The Must-Try Beer in Every U.S. State: Expert Craft Beer Recommendations
As a Deal Expert and Chicago's resident Beer Expert, I've journeyed coast-to-coast, savoring brews from legendary spots like Churchkey in DC, The Ginger Man in New York, Monk's Kettle in San Francisco, and Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles. Craft beer is an adventure—collect them all responsibly.
Not everyone road-trips for IPAs, pilsners, pale ales, or stouts, but America's brewery boom means exceptional local options everywhere. Here are my top picks, one standout beer per state, based on quality, local acclaim, and personal experience.
Alabama: Good People Brewing’s Snake Handler
Alaska: Something bold for the cold—Midnight Sun’s Berzerker RIS
Arizona: Arizona Wilderness’ Refuge IPA
Arkansas: Ozark Beer Company’s American Pale Ale
California: Russian River’s Pliny the Elder or Younger—among the world's best
Colorado: Endless options, even from the governor-brewer. Try Odell’s
Connecticut: New England Fuzzy Baby Ducks IPA (the name seals it)
Delaware: Small state, big flavors—fresh pours from Dogfish Head
D.C.: Bluejacket for their freshest selections
Florida: Cigar City’s Jai Alai
Georgia: Terrapin’s Wake n Bake stout series
Hawaii: Keep it easy—Kona’s Longboard Lager
Idaho: Grand Teton Snarling Badger
Illinois: Half Acre Daisy Cutter (or hunt Bourbon County Stout)
Indiana: Sun King (skip Three Floyds if in Indy)
Iowa: Toppling Goliath—anything from this elite brewery
Kansas: Free State’s Copperhead Pale Ale
Kentucky: Against The Grain’s Citra Ass Down
Louisiana: Bayou Teche’s LA-31 series (skip Abita)
Maine: Maine Beer Company’s Lunch
Maryland: Stillwater—brewer’s choice
Massachusetts: Tree House Good Morning
Michigan: Short’s (Founders and Bell's are everywhere)
Minnesota: Surly Coffee Bender
Mississippi: Lazy Magnolia’s Southern Pecan
Missouri: Perennial or Side Project—rarities worth seeking
Montana: Big Sky’s Cowboy Moose Drool
Nebraska: Nebraska Brewing Company selections
Nevada: Tenaya Creek Ol’ Jackalope
New Hampshire: Smuttynose Porter
New Jersey: Flying Fish’s Exit series
New Mexico: Santa Fe Brewing’s Imperial Java Stout
New York: Evil Twin at Torst
North Carolina: NoDa Brewing Company’s Hop Drop n’ Roll
North Dakota: Fargo Wood Chipper
Ohio: Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold
Oklahoma: Prairie—consistently excellent
Oregon: In Portland? Breweries abound—any will impress
Pennsylvania: Troegs Nugget Nectar
Rhode Island: Revival’s Saison
South Carolina: Westbrook’s Mexican Cake series
South Dakota: Crow Peak’s Pile O Dirt Porter
Tennessee: Yazoo’s Dos Perros (Nashville or Memphis)
Texas: Jester King (skip Shiner)
Utah: Epic’s Imperial IPA
Vermont: The Alchemist's Heady Topper (if available)
Virginia: Alewerks Bitter Valentine
Washington: Elysian Dragonstooth Stout
West Virginia: Bridge Brew Works Hellbender IPA
Wisconsin: New Glarus Spotted Cow
Wyoming: Snake River’s Zonker Stout
Editor's Note: Updated to correctly credit The Alchemist for Vermont.
Drink responsibly and support local breweries. Availability varies—check tap lists.
