The results are finally here! After tallying up votes across the country for the past two months – the people have spoken. We’re proud to announce the winners of the inaugural PintPass Craft Brewery Awards! We saw some close races in a few states that came down to the last couple of days.
We received over 16,000 votes for the top brewery across 50 states! We asked you to vote based on brewery atmosphere, beer selection, top brew, and favorite food.
As promised, the breweries with the 3 most votes will be receiving special recognition and a special prize to put up in their beer hall. The next 47 breweries are in alphabetical order by state.
How many have you been to?
And the winners are…
Draught Works Brewery
Montana
This local favorite in Missoula, MT offers a massive outdoor patio, live music from local bands, and of course, some of the best craft brews in the area. Owners Jeff Grant and Paul Marshall created a brewery where customers can sample to find their favorite craft beer, and even watch the entire brewing process from the bar.
But Draught Works was voted as one of the big winners for than just its beer. The brewery has numerous philanthropy programs during the year to give back to the local community. The taproom staff has an incredible passion for beer, extensive knowledge of beer history, and loves to help new customers find their favorite brew. It’s an unparalled passion.
Founders Brewing Co
Michigan
Founders Brewing Company has been brewing out of downtown Grand Rapids, MI for over 20 years. Through it all, they have followed their philosophy to avoid brewing for the masses, instead crafting for, “A small cadre of renegades and rebels to enjoy a beer that pushes the limits of what is commonly accepted as taste.”
That cadre of renegades and rebels has grown tremendously over the years. Today, their large taproom allows visitors a view into their beer production room and beers that are only available on location. They also have local music four nights a week and a deli with handcrafted sandwiches for the perfect pairing with your local brew.
Lazy Magnolia Brewery
Mississippi
Bayou country is the spot of our final grand prize winner: Lazy Magnolia. This brewery has been packaging since 1907 and started brewing beer themselves in 2003. They stay true to their southern roots with flavors like Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale, Sweet Potato Stout, and Southern Hops’pitality IPA.
The taproom features a full food menu, brewery tours, and a backyard porch surrounded by—you guessed it—Magnolia Trees. They even allow dogs so that you can enjoy a beer next to your furry friend!
Top Brewery from Each State
(Alphabetical Order)
Avondale Brewing Company
Alabama
This locally owned and operated brewery is housed in a building that was once a pharmacy, saloon, and brothel. They were inspired to start their popular brewery by an elephant that paraded the streets in the 1920s.
Bleeding Heart Brewery
Alaska
The inspiration for their name comes from human experience. Each beer Bleeding Heart creates is more than a flavor, it’s a story. If your ever find yourself near Palmer, AK, make sure to check it out yourself to see what Alaska is up to!
Arizona Wilderness Brewing
Arizona
Arizona Wilderness Brewing offers cool, wilderness-inspired flavors like Peloncillo Porter and Santa Teresa Enkel to compliment the dry southwest climate.
Stone Brewing
California
Since opening its first location in San Diego in 1996, Stone has grown to over 1,100 employees and been featured on the Inc 500.
Avery Brewing Company
Colorado
The Bolder, CO brewery offers tours and a dog-friendly patio to college students and beer fans alike. Visit Avery for the perfect mix of beer and beautiful mountain scenery.
New England Brewing Company
Connecticut
This brewery has great-tasting beer with memorable names. Some popular brews include Ghost Pigeon, Coffee Breath, and Premeditated Murder.
Dogfish Head Brewery
Delaware
Dogfish Head is named after the founder’s hometown of Dogfish Head, Maine. In 2010, they were the focus of Discovery Channel series, Brew Masters. Even with a base in Delaware, Dogfish Head can be found in 31 states.
Funky Buddha Brewery
Florida
Funky Buddha’s flavors are as eccentric as their name. You can get beer that tastes like peanut butter and jelly or lemon meringue pie. After trying these beers, you might not want to go back to the food!
Dry County Brewing Company
Georgia
Even people in nearby Dry Counties are sure to make the trip to this popular Georgia brewery.
Kona Brewing Company
Hawaii
Kona has been bringing the aloha spirit and tropical-inspired beers to their community for over 20 years. We don’t know if there is a better place to drink beer on a beach.
Barbarian Brewing
Idaho
This downtown Garden City brewery is inspired by old world traditions and specializes in barrel aged beers. When you try their beer, you will see how the barrel makes the difference.
Skeleton Key Brewing
Illinois
In addition to classes for home-brewing and beer-tasting, Skeleton Key offers and incubator where select people can gain access to the materials they need to one day open their own brewery. Would there be any better life than getting paid to make beer?
3 Floyds Brewpub
Indiana
Make a plan to visit 3 Floyds on May 19th for Dark Lord Day, the only time of the year when you can get a bottle of Dark Lord. It’s a 15 percent ABV Russian imperial stout brewed with coffee, Indian Sugar, and Mexican Vanilla. 3 Floyds beers are both insane and delicious.
Toppling Goliath Brewery
Iowa
Owners Clark and Barb Lewey are in the process of constructing a new 100-barrel facility that will include a restaurant, taproom, and brewery. The new building will truly be a Goliath.
Blind Tiger
Kansas
While you will probably go to Blind Tiger for the brews like Munich Dunkles and Angry Man Imperial Stout, you can’t miss ordering some classic American pub food at their restaurant.
Braxton Brewing Company
Kentucky
Braxton partnered with with Graeter’s Ice Cream to create a Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Stout. We doubt you can find a better dessert anywhere else in the state.
Tin Roof Brewing Co.
Louisiana
Among Tin Roof’s flagship beers are Voodoo Bengal Pale Ale and Juke Joint IPA. Make sure to get there on a Friday for their popular guided tours.
Shipyard Brewing Company
Maine
Shipyard is a family owned brewery that has been operating since 1994 and located directly on the coast in Portland, ME. What is better than beer next to the ocean?
Heavy Seas Beer
Maryland
This brewery’s name and pirate logo symbolizes some of the brands main characteristics: adventure, risk-taking, and rebellion. After trying their beer, you might take on some of those qualities yourself!
TreeHouse Brewing Company
Massachusetts
Beer from TreeHouse is only available at the brewery. But, make sure to get there early as lines often extend down the sidewalk on release days. And trust us, there is good reason why.
Schell’s Brewery
Minnesota
Schell’s is famous for German Pilsners. When you try some of this terrific beer, make sure to visit in October for Oktoberfest!
Mark Twain Brewing Company
Missouri
Enjoy a beer named after the characters from the author. You can try Huck Finn’s Habanero Apricot Wheat or Jumping Frog IPA. They go perfectly with a good book.
Zipline Brewing Co.
Nebraska
Zipline Brewing Co. is located in downtown Omaha, right next to the stadium that hosts the College World Series. There is a reason fans of CWS make sure to stop at Zipline every year.
Revision Brewing Company
Nevada
Revision specializes in hoppy beers and IPA. They have distribution across the Reno area. And if you’re wondering – no – this beer does not need any revisions.
Litherman’s Limited Brewing
New Hampshire
This brewery offers four musically-inspired “A-sides” brews that include Little Miss Strange DIPA and Tangled Up in Bruges. Come for the beer, but stay to hear the music that inspired the brew.
Kane Brewing Company
New Jersey
Located on the coast of New Jersey, Kane offers American Style and Belgian influenced ales. Make sure to head there on a weekend for a self-guided tour.
La Cumbre Brewing
New Mexico
Visit La Cumbre for the food trucks, live music, or yoga! Even though all of that is great, brews like Pyramid Rock Amber and Project Dank is what makes La Cumbre New Mexico’s top brewery.
Southern Tier Brewing Company
New York
While the original location is in western New York, Southern Tier opened a satellite brewpub in Pittsburgh in 2017. Both locations have some of the most bold and delicious beer we’ve ever tried.
Whistle Hop Brewing Company
North Carolina
Visit Whistle Hop for the beer and stay for the unique environment. The bar is in a train caboose!
Fargo Brewing Company
North Dakota
The Fargo Brewing Company has a partner Ale House that specializes in beer and food pairing. The only thing better than their beer is when it’s matched with the perfect food!
Madtree Brewing
Ohio
Madtree was the first modern craft brewery to can its beer in Ohio. Visit this location for the beer on draft, growler fill-ups, or wood-fired pizzas.
Marshall Brewing Company
Oklahoma
Marshall Brewing Company is Oklahoma’s premier destination for local craft beers. Their goals are to bring art, quality, and enjoyment of craft brewing to Oklahoma.
Deschutes Brewery
Oregon
In addition to making great beer, the brewery works with the Deschutes River Conservancy to restore one billion gallons of water into the Deschutes river every year.
Troegs Independent Brewing
Pennsylvania
Located in the Hershey, PA, Troegs has self-guided tours and a tasting room. You can’t miss stopping here for beer on a trip to Chocolatetown, USA.
Tilted Barn Brewery
Rhode Island
This farm brewery is actually located in a barn. Visitors can taste the beer or walk through the farm to experience firsthand where their beer comes from.
New Groove Artisan Brewery
South Carolina
New Groove offers 16 taps and a speciality tap for craft sodas. With this many choices to pick from, we still can’t find our favorite brew.
Fernson Brewing Company
South Dakota
Fernson has 5 signature brews, including Shy Giant IPA and Lion’s Paw Lagger. Visit Fernson to try great beer and create memories with the ones you love.
Bearded Iris
Tennesse
This Nashville location has an old-world style with southern comfort taste selections. It’s a must-see in one of America’s best cities.
Hops and Grains Brewing
Texas
Hops and Grain puts a lot of pride into community involvement. They connect with local businesses and non-profits to improve the areas around their breweries. The beer is pretty terrific too.
Red Rock Brewery
Utah
Since its opening in 1994, Red Rock Brewery has won over 100 regional and national awards. After trying the brews, you will understand why.
Burlington Beer Co.
Vermont
Burlington takes a scientific approach to brewing. Their motto is, “Where Fermentation Meets Imagination.”
Ocelot Brewing Company
Virginia
Ocelot is located in Loudon County, VA and specializes in rotating a variety of beers each week. And trust us, you will want to be going back every week.
Reuben’s Brews
Washington
Named after the owner’s first child, Reuben’s taproom features food trucks and is kid-friendly. Their cozy atmosphere is the perfect refuge in downtown Seattle.
Bridge Brew Works
West Virginia
Bridge Brew Works has been brewing Belgian-style beers since 2010. Even though they like being small, we promise you will want to tell all your friends about this beer.
New Glarus Brewing Company
Wisconsin
Visit New Glarus for the beer, self-guided tours, or reservation-only hard hat tours. Try their most popular brew, Spotted Cow. It is exclusive to Wisconsin and has been the top-selling craft beer in the state for multiple years.
Snake River Brewing Company
Wyoming
Wyoming’s oldest brewery received a USDA organic certificate for their beer 2006. This delicious beer is also made with sustainable practices.
There you have it folks! Thank you so much for participating in the first ever PintPass Craft Brewery Awards. Congratulations to all our winners. See you all in 2018!
Comments