35 Best Breweries On The East Coast
Touring excellent breweries and noshing on pretzels at beer gardens are some of adult life's great pleasures. So is just kicking back at home with a 6-pack and a friend, for that matter. If you live on the East Coast and are looking for a fun day trip — or even just a delicious brew to sip while watching the game — you are fortunate to have a lot to choose from! Turns out that plenty of small craft breweries and big-name brands alike produce top-notch and award-winning beer. Be they IPAs, stouts, or lagers, brewmasters spend their lives trying to concoct the best flavors, all for your discerning palate.
There's plenty of geographic variety, too: breweries on both rural farmsteads and in metropolitan regions have much to explore. From Maine to Florida, the East Coast states have something amazing to offer. Try seasonal mashes and flagship brews from any of these fine brewing companies, and perhaps even plan your next great road trip around these beloved watering holes!
Dogfish Head - Milton, Delaware
Dogfish Head claims to create "off-centered ales for off-centered people." The industrial sculpture "Steampunk Treehouse," found at their Milton location, serves as a 40-foot-tall testament to their weird creed.
But the brewery in Milton isn't Dogfish Head's only institution. The Dogfish Inn near Lewes Beach, about 20 minutes east of the Milton brewery, is the perfect place for beer-lovers to stay while they explore the area. Justs south of the inn is Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats on Rehoboth Beach — the brewery's original small-batch brewing location back in 1995. Here, Dogfish Head fans can munch on pub food like crab corn chowder, seafood tacos, and wood-fired pizza. Of course, they wash it down with any of the brand's ales, pilsners, and IPAs.
Not in a beer mood? Head on over to their seafood and cocktail restaurant, Chesapeake & Maine, and enjoy spirits made by Dogfish Head Distilling Co. Whatever you want, it's all the life's work of Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione, who was deemed the Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional at the 2017 James Beard Awards.
Flying Dog Brewery - Frederick, Maryland
Flying Dog actually began as a brewpub in Woody Creek, Colorado, in 1990. Located just outside Aspen, it played host to many travelers, including gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson.
Thompson recommended Flying Dog use Ralph Steadman, the illustrator that created the messy, slightly crazed, and instantly recognizable drawings for "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," for the brewery's beer labels. Steadman's weird, ink-splattered caricatures can now be found on every Flying Dog bottle, including a dog chomping on a half-dolphin, half-mermaid type creature on the label for Flying Dog's Chesapeake Wheat Ale.
The brewery also took "Good people drink good beer," a quote from Thompson's most popular book, as the company slogan. BUt Flying Dog is more than just good marketing. The beer brand has won multiple awards, such as "Midsize Brewery of the Year" from the Great American Beer Festival in 2009 (via The Frederick News-Post). The Maryland brewery did have a tasting room, but closed it when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They have since decided to not reopen it, so you'll just have to buy it or find it on tap somewhere.
Sapwood Cellars - Columbia, Maryland
While many people like the bitterness of a strong IPA, there are plenty who don't. Sapwood Cellars aims to make all of its brews easy to drink without sacrificing flavor. From barrel-aged stouts to fruity pale ales, Sapwood brewmasters strive for a balanced taste and a pleasant aroma.
While the Maryland brewery doesn't offer formal tours, tasting room visitors can ask to be shown around if the staff aren't too busy. The tasting room also accepts reservations and even books private events! There, you can try a diverse array of beer flavors such as maple-blueberry, coffee, thyme honey, and more.
It doesn't have a kitchen, but the brewery often hosts local food trucks. Keep tabs on its Facebook page to find out what's going to pull up to the brewery next! Food truck announcements tend to be made day-of, so contact the brewery ahead of time with questions.
Brewery Ommegang - Cooperstown, New York
Beer lovers can find Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York, about halfway between Syracuse and Albany. The sprawling 140-acre farmstead offers scenic valley views, a café, and an amphitheater for concerts and beer festivals.
But let's get to the important part: the beer. Ommegang's brews have won awards from the likes of the European Beer Star (via Brewbound) and the World Beer Cup, with the latter naming Ommegang the world's best midsize brewery in 2016. The brand's calling card is, of course, their Belgian-style ales, many of which are made in the "kriek" (Belgian cherry beer) tradition.
The New York brewery also offers other types of beer, including New England-style IPAs and limited edition stouts. In 2013, the company partnered with HBO to create a "Game of Thrones" line. The collaboration paired special craft brews with characters from the show, such as "Mother of Dragons" (a porter-kriek blend) and "King in the North" (a barrel-aged imperial stout).
Harpoon - Boston, Massachusetts
Harpoon has two brewery locations: the original in Boston and a second in Windsor, Vermont. The Harpoon Beer Hall in Boston's Seaport District offers daily tours and tastings (both in-person and virtual) and is also available for private events. Farther north, Vermont brewery's "outdoor" seating consists of heated huts that can hold between six and 12 people.
Harpoon's year-round beer lineup includes IPAs, pilsners, and stouts, with their signature brew being the Harpoon IPA. Seasonal beers include the Winter Warmer spiced ale, which they claim was the first seasonal craft beer ever released in New England in 1988. Limited edition brews tend to show off the brewery's New England roots, like their Boston Bruins collaboration pilsners. The Allston X-Mas IPA likewise celebrates an unofficial Boston holiday when the hordes of college students residing in the Allston neighborhood move out and leave their unwanted furniture for the taking.
Allagash Brewing Company - Portland, Maine
Allagash Brewing Company has won a dizzying amount of awards for its Belgian-style beers, including medals from the World Beer Cup, the Great American Beer Festival, and the European Beer Star. Additionally, both founder Rob Tod and brewmaster Jason Perkins have won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional and the Brewer's Association Russell Scherer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing, respectively. So yes, Allagash makes great beer.
The brewers' love for Belgium (Allagash employees are taken on a tour of the country's breweries when they hit their 5-year mark) is only matched by their love for Maine. The brewery dedicates its time and resources to local charities and its commitment to sustainability and the environment with recycling programs, clean water projects, and solar energy.
Those who want to visit the Allagash Brewing Company's tasting room can do so Thursday through Sunday. While there, you can sample beer straight from the Allagash tap and scarf down a lobster roll from local food trucks.
The Alchemist - Stowe, Vermont
The Alchemist began as a brewpub in Waterbury, Vermont, in 2003. Several years later, it opened as a small brewery there and then launched a second facility in nearby Stowe. Today, the Stowe location offers daily guided tours, as well as limited edition beers. While The Alchemist occasionally ships its products to other states, the brewing company is primarily focused on selling its fresh, unfiltered IPAs to fellow Vermonters.
Like Allagash, The Alchemist is a certified B corporation, meaning it centers its business around positive social and environmental change. Most of the operation's energy comes from solar power, for instance. It also operates the Alchemist Foundation, which provides scholarships to local high school students who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to advance their education. The Alchemist brewing company also supports the arts by commissioning local and international artists for installations, as well as merchandise and label designs.
Victory Brewing - Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Victory Brewing is a Pennsylvania beer company through and through, with four out of its five locations situated in the state. What was a Pepperidge Farm factory in Downingtown became the beer company's flagship facility in 1996. Victory has been dominating the local beer scene ever since.
The brewery abides by the motto "Brew forward," which hints at the brand's passion for innovation and furthering their community. Victory has crafted multiple award-winning beers, including Golden Monkey, Prima Pils, Storm King, and HopDevil. But it hasn't kept that success to itself. The brewing company's Brotherly Love Community Fund works to support local nonprofits, including the Back on My Feet organization, which helps secure housing and employment for homeless people.
Victory Brewing prides itself on establishing great partnerships as much as great beer. It's actually part of umbrella company Artisanal Brewing Ventures, which includes New York-based breweries Sixpoint Brewery and Southern Tier Brewing Company.
Maine Beer Company - Freeport, Maine
Maine Beer Company's guiding principle is its motto, "Do what's right." This philosophy not only leads to excellent IPAs and ales, but helping the planet through concrete action. The brewery is a member of 1% for the Planet, which means that 1% of the company's gross sales are donated (in money or merchandise) to environmental nonprofits. So when you visit the brewery in Freeport, be happy knowing that part of every dollar is going to help our planet!
The brewery's spacious tasting room offers beers on tap and by the bottle, like the Black Barn Scottish ale and Mean Old Tom stout. There is also plenty of tasty food to pair with your favorite brew. Sit down and enjoy gourmet pizza featuring toppings like Buffalo cauliflower, lamb and tzatziki sauce, and pork with broccoli rabe. You can also find snacks such as pretzels and charcuterie boards.
Other Half Brewing Company - Brooklyn, New York
Other Half Brewing Company has a total of six locations: four in New York, one in Philadelphia, and another in Washington, D.C. Its flagship breweries are in Brooklyn, with the rest taking up residence in other metropolitan hubs. The one exception is its farmhouse brewery in upstate New York. Other Half mainly produces IPAs, as well as a budding line of hard seltzers, though beer lovers of all types can find the occasional stout or pilsner at any of its taprooms.
Beer enthusiasts can also reserve private tours events at Other Half's original Taproom in Brooklyn. Walk-in tours are available Sunday through Thursday, and those who can't make it in person can reserve virtual tastings. Four selections will be sent to attendees prior to the virtual event, as individual state laws allow. If you live in the Northeast, there are plenty of ways for you to find your Other Half!
Hill Farmstead Brewery - Greensboro Bend, Vermont
Hill Farmstead Brewery has a centuries-old family history – the Hill family helped build the town of Greensboro, Vermont, which includes a tavern founded in 1809. That tavern would prove to be the inspiration for the current Hill Farmstead Brewery, voted the best brewery in the world multiple times by RateBeer.
The rural farmhouse brewery produces an astounding variety of beers, from IPAs to bourbon barrel-aged porters. Founder and brewer Shaun Hill has worked with his team to create several unique lines, including Ancestral, Philosophical (Hill holds a degree in the subject), Single Hop, Singular, Grassroots Brewing, and various collaboration beers. Ancestral beers are named after members of the Hill family, while Philosophical beers are named after notables such as Thoreau, Nietzsche, and Heidegger.
Similarly, Hill Farmstead approaches the art of brewing beer according to what they call their seven pillars philosophy: awareness, belonging & trust, collaboration, deliberateness, inquiry, stewardship, and transparency. The company intends to put as much thought and care into community and sustainability as it does its many intriguing brews.
Fidens Brewing Company - Albany, New York
The word "fidens" is Latin for bold, confident, or courageous, and it's the creed the brewers of Fidens Brewing Company live by. It is that boldness that took a personal passion for beer and turned it into a DIY business with a learn-as-you-go approach. Fidens officially launched in 2019, and in a few brief years has already established a cult following.
Fidens Brewing Company primarily makes hoppy IPAs, but also ventures into the world of stouts from time to time. Wondering where to start? Its Necessary Means for a Necessary Means IPA took home a medal from the NYS Craft Beer Competition in 2020, so that should be a solid first choice.
Those who live in the area or happen to be driving by can buy beer straight from the brewery Wednesday through Saturday. Note that supplies are only available to go and sell on a first-come, first-served basis.
J. Wakefield Brewing - Miami, Florida
This funky Miami brewery imbues a love of pop culture into its taproom with wall-to-wall "Star Wars" murals and comic book art. Its 15 beer taps feature a number of their handcrafted sour ales, as well as a few IPAs, pilsners, and German wheat beers.
When visiting the taproom, guests can enjoy savory bites from local food trucks. J. Wakefield also has partnerships with several food companies in the area, which allows it to offer snacks like Bolivian-style empanadas and gourmet popcorn. Both the beer and the food go hand in hand to make J. Wakefield a top destination for beer enthusiasts.
All that work seems to be paying off for J. Wakefield. USA Today named the brewery's beer festival, Wakefest, one of the top 10 beer festivals in 2019. That same year, VinePair deemed the brewery one of the 10 best in America.
Trillium Brewing - Boston, Massachusetts
This New England-based beer company has several Boston locations in addition to its original Fort Point brewery, as well as one in Canton, Massachusetts, and a budding farmhouse in North Stonington, Connecticut. Visitors can drink and dine at each of its taprooms while experiencing each one's individual charms. Rose Kennedy Greenway, for instance, is a seasonal, open-air beer garden — the first in Boston's long history.
Trillium Brewing brings a variety of selections to the New England beer scene, including pale ales, stouts, oak barrel-aged blends, and even a line of hard seltzer called Soak. But its big goal is to eventually use its Connecticut farm to produce fresh fruit for the brewing process. With a focus on sustainable farming and local agriculture, Trillium will bring even more flavorful brews to the table. When that day comes, the farmhouse brewery will be open for all to visit.
Hudson Valley Brewery - Beacon, New York
Hudson Valley Brewery describes itself and its beer lineup as "somewhere between the rural and the urban, the traditional and the modern, the rustic and the industrial." One look at its product list proves exactly that. Each of their brews — IPAs, hard seltzers, lagers, sours — are inspiring, flavorful twists on traditional recipes.
At Hudson Valley Brewery, customers will find beer made with all types of fresh produce, such as blueberries, raspberries, rhubarb, and more. In 2020, VinePair named Hudson Valley Incandenza Sour IPA one of the best beers of the year. Its delicious hints of lemon and blueberry landed it in the 16th spot out of a total of 50 beers.
The brewery's taproom is open Thursday through Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. Wood-fired pizza by Groundlings Pizza is also available Friday through Sunday. Additionally, people living in select states can get Hudson Valley beer delivered by ordering online.
Tree House Brewing Company - Charlton, Massachusetts
What started in a small barn in Brimfield, Massachusetts, has evolved into a brewery with multiple locations across New England. Tree House Brewing Company's primary brewery can be found in Charlton, Massachusetts, which is also home to its coffee roastery and distillery.
Tree House mainly crafts IPAs and stouts, the latter of which is made with the brand's own coffee. Why does a brewery have its own roastery in the first place? By their own account, the workers at the brewery couldn't make it through each day without coffee. Since the beverage was such a big part of their work culture, they decided to blend their own roasts, such as the Aurora Blend and Paragon Espresso Blend.
Additionally, the Tree House Distillery produces a wide array of spirits. Cocktails mixed with these liquors are currently only available at the Charlton location, though the Deerfield brewery is the only one that serves pizza.
The Veil Brewing Co. - Richmond, Virginia
The Veil Brewing Co. is a beer company focused on producing strong-tasting selections, such as hoppy ales and barrel-aged beers with higher alcohol contents. The Veil operates in four different locations — three in Richmond and one in Norfolk, Virginia — each possessing its own unique vibes.
Scott's Addition in Richmond is the brewing company's original spot, featuring industrial design and different food trucks each day. The Railroad District taproom in Norfolk is similarly sleek, and boasts a full menu curated by the chef at nearby restaurant Codex. The modern, black-on-black Forest Hill taproom also features its own special menu designed by Y Tu Mamá's Mexican kitchen.
Perhaps the most intriguing of all is the rustic Funkhaüst Café. This spot is known for its European flair and somewhat eccentric brews, such as Triple-Stuffed Hornswoggler (a chocolate milk stout loaded with crushed chocolate cookies) and Culminate Blackberry & Concord Grape (a spontaneously fermented ale blended with Virginia grapes and blackberries).
Aslin Beer Co. - Herndon, Virginia
While other craft breweries may focus on one or two types of beer, Virginia-based Aslin Beer Co. aims to provide customers with brews of all kinds. Beer lovers across the spectrum can find lagers, pilsners, IPAs, sours, and more at both the Herndon and Alexandria locations. (In the future, Aslin will also be opening facilities in Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.) The original Herndon location recently got a makeover, so visitors can now enjoy the brand new building and rooftop bar.
About 30 miles southeast of Herndon is Aslin's Alexandria facility, which also houses Aslin Kitchen. Tuesday through Sunday, beer enthusiasts visiting there can savor pizza, salads, hamburgers, and more while indulging in their drink of choice. What's more, Eater reports that Aslin has even added coffee to its lineup. More information about those roasts can be found on the new Aslin Coffee website.
Cigar City Brewing - Tampa, Florida
Cigar City Brewing is a Florida beer company that draws inspiration from its surroundings — especially the Cuban community in and around Tampa. Its name, ingredients, and taproom menu are all infused with Latin American culture. From citrusy IPAs to spiced chocolate stouts, Cigar City's beers are meant to reflect the story of Florida and its people.
The Tampa brewery has won multiple awards from the Great American Beer Festival, the Best Florida Beer Competition, and the U.S. Beer Tasting Championships. Resident Floridians and tourists alike can find out just what makes these beers so tasty when they visit any of Cigar City's three locations.
Those who go to the original facility on Spruce Street can take brewery tours, drink exclusive beers on tap, and order food from the in-house kitchen. What's more, parched travelers looking for a satisfying brew can breathe a sigh of relief when they stumble across the Cigar City brewpub inside the Tampa International Airport.
Westbrook Brewing - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
This South Carolina brewery is a Jack of all trades. Here, customers will find everything from American IPAs to Belgian-style wheat beers to fruity, sour mashes. Westbrook Brewing is particularly adept at taking traditional recipes and giving them delightful flavor infusions, such as key lime pie, raspberry, habanero pepper, lemongrass, and more. Each sip of Westbrook beer is exciting and imaginative.
The brewery's tasting room is open Tuesday through Saturday and maintains a weekly food truck calendar so guests can plan ahead. Previous food offerings have included Pizza da Michelino Neapolitan pizza and Smash City Burgers. Visitors can purchase beer cans, bottles, and crowlers. They can even bring in their own growlers for refills. South Carolina residents should also be aware that Westbrook Brewing does make beer donations to local nonprofits, as well as charitable events whose full proceeds go towards a local cause.
Kane Brewing Company - Ocean, New Jersey
The Jersey Shore is known for many things — boardwalks, zeppoles, reality TV — but what people may not know is that it's also home to the award-winning Kane Brewing Company. Located in Ocean, New Jersey, Kane produces all types of beer, including stouts, porters, IPAs, hard seltzers, and Belgian-style ales.
The brewery's Night to End All Dawns imperial stout has taken home several medals, including gold in the Wood & Barrel-Aged Strong Stout category of the 2014 (via Men's Journal) and 2020 (via Street Insider) Great American Beer Festival, and gold in the same category of the 2016 World Beer Cup.
The brewery is open every day of the week for beer and retail sales, while visitors have access to Kane's indoor tasting room on weekends. New Jersey residents, as well as those who live in other select states, can also order beer cans, bottles, and even kegs online.
Tired Hands Brewing Company - Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Tired Hands Brewing Company mainly produces IPAs inspired by French, Belgian, and American beer traditions, and has won several awards. Philadelphia Magazine named Tired Hands the best brewpub in 2014, and founding brewer Jean Broillet IV was a semifinalist for the James Beard Awards Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer category in 2016 (via Philly Voice).
Tired Hands also has a record of donating to nonprofits such as The Humane League and Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. The brewery has even crafted charity beers with the intent to donate some of the proceeds. A portion of the profits from TransMissions triple IPA sales, for instance, went to Trans Lifeline to support trans people.
However, despite all these good deeds, there's been controversy regarding ired Hands' brewery management. Broillet stepped down from his role at the company after allegations of sexism, racism, and a toxic work environment surfaced, per Philly Voice.
Brooklyn Brewery - Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn Brewery is one of the most well-known and popular beer companies on the East Coast. Over the years, the brewery's iconic brick building has become a veritable institution in New York. Brewmaster Garrett Oliver was the first beer professional ever to receive the James Beard Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional award in 2014 (via Brewbound), and the brewery's flagship Brooklyn Lager took home the gold at the 2018 World Beer Cup (via American Craft Beer).
The brewing company's other selections include sour ales, IPAs, pilsners, and hard seltzers. One of their cornerstone beers is The Stonewall Inn IPA, honoring a partnership with the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, which supports LGBTQ+ people all over the world.
Sample Brooklyn Brewery's range of beers by visiting its spacious tasting room any day of the week (hours vary). Free hourly tours are available on Sundays, but private Small Batch Tours can also be booked during the week for a more in-depth experience.
Jack's Abby Craft Lagers - Framingham, Massachusetts
Those who wish to taste almost every lager imaginable should head to Jack's Abby, just outside Boston, where the brewers are quite obsessed with this type of beer. That passion has led Jack's Abby to win countless awards from the likes of the European Beer Star, the United States Beer Tasting Competition, the Great International Beer Festival, and more.
Lager lovers can visit Jack Abby's outdoor beer garden and indoor beer hall Wednesday through Sunday, where they will also find a full menu of German-inspired fare. (Schnitzel, anyone?) Tours set off at specific times every Wednesday and Sunday, so be sure to plan ahead and make a reservation.
For more experimental and barrel-aged brews, visitors will want to head to the taproom next door, Springdale. That facility has won awards in its own right, including gold at the International Beer Cup Japan.
Evil Twin Brewing - Queens, New York
Evil Twin isn't just a cool name for a brewery. Founder Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso actually has a twin named Mikkel Borg Bjergso who runs his own beer company (via New York Times). Evil Twin Brewing NYC has two locations: one in Brooklyn and another in Queens. Both taprooms feature a variety of beers, including oak-aged lagers, IPAs, sours, stouts, and more. Flavors range greatly, from wildflower and honey to stroopwafel and salted caramel.
As far as food goes, the Ridgewood, Queens, facility hosts a Claudia's Cafe pop-up Thursday through Sunday, which offers Guatemalan bites to hungry beer enthusiasts. The Brooklyn location is unique because it sells coffee and freshly-baked pastries. Those who don't have time to sit inside (a.k.a. most New Yorkers) can grab their morning coffee to go.
Collaboration beers with other breweries are also a big part of Evil Twin's identity. The company has crafted beer in partnership with other breweries on this list, such as Cigar City's Columella ale.
NoDa Brewing Company - Charlotte, North Carolina
This North Carolina brewery consistently produces award-winning beers that have earned prizes from prestigious competitions such as the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and the U.S. Open Beer Championship. In addition to beer, the company also makes its own brand of hard seltzer, Brizo.
NoDa has three locations around Charlotte: North End, The OG, and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. While The OG is reserved for producing small batch and wild fermentation beers, guests can head to the main brewery at North End to experience the taproom and beer garden. Visitors can take free tours of the brewery Friday through Sunday.
In acknowledgment of the fact that beer has calories, the NoDa Brewing Company also holds its own fitness events, including yoga and a weekly running group. The price of a yoga class gets participants a free beer, so you can rationalize that it all evens out.
Atlanta Brewing Co. - Atlanta, Georgia
Since its founding by a former Guinness executive in 1993, Atlanta Brewing Company has become a favorite brewery in the Southeast. Its first signature beer was the Red Brick ale, and they identified with it so much that it changed its name to Red Brick Brewing Company for a while.
Some inventive brews are exclusive to its taproom, such as the Bikini Bottom pineapple sour ale and Bohemian Raspberry stout. When visiting the brewery in Atlanta, guests can sample any of the 20 beers on tap. While food trucks pull up from time to time, patrons can also order delivery from local restaurants.
Atlanta Brewing aims to be as sustainable and environmentally conscious as possible. The brewery has even partnered with the Georgia Aquarium — the biggest aquarium in the United States — to create aquatic-themed limited-edition releases. Previous brews such as the Whale Shark IPA and the Octopus brown ale helped raise money for conservation and research.
Highland Brewing Company - Asheville, North Carolina
Highland Brewing Co. made local history by being the first brewery to open in Asheville since Prohibition. More recently, founder Oscar Wong received the Brewers Association Recognition Award in 2020 for his pioneering work in the North Carolina beer scene.
Highland's taproom carries everything from American IPAs and porters to German-style pilsners (via Untappd). But it's not just the beer that people come to see when they visit. The location boasts a vast meadow full of recreational activities, including walking trails, volleyball courts, and live music. Highland's private event spaces have also attracted a lot of positive attention over the years, with their Event Center and Barrel Room winning several Wedding Wire People's Choice awards. The brewing company also has a smaller taproom in downtown Asheville inside the S&W Market.
In an effort to maintain sustainability, the main brewery was made from a lot of repurposed materials. Broken kegs have been reused to make light poles, and shipping containers have been transformed into offices and bar space. The beer company also uses solar panels for energy.
Two Roads Brewing Company - Stratford, Connecticut
With an award-winning brewmaster at the helm (per Brewers Publication), Two Roads Brewing Company has been captivating the attention of craft beer enthusiasts since its founding in 2012. The brewery is known for adventurous beers, like its fruit-forward IPAs and sour ales, as well as easy-to-drink lagers. Its second facility, Area Two Experimental Brewing, is essentially the brand's laboratory.
Both the main facility and Area Two have public taprooms, each with a distinctive beer list. Food trucks pull up to the main brewery almost daily, so guests can satisfy their hunger with bites from the likes of Urban Taqo, Wing It On, and more.
Two Roads has partnered with the University of Connecticut to bring locals a special TwoConn ale. Alumni, professors, and age-appropriate students can even find the beer at UConn sporting venues. Connecticut residents can find the collaborative brew on tap at Two Roads taprooms and at bars and restaurants across the state.
Union Craft Brewing - Baltimore, Maryland
This Baltimore brewery gets its name from the belief that beer is all about unity: that is, the union of proper ingredients and the union of people. On tap at Union Hall and Beer Garden is a collection of lagers, pilsners, IPAs, and other ales, including the brewery's very first Duckpin pale ale. The company has also been awarded medals for its German-style beers at the Great American Beer Festival (via DC Beer, Washington City Paper).
Of course, another union worth talking about is that of beer and food. Thankfully, Union's taproom is also home to Well Crafted Kitchen, which provides guests with an array of snacks, pizzas, brats, and more. Those wishing to take a tour of the brewery can do so on Saturdays for $10 per person. That small fee not only gets you the tour but also a pint or flight of Union beer.
Whalers Brewing Company - South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Just west of Narragansett is Whalers Brewing Company, a brewery that has won numerous awards from the New York International Beer Competition, World Beer Championships, and other prestigious competitions. Head to Whalers to get a taste of its IPAs, ales, hard seltzer, and other flagship and seasonal releases. Its taproom is a playground for adults, featuring cornhole, giant Jenga, and pool tables.
The brewery doesn't make its own food, but it sometimes has food trucks offering everything from sandwiches to empanadas. On days when food trucks aren't available, Whalers encourages guests to order delivery directly to the brewery from a number of local spots, such as Chinese food from Jayd Bun or Mediterranean-inspired food from Gansett Wraps.
Whalers also hosts many different events, including live music, paint night, and even an indoor cycling class. Reward yourself with a beer from the brewery after!
Oxbow Brewing Company - Newcastle, Maine
Oxbow Brewing Company is a truly enchanting farmhouse brewery in rural Maine. The company name was inspired by the many winding bends of the local rivers, which fit with brewers' philosophy of taking the long path — not the easy path — to brewing fine beers. The original Newcastle location and its rustic taproom are surrounded by walking trails, a scenic pond, and a fruit farm which is used to cultivate fresh ingredients for some of Oxbow's beers. The company's farmhouse ales take cues from European traditions, and are crafted with soft spring water from an onsite artesian well.
Oxbow also has two other locations. The Portland facility, known as Oxbow Blending & Bottling, is the home of the brand's sours and aged beers. The Portland taproom has a much more urban vibe, with rotating art galleries on display. The third location is the Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford. Like the Newcastle brewery, this taproom is located on a beautiful patch of farmland. Here, patrons will find wood-fired pizzas, specialty crafted sodas, and more to satisfy their cravings.
Voodoo Brewing Co. - Meadville, Pennsylvania
The Rachocki brothers, who own Voodoo Brewing Co., just about emptied their bank accounts to build this brewing business. Now, they have an award-winning brewery franchise that has grown exponentially since its founding in Meadville, Pennsylvania, in 2005. Voodoo has taken its mission to craft bold and inventive beers outside of its home state, opening locations in Ohio, Indiana, and eventually a new tap room in Nevada.
Still, their original Meadville taproom remains open, and people can order from a full pub menu offering appetizers, seafood, pizza, salads, and sandwiches. (Penn State faculty and of-age students can also count themselves lucky, as they have their own Voodoo taproom just off campus.)
There is something for everyone on the Voodoo beer list, from Belgian-style ales to American porters to West Coast-style IPAs. The brand is instantly recognizable by its labeling, which features strange, brightly colored cartoons.
Tröegs Independent Brewing - Hershey, Pennsylvania
A self-described "wayward home for the perpetually curious," Tröegs Independent Brewing follows the Trogner brothers' ideas wherever they may lead. That's usually someplace good, seeing as how the brewery's Troegenator double bock beer has won multiple awards from all sorts of international competitions. Other selections include chocolate stouts, citrusy pale ales, and German-style wheat beers, to name just a few.
Located down the road from the world-famous Hersheypark, Tröegs Brewery offers guided tours (which USA Today named one of the best in America), an extensive tap list, and a rather eye-popping food menu that offers everything from rosemary popcorn to duck confit. The brewery also hosts an annual Art of Tröegs contest, which sees fans submitting beer-themed artwork. The winner's piece is transformed into a beer label, while the artist also receives a cash prize and other fun brewery perks.
Lawson's Finest Liquids - Waitsfield, Vermont
For a brewery that began in 2006 in a hand-built barn, Lawson's Finest Liquids has seen tremendous success. From the most humble beginnings, it's become not only a pillar for its community but a multi-award-winning business. Its brews have repeatedly medaled at the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival. It's also produced IPAs that have twice been named National IPA Champion (via Burlington Free Press).
When Lawson's Finest Liquids opened its much larger Waitsfield location in 2018, it was finally able to establish an indoor taproom and outdoor beer garden. The brewery also offers appetizers and small plates such as nachos, pretzels, and locally-made artisan cheeses. Going up to Vermont for the weekend? Lawson's original brewhouse is now an Airbnb!
The enduring success of this independent Vermont brewery, they say, is a commitment to excellence, authenticity, fun, community, and innovation. To carry out this vision, Lawson's Finest established the Social Impact Program, which has raised over $1 million in the last several years for local organizations.