Top Three Small Breweries (15K bbl or less)
Coppertail Brewing Co. (Tampa, Florida)
There’s a tobacco-themed brewery that gets a lot of attention in Tampa, but whenever I’m in the area, Coppertail Brewing is my first stop. First, let’s take their core lineup: an IPA (of course), a porter, a Pilsner, and a tripel. That last one seems out of place, right? But it’s delicious and, I’ve found, a perfect night cap. Under the direction of Casey Hughes, the brewery also turns out Florida-weisse varieties that rank among the best in the state. From the artistic nautical decor to the onsite kitchen that has elevated the standard beer menu, you’ll see why it’s always packed (but somehow never feels too crowded) and a hometown favorite.
Tributary Brewing Company (Kittery, Maine) In the few years since he left The Portsmouth Brewery (Portsmouth, New Hampshire) and opened his own brewery just across the river in Maine, Tod Mott has been quietly turning out some of the best beers in the region. It’s no surprise, of course, since Mott is one of the most talented brewers in the country. Tributary Brewing is in an unassuming spot inside a strip mall on a county road, but inside, the beers showcase Mott’s brewing talent, from a delightfully crisp and Old School bitter pale ale to a honey saison. Always mixed with locals and travelers making the trip between Boston and Portland, the taproom feels like the beer: humble but inviting. The Russian imperial stout (once known as Kate the Great and now going by Mott the Lesser) still gets released annually and is what everyone who makes the style should strive to produce.
Chuckanut Brewery (Bellingham, Washington) Lager lovers get spoiled when visiting this brewpub in northern Washington. Will and Mari Kemper have dedicated their careers to making clean, fresh, flavorful beers that pay homage to traditions and are also a pleasure to drink. Bellingham is a cool beer city with a lot of options to satisfy the modern palate, but even the most serious of line lifers eventually find themselves here, quenching a thirst with a vibrant Helles, crisp Pilsner, or robust schwartzbier. It’s a brewery that any of us would be fortunate to call our local and is always worth the trip.