The Top 13 Craft Beers from Each Region of the U.S.

The craft beer revolution has taken over the United States, turning local breweries into cultural icons and creating a dynamic landscape of unique and innovative brews. Each region boasts a distinctive beer culture that reflects its local ingredients, brewing techniques, and passionate brewers. The diverse selection of craft beers from coast to coast offers something for every palate. Let me share with you the top craft beers from each region of the U.S., highlighting their distinct flavors, brewing methods, and the stories behind their creation.

West Coast – Pliny the Elder (Russian River Brewing Company)

Pliny the Elder is a legend in the craft beer world. This double IPA from Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, California, is renowned for its perfect balance of bitterness and citrusy hop character. Brewed with a blend of Cascade, Centennial, and Amarillo hops, it offers a bright, piney flavor with notes of grapefruit and pine. The beer has an impressively clean finish, making it an easy-drinking but full-bodied IPA. It’s considered a benchmark for the West Coast IPA style, often imitated but never quite duplicated. The demand for Pliny the Elder is so high that it has earned a cult following, often selling out within hours of release.

Pacific Northwest – Mirror Pond Pale Ale (Deschutes Brewery)

Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, is a hallmark of the Pacific Northwest beer scene, and Mirror Pond Pale Ale is one of their signature brews. This pale ale has a beautifully balanced malt backbone with hints of caramel and toffee, which pairs perfectly with the punchy hop bitterness. Cascade and Centennial hops provide the beer with a floral, piney aroma and a crisp finish. It’s an easy-to-drink beer that showcases the Pacific Northwest’s abundance of hops while maintaining drinkability. At 5.6% ABV, it’s an approachable beer for those who want a taste of the region’s brewing excellence without being overwhelmed by alcohol content. Mirror Pond has earned a loyal following and is widely regarded as a quintessential Pacific Northwest beer.

Northeast – Heady Topper (The Alchemist Brewery)

Heady Topper, brewed by The Alchemist Brewery in Vermont, is one of the most sought-after IPAs in the world. This unfiltered, double IPA boasts a tropical hop profile with notes of citrus, pineapple, and a slight resinous pine finish. At 8% ABV, it is stronger than many IPAs but is remarkably smooth, with a creamy texture that makes it easy to drink despite its potency. Its haze is part of the charm, contributing to its juicy, hop-forward flavors. Fans of Heady Topper often seek it out with a near-religious fervor, especially in the Northeast, where it is produced. The beer has garnered a cult status for its exceptional quality and its ability to be both bold and drinkable.

Mid-Atlantic – Troegs Nugget Nectar (Troegs Brewing Company)

Troegs Nugget Nectar from Pennsylvania is an imperial amber ale that has become a seasonal favorite in the Mid-Atlantic region. Brewed with a blend of Nugget, Simcoe, and Amarillo hops, Nugget Nectar delivers a burst of fruity hop aromas, balanced by caramel malts that provide depth and sweetness. Its flavor is rich with notes of apricot, tangerine, and honey, making it both fruity and slightly bitter. At 7.5% ABV, it is a bit stronger than a typical amber ale but still remains smooth and drinkable. Nugget Nectar is released every spring, and beer enthusiasts eagerly await its arrival each year. It’s one of the standout examples of a Mid-Atlantic craft beer that combines innovation with accessibility.

Southeast – Jai Alai IPA (Cigar City Brewing)

Jai Alai IPA from Cigar City Brewing in Tampa, Florida, is a standout beer from the Southeast. This IPA is named after the fast-paced sport of Jai Alai, which reflects the beer’s vibrant, hop-forward character. It features a mix of tropical and citrus flavors, including grapefruit, orange peel, and pineapple, all balanced with a solid malt backbone. At 7.5% ABV, Jai Alai is bold yet balanced, with a slight bitterness that lingers without overpowering the other flavors. It’s a go-to beer for those who enjoy the bold, tropical flavors typical of the Southeast region’s craft brews. Since its release, Jai Alai has earned numerous awards and is a must-try for IPA lovers.

Great Lakes – Bell’s Two Hearted Ale (Bell’s Brewery)

Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is an iconic American IPA brewed by Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This beer is known for its well-rounded flavor profile that features a strong, piney bitterness with undertones of grapefruit, pine, and floral hops. At 7% ABV, it’s a medium-bodied IPA with a crisp, clean finish that makes it easy to enjoy multiple pints. Bell’s has perfected the balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness, resulting in a brew that is both complex and refreshing. The beer has consistently been rated among the top American IPAs, and its popularity extends far beyond the Great Lakes region. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is a testament to Michigan’s growing craft beer scene.

Midwest – Bourbon County Brand Stout (Goose Island Beer Co.)

Bourbon County Brand Stout, brewed by Goose Island Beer Co. in Chicago, Illinois, is a legendary imperial stout known for its rich, complex flavors. This stout is aged in bourbon barrels, which imparts deep notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel, along with the dark chocolate and coffee flavors of the stout base. At 14.7% ABV, it’s a boozy beer that is both decadent and bold. Its high alcohol content allows it to age well, becoming even more complex over time. Bourbon County Brand Stout has earned a reputation as one of the best barrel-aged stouts in the world, and its release each year is a major event for beer enthusiasts. It’s an essential beer for those who enjoy rich, barrel-aged brews.

Southwest – Black Butte Porter (Deschutes Brewery)

Deschutes Brewery’s Black Butte Porter is a classic beer from the Southwest that has earned national acclaim. This porter is brewed with a blend of chocolate and crystal malts, creating a smooth, rich beer with flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of caramel. It has a slightly sweet finish, making it an approachable porter even for those new to darker beers. At 5.2% ABV, it’s an easy-drinking beer that doesn’t overwhelm with its malt-forward flavors. Black Butte Porter is one of Deschutes’ flagship beers and remains a staple in the brewery’s lineup. It has won numerous awards and is highly regarded for its consistent quality and balance.

Rocky Mountains – 90 Minute IPA (Dogfish Head Brewery)

Dogfish Head Brewery’s 90 Minute IPA is an iconic beer from Delaware, in the Rocky Mountain region. This imperial IPA is brewed with a continuous hopping process that results in a rich, hoppy profile with hints of pine, grapefruit, and tropical fruits. It’s a well-balanced beer that combines a malty sweetness with a bold hop bitterness, and the alcohol content of 9% ABV gives it a boozy kick without being overpowering. 90 Minute IPA is a favorite among hop heads, and its rich flavor profile makes it stand out from other IPAs. It’s a flagship beer for Dogfish Head, and one that has put the brewery on the map as a leader in innovation.

New England – Focal Banger IPA (The Alchemist)

Another winner from The Alchemist, Focal Banger IPA is a New England-style IPA that has gained a devoted following. Known for its hazy appearance and juicy, tropical hop profile, this beer is packed with flavors of mango, peach, and grapefruit. The bitterness is restrained, allowing the fruity flavors to shine through, and the mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, thanks to its unfiltered nature. At 7.4% ABV, it’s a sessionable yet flavorful IPA that captures the essence of the New England brewing scene. Focal Banger has garnered attention for its impeccable balance and the brewery’s dedication to using only the freshest ingredients.

Southwest – Pilsner (Santa Fe Brewing Company)

Santa Fe Brewing Company, located in New Mexico, is known for its wide range of styles, but their flagship Pilsner stands out as a regional favorite. This clean and crisp pilsner offers a refreshing balance of light malt sweetness and a moderate hop bitterness that’s perfect for hot Southwestern days. It’s brewed with a combination of German hops and American ingredients, resulting in a beer that has a bit more flavor depth than the average pilsner. The floral hop notes are subtle, and the malt character provides a pleasant bready foundation. At just the right carbonation level, it’s a beer that is easy to drink and pairs well with a variety of foods, especially spicy Southwestern dishes. While not a style often associated with the region, this pilsner has earned a dedicated following for its quality and balance.

Great Lakes – Dragon’s Milk (New Holland Brewing)

Dragon’s Milk by New Holland Brewing in Michigan is a standout in the Great Lakes region, renowned for its bold, rich flavor. This bourbon-barrel-aged stout is known for its deep, complex profile, which combines dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and oak flavors. The barrel-aging process imparts subtle notes of bourbon, adding layers of warmth and richness to the beer. With an ABV of 11%, Dragon’s Milk is a hearty, indulgent beer that packs a punch while maintaining a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The beer’s combination of roasted malt and sweet bourbon characteristics creates an excellent balance, making it a fan favorite for stout lovers. Dragon’s Milk has become one of New Holland Brewing’s signature offerings, frequently appearing on tap at craft beer bars across the U.S.

Southwest – Albuquerque’s Marble IPA (Marble Brewery)

Marble Brewery, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a key player in the Southwest craft beer scene, and Marble IPA is one of their standout offerings. This West Coast-style IPA delivers a crisp, clean malt body that allows its hops to shine. Brewed with Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe hops, it boasts bold flavors of pine, grapefruit, and floral notes with a well-balanced bitterness. At 7.0% ABV, it is approachable yet packs enough punch to satisfy IPA lovers. The beer’s clarity and bright golden hue make it visually appealing, while its smooth, dry finish makes it incredibly drinkable. Marble IPA has earned a reputation as one of the finest craft beers in New Mexico, becoming a favorite of both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a longtime craft beer enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, this IPA offers a true taste of the Southwest’s brewing ingenuity.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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