently waiting for. The top beer in America according to the American Homebrewer’s Association is –drum roll please– Bell’s Two Hearted Ale. Curious about the name? The brew’s named after the Two Hearted River in Northern Michigan and it solely consists of Centennial hops, which is sourced from the Pacific Northwest.

Detailed Findings and Methodology:

Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, a Michigan-born brew made by Bell’s Brewery, was selected as the best beer, taking Pliny the Elder’s top spot. Bell’s got its start in 1985 when Larry Bell opened the brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His daughter Laura is the chief executive officer today.

“We got our start as homebrewers — that’s how my dad got going — so we really identify with the homebrewing community,” said Laura Bell. The brewery is located in Comstock today. “We take a lot of that spirit into what we do today,” said Bell.

Bell’s began selling beer out of state in 1990 and now sells the potable in 31 states, according to its website. Growing sales led to the opening of a 35,000 square foot brewery in 2003.

Other beers in the top five after Pliny the Elder are: Founders Breakfast Stout, Three Floyds Zombie Dust and Bell’s Hopslam.

Michigan breweries captured the top two places for top-ranked breweries — Bell’s Brewery Inc. and Founders Brewing Co. of Grand Rapids. The rest of the top five are Russian River Brewing Co.; Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; and Stone Brewing.

To identify the best beers in America, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the results of the American Homebrewers Association’s annual poll of Zymurgy magazine readers. The poll results reflect the most popular beers over 2,185 survey responses (each person only allotted one vote) collected over a three week period. 24/7 Wall St. then retrieved the state of origin, the type of brew, and the ABV content of each beer from the website of each brewery.

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