American Homebrewers Pick The Best Craft Beers That Money Can Buy

For the last thirteen years, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has run an online poll asking its members to vote for up to 20 of their favorite commercial beers. Zymurgy, the journal of the AHA, has just released the results – and in case you don’t get the mag, we’ve got all the relevant news bytes for you,

 

Vinnie Wins Again

Russian River was once again the big winner. Their legendary IPA, Pliny the Elder was named “Best Commercial Beer in America” by AHA members. This was the seventh year in a row that “The Elder” took the top honor and we’re sure there was much celebration in Santa Rosa.”I say it every year, but we really are honored and humbled,” said Russian River’s Vinnie Cilurzo. “There are so many great beers out there.”

 

IPAs Continue to Rule

To the surprise of quite possibly no one, IPAs and Double IPAs dominated this year’s poll as they have in the past. Nine of the top 10 beers on this year’s list were IPAs and the exception was a Stout (which probably shouldn’t be a surprise either).

 

Top-Ranked Beers

 

1. Russian River Pliny the Elder      

2. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale                 

3. Ballast Point Sculpin IPA              

4. Stone Enjoy By IPA                     

5. Founders Breakfast Stout            

6. The Alchemist Heady Topper      

7. Bell’s Hopslam Ale                       

8. Three Floyds Zombie Dust           

9. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

10. Firestone Walker Wookey Jack 

 

Top-Ranked Breweries

 

1. Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, Calif.

2. Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, Calif.      

3. Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Kalamazoo, Mich.   

4. Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich.      

5. Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, Calif.          

6. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif. and Mills River, N.C. 

7. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, Del.           

8. Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, Calif. and Chicago, Ill.

9. Ballast Point Brewing Company, San Diego, Calif.

10. Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Ore.

 

Top-Ranked Beer Portfolios (T indicates Tie)

 

1. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 60 beers

2. Stone Brewing Co., 54 beers

3. Bell’s Brewery, Inc., 52 beers

4. New Belgium Brewing Company, 47 beers

5. Avery Brewing Company, 39 beers

T6. Goose Island Beer Co., 37 beers

T6. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, 37 beers

T8. Firestone Walker Brewing Company, 35 beers

T8. The Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams), 35 beers

T8. The Bruery, 35 beers

 

Why This Poll Matters

“Homebrewers love to try all different types of beer, which is easy given the plethora of varieties offered by today’s small and independent brewers. So, to be selected by homebrewers nationwide and named among the best beers in America is a tremendous honor,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. “While a diverse group of brewers from every corner of the country were recognized for their outstanding beers and portfolios, one particular style still reigned supreme: IPA.”

The complete list of Zymurgy‘s “Best Beers in America” is available at HomebrewersAssociation.org.