A cold pint on a sunny day is just as popular in the US as it is in the
UK and it’s no wonder when America is the biggest producer of craft beer in the
world.
Travellers will have no problems discovering delicious and unique beers
no matter what state they are in, all brewed locally, from the East Coast to
the West. This National Beer Day, we’ve pulled together a thirst-quenching mix
of ways to celebrate some of America’s best ales, hops and malts to inspire
beer-lovers to head further than the local pub this year. From pioneering craft
beer movements in Pittsburgh, to micro-brewing companies in Florida started by
three friends, all the way to entire brewery trails visitors can follow through
Bakersfield in California and Flagstaff in Arizona, fans of a refreshing beer
won’t go thirsty when they visit.
Florida’s
Paradise Coast, Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades
As an up and
coming craft beer and foodie destination, Florida's Paradise Coast has a wide array of options for those looking to explore
local beer. One unique destination is the Bone Hook
Brewing Company. Started by three friends
with engineering backgrounds, it is the only brewery in Southwest Florida that
uses an in-house spectrophotometer to measure beer bitterness (IBU’s) and
diacetyl, as well as microbiological analyses. Made with scientific precision
in their on-site lab, they produce 20 different beers including a range of
styles such as saison ales, American pale ales, an English golden ale and more
which are served in their restaurant. Those looking for a social hangout can
also check out the newest addition to the craft beer scene on the Paradise
Coast, Akrolab
Brewing. The brewery is pet-friendly and has
its own tap room and beer garden in the Bayshore Arts District. With regular
visits from a variety of food trucks, as well as events like trivia and bingo
nights, it’s a good spot for a fun night out with friends. Florida’s Paradise Coast
Bakersfield
and Kern County Brewery Trail, Bakersfield
Bakersfield,
California is home to endless craft breweries so visitors can easily explore
the town and its surroundings by following the Bakersfield and Kern County Brewery Trail, visitors can attempt to visit all 12 breweries on the
trail or choose just a few to visit. All of the breweries make their craft beer
in Bakersfield, so the area has an incredible variety of beers to taste. Some
of the spots on the trail are smaller bars and tasting rooms in the centre of
Bakersfield, 2nd phase brewing and Lengthwise Brewing Company, whose brewery is
just a 12 minute drive away. Some that are based further out of the city are
larger, brewing their beer on site such as Kern River Brewing Company.
For more
information visit www.visitcentralvalley.com
Sonora
Brewing Company, Tuolumne County
In the heart
of Sonora on Washington Street, sits Sonora Brewing Company,
the perfect place for visitors to treat themselves to a cold refreshment after
a long day exploring Tuolumne County. They have over 12 types of beers on tap
to try here and new beers are brewed each week. With IPAs and pale ales there
is something to every beer drinker's tastes on the menu here, alongside burgers,
sandwiches, salads and desserts, Sonora Brewing Company will quench visitors
thirst and satisfy their hunger.
For more information visit www.visittuolumne.com
The
Flagstaff Brewery Trail, Arizona
As Arizona’s
leading craft beer city, Flagstaff offers
beer drinkers a special introduction into northern Arizona’s craft brew scene.
From crisp ales to local lagers, there is something for everyone. Consisting
nine breweries, each with their own unique quirks, the trail makes for a great
addition to any holiday. For added fun and excitement, visitors can pick up a Flagstaff Brewery
Trail Passport at the Flagstaff Visitor Centre (or print one out at home) and collect a sticker at each
stop along the way. Travellers can then redeem a free pint glass with their
completed passport. www.visitarizona.com
Penn
Brewery, Pittsburgh
Recently
awarded the best beer city in the U.S. for 2023, Pittsburgh is a must-see
destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Full of 60+ unique, Only in Pittsburgh
breweries, the scene here continues to grow, impress and draw industry
attention. Penn
Brewery began brewing craft beer back in
1986, making them one of the earliest pioneers in the American craft beer
movement. They started out brewing classic lagers and German beer styles, and
expanded their lineup to include IPAs and other contemporary styles like
chocolate and pumpkin beers. Penn brews all of their beers by hand with
top-tier barley and hops. As winners of nineteen Great American Beer Festival
and World Beer Cup medals, you know their beer is good. www.visitpittsburgh.com
Aspen Brewing Company, Aspen
At an incredible height of
7,908 feet, Aspen Brewing Company
brews crisp cold beers at the foot of the incredible Elk Mountains Range. As
the only licensed brewery in Aspen, they serve a wide variety of tasty brews
from limited-edition IPA’s to German style pilsners alongside pizza and other
bar snacks. This summer, Aspen Snowmass welcomes the brand new Deja Vu festival, a
tribute to the Snowmass Craft Beer and Chilli Pepper & Brew festivals from
previous years. The festival, hosted by Two Parts, will celebrate the best of
craft beer and with a full day of tastings from favourite breweries in the
Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. www.aspenchamber.org
/ www.gosnowmass.com
California
Craft Beer Festival, Sacramento
From
September 6th to 8th, Sacramento will host a celebration of California’s craft
beer scene, the California Craft Beer Festival, two days of educational
seminars led by industry leaders, networking, trade shows, and curated food and
beer tastings and everyone is welcome to join. Brewers, retailers,
distributors, craft beer lovers, and homebrewers all come together to learn
more and share their knowledge. The two-day Craft Beer Summit is followed by
the largest beer festival on the West Coast, featuring more than 160 California
craft breweries on Capitol Mall.