Top New Breweries
Cerebral Brewing (Denver, Colorado): Everything exploded for Cerebral in 2017, with high profile collab beers, big crowds for limited releases, and expanded distribution along the front range. Finally, beer drinkers are discovering one of Denver’s best-kept secrets for distinct and hazy IPAs, deliciously bright and crisp Brettanomyces saisons, and deeply nuanced stouts. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t always try to hit the taproom when I’m in Denver.
Fall Brewing (San Diego, California): Ray Astamendi’s spot in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood is the little brewery that could. The footprint is incredibly small for the 4,000 or so barrels of beer they make per year, but the taproom exudes SoCal punk rock cool and the beer expresses the confidence of a brewer who knows exactly what he wants to make and has nothing to prove. The impeccably crafted small beers pack a flavorful punch, yet remain drinkable (beer after beer). In a town full of incredible breweries, Fall continues to make a significant mark.
Top Beers of the Year
Weldwerks Brewing Extra Extra Juicy Bits (Greeley, Colorado): I’m a sucker for a good hazy IPA, and Juicy Bits is my go-to. This “Extra Extra” version is everything I love about the original—bright citrus notes, creamy mouthfeel, and a perfectly placed soft bitterness—but amplified in an effortless way that prizes drinkability.