An Introduction to the Great Craft Breweries of America
Believe it or not, the United States of America is home to over 8,000 breweries, a number that’s been steadily on the rise for the past decade. So much so, that it can be hard to navigate all those options. So, for those of you who are keen on exploring the world of US craft beer, here’s a list of the top 25 largest craft breweries in the US, based on production volume.
What Defines a Craft Brewery?
Before we dive into the list, let’s take a quick detour to define what exactly a craft brewery is. According to the Brewers Association, a craft brewery is a small and independent beer producer. ‘Small’ here refers to an annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or fewer, while ‘independent’ means less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not a craft brewer.
The 25 Largest Craft Breweries in the U.S.
1. D.G. Yuengling and Son, Inc.
Located in old-fashioned Pottsville, PA, this is America’s oldest brewery. Yuengling is best known for its traditional Eagle Lager and Light Lager, but also offers a Black & Tan, Golden Pilsner, and a handful of seasonal varieties.
2. Boston Beer Co.
The creator of the ubiquitous Samuel Adams Boston Lager also specializes in an array of beers, hard ciders, and hard seltzers. Recently, the company has ventured into non-alcoholic beers with their JUST THE HAZE IPA.
3. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Famous for its classic Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada, based in Chico, California, is also known for championing sustainability and efficiency in brewing. Beyond the Pale Ale, try their Hazy Little Thing IPA and Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale.
4. New Belgium Brewing Co.
Based in Fort Collins, CO, New Belgium is best known for its flagship brew Fat Tire Amber Ale. The company prides itself on sustainability and employee ownership. They also brew a popular Voodoo Ranger IPA.
5. Duvel Moortgat
Of Belgian origin, Duvel owns Boulevard Brewing Co., Brewery Ommegang, and Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Their popular beers include Duvel Belgian Golden Ale, La Chouffe, and Orval Trappist Ale.
6. Gambrinus
This San Antonio-based brewery is best known for Shiner Bock, a staple in the Texas region. They also produce a wide variety of seasonal beers and special releases.
The Evolution of Craft Beer in the U.S.
Over the last few decades, craft brewing has exploded in the U.S., more than doubling from 2013 to 2018. So, it’s clear that Americans are developing quite a taste for authentic, locally brewed beer. While this list offers a solid starting point to explore the big players, there are countless smaller craft breweries across the nation, waiting to be sampled. After all, the measure of a brewery isn’t only its size but also the quality and character of its brew.
