2011 Best Microbreweries in America. If your idea of trying new and inventive beer is popping open a can of Bud Light Lime, be prepared to have your eyes opened and your mind expanded by this collection of top-notch microbreweries, based on rankings from online magazines Spectrum Culture and AskMen.com.
Headquarters: Aurora, Colo.
This acclaimed microbrewery got its start when the owner of a home brew store decided to take his recipes to the people. After years of talking hops with local brewers, he opened a small taproom in 2005 before expanding to a larger facility in 2009.
Headquarters: San Diego
Ballast Point Brewery got its start in back of a home-brew mart where co-founders Jack White and Yuseff created their first tasty brews. In 1996, it expanded to a full brewery site and stays true to its motto
Headquarters: Paso Robles, Calif.
This brewery is owned by relatives of this TV star. The Firestone family is better known by the people of San Louis Obispo County for their Union Jack IPA than their automotive business.
Headquarters: Solana Beach, Calif.
Continually ranked as one of the top microbreweries by both industry experts and enthusiasts, this fast-growing brewery has nearly doubled its brewing capacity since opening in 2006. If you're in the San Diego area, check out one of its Pizza Port brewpub locations
Headquarters: Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Brooklyn Brewery prides itself on its use of this green energy source. Located in the hipster-laden Williamsburg neighborhood, this brewery is open daily to the public for tours and tastings.
Headquarters: Utica, N.Y.
Founded in 1888 by German immigrants, the brewery is now under the leadership of third- and fourth-generation family members. While rooted in tradition, Saranac Brewery is not afraid to experiment with new flavors, including this sugary beer.
Headquarters: Kansas City, Mo.
Founded in 1989, this top Midwest brewery touts its beers as fresh, flavorful, distinctive in character and unsurpassed in quality. One of its most popular offerings is this gold medal-winning brew.
Headquarters: Escondido, Calif.
Originally founded in a neighboring town, this brewery with attitude is known for this "hoppy," hard-edge beer, which can be found on tap and in stores throughout this California city.
Headquarters: Rehoboth Beach, Del.
This uniquely named craft brewer stands out for its original beer concoctions. Its mad-scientist founder creates beers from ancient recipes dating back to 2700 B.C.
Headquarters: Cleveland
Great Lakes Brewing is best known for this seasonal brew, and native beer lovers flock to this downtown brewpub every year for its annual release party.
Headquarters: Tempe, Ariz.
Offering Sun Devils fans an alternative to standard college beers, Four Peaks Brewery serves up a diverse selection of beverages, including this "singles brew."
Headquarters: Portland, Maine
Allagash specializes in beers brewed in this style, and the first beer brewed by this Northeastern brewery was a hit from the start.
Headquarters: Eugene, Ore.
Named after this goddess, this bold Northwest brewery turns brewing beer into a work of art. Next time you're in the area, try a sip of its flagship beer.
Headquarters: Madison, Wis.
This popular, locally owned brewery sits a short ride from this college campus. It offers entertaining tours and serves up tastings of its Triple Nova and righteously named beer.
Headquarters: Newport, Ore.
A Pacific Northwest staple for over two decades, this eclectic brewery is known for its unique handcrafted ales and clever packaging
Headquarters: Enterprise, Ore.
Fans of the Terminal Gravity Brewery and Public House say it produces one of the best beers in Oregon. It's a small operation and proves size doesn't matter when it comes to making tasty brews.
Headquarters: Downingtown, Pa.
This award-winning brewery in suburban Philadelphia is perennially listed as one of the best in the business. Try this IPA favorite or this seasonal brew.
Headquarters: Chicago
This new-on-the-scene brewery has quickly become a mainstay in this Chicago neighborhood. Brewing an average of 35 beers each year, it keeps customers' taste buds guessing.
