The trend of craft beer has drifted from what’s good to what’s new. We all have beers that we love, but continue to pass for a taste of something different. Check out these nine award-wining beers that are worth filling your glass with.
Summit Brewing Extra Pale Ale
St. Paul, Minnesota
This classic pale ale has been Summit’s flagship beer since 1986. Almost 30 years later, it’s a fridge staple that has won several medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Despite this beer’s history and accolades, it’s surprisingly often skipped in conversations about the best American pale ales.
Uinta Brewing Company 801 Pilsner
Salt Lake City, Utah
To brew a crisp, clean pilsner is no simple feat—in fact, this beer style is often used as a litmus test for skill in brewing. Uinta’s 801 pilsner is underrated not only because it’s only distributed in Utah, but also for its grocer-friendly 3.2 percent Alcohol By Weight (4% ABV). This refreshing, super sessionable pilsner, though, is worth the trip to Salt Lake City.
Propolis Brewing Beltane Golden Elderflower Saison Brett
Port Townsend, Washington
Sour and Brettanomyces-fermented beers are big right now. Beer geeks can’t seem to get enough of Crooked Stave’s Surette and Allagash Confluence, but they rarely mention the sour beers from Propolis Brewing in Port Townsend, Washington. This farmhouse-focused brewery is relatively new to the scene (opened in 2012) but is already taking home medals in the American-Style Brett Beer category.
City Star Brewing Bandit Brown Ale
Berthoud, Colorado
Berthoud, Colorado, is hardly a tourist destination—especially with beer town Fort Collins just 20 miles away—but it’s worth the trip to track down City Star Brewing’s Bandit Brown Ale. This English-style brown has won multiple awards, including gold at the Great American Beer Festival.
Notch Brewing Left of the Dial
Ipswich, Massachusetts
It seems those riding the Session IPA wave often miss Notch Brewing’s Left of the Dial Session IPA. It’s Fawcett Golden Promise base malt sets it apart, and its hoppiness is pronounced but not overpowering. This beer is produced year-round in cans and is well worth seeking out in New England.
Wormtown Brewery Be Hoppy IPA
Worcester, Massachusetts
Another underrated IPA from New England is a citrus and floral-forward brew from Wormtown Brewery in Worcester, Massachusetts. It’s hard to believe that IPA-obsessed beer consumers are still discovering Wormtown Brewery’s India Pale Ale and the brewery in general.
Oakshire Brewing Overcast Espresso Stout
Eugene, Oregon
Beer drinkers are buzzing about coffee beer, but they’re not talking about Oakshire’s Overcast espresso stout as much as they should. This award-winning brew is the epitome of balance between rich, roasted coffee and sweet, malty stout.
Ska Brewing True Blonde Ale
Durango, Colorado
_Draft Magazine _called this brew quaffable, but only scored it at an 87. This clean, refreshing blonde ale has a touch of honey, subtle bitterness, and a dry finish that make it well deserving of its long list of awards.
Full Sail Brewing IPA
Hood River, Oregon
Full Sail’s IPA often takes a backseat to the brewery’s iconic Session Lager. This easy-drinking, 60-IBU beer has a full, malty body with a hint of fresh citrus. It’s well deserving of its 15 gold medals.