Our Favorite Beer From Each of the Fifty States in 2018
January 22, 2019
In 2018, we created the #FiftyStatesChallenge. The goal was simple: have at least one craft beer from every state in America. Our travels and myriad bottle shop visits got us close, and with the help of several friends from Instagram, we crossed the finish line in the last week of 2018. In commemoration of this accomplishment, we’ve decided to share with you the best craft beer from each of the fifty states (and D.C.!).
Obviously certain states will feature more beers than others– there are several states from which we only drank a single beer. We’ll try to remedy that next year, but for the sake of transparency, we’re including next to the state in parentheses how many craft beers we had from each state. Still, every beer we added to this article was delicious and worth writing about– there was at least one state where we didn’t really like what we had, so we made it a point to seek out another! We’re proud to be supporting craft beer from all over the country, and we’re hopeful we’ll get to cover even more ground in 2019.
This is our last Best of 2018 article– if you haven’t read the rest already, check out our lists of the best breweries of the year, best stouts, best IPAs, and best sours. Also, make sure you follow us on social media and have our site bookmarked: we’ll be updating the event calendar more regularly in 2019, and Russell’s got trips to Durham, Brooklyn, and Boston coming up in the next month, and he’ll be writing full brewery hop guides for all of those cities! Thanks to everyone who follows us, and please join us in 2019 as we’ll try to complete the #FiftyStatesChallenge once again. Cheers!
Alabama (1)
Stout at the Devil by Straight to Ale
The only Alabama beer we had this year was a big winner– the Stout at the Devil not only boasts a well-balanced sweet and roasty flavor, it also has one of the better can designs we’ve seen all year. We’ll try to sample more from Straight to Ale in 2019.
Alaska (9)
We had a number of IPAs from Anchorage this year, all of which really impressed us. However, you remember your first love fondly, and Patterns was our first taste of Alaskan haze, so it shall live on in our hearts forever.
Arizona (3)
MoonJuice IPA by SanTan Brewing
SanTan MoonJuice is not only the beer we had in 2018 that most sounded like a David Bowie lyric, but also the best beer from Arizona we had all year. It’s a light IPA that boasts good balanced flavor and a major foamy head. (“Major foamy head” also sounds like it could be a David Bowie lyric.)
Arkansas (1)
Ozark’s bourbon double cream stouts are the things of legend. They’re legendary because once you’ve downed this at the end of an evening of drinking, you will struggle to remember anything else from the night. We recall shadows of smooth boozy goodness… luckily, upon recovering, we remember that we have a BDCS 2017 in the fridge for next year.
California (647)
The Gutless Wonder by Cellador Ales
“This incredibly sour punch is packed to the absolute brim with berry flavor.” Read more about this beer in our Best Sours of 2018.
Colorado (270)
Raspberry Truffale by Avery Brewing
“This 14%er is such a rich chocolate covered raspberry treat that you’d expect to see bottles of it served in honeymoon suites.” Read more about this beer in our Best Stouts of 2018.
Connecticut (5)
Trailblazer NEIPA from Connecticut Valley Brewing
We ordered this from Tavour, and every subsequent time it’s popped up on the app, we’ve ordered higher quantities. This is bright, crisp, crushable, and flavorful– it’s perfect for our California weather. Tavour should just keep this on the app constantly– or Connecticut Valley Brewing should do cross-country shipping. HOOK US UP, WORLD.
Delaware (1)
Flesh and Blood IPA from Dogfish Head
The Flesh and Blood is a citrusy standard, another tasty beer procured at LA Beer Fest. We realize Dogfish Head is a fairly predictable Delaware choice– we’ll try to expand our Delaware palate next year.
Florida (72)
Consider the Coconut by Reve Brewing
Reve Brewing opened in Atlantic Beach in September, founded by the co-owner of Green Room and his wife. Anyone who’s been to Green Room won’t be surprised that the stouts at Reve are stellar. Consider the Coconut is one of the most delicious coconut stouts we had last year– we also could’ve easily chosen any of Reve’s IPAs or sours. Keep an eye out for them.
Georgia (1)
Triforce by Second Self Brewing
Another Tavour selection, this IPA from Second Self is smooth and downright buttery. Atlanta’s beer scene is booming, and since Russell is from Florida originally, we’re hoping to make a visit to the Southeast and tour Atlanta’s craft breweries very soon.
Hawaii (22)
We had an incredible trip to Kauai in 2018, but the best Hawaiian beer we had is also occasionally available on the mainland. For those seeking coconut porters, Maui Brewing’s Coconut Hiwa is a classic. (It also can be used to concoct some delicious beer-and-rum cocktails when on vacation in the Pacific.)
Idaho (3)
Parallel or Together by Woodland Empire Ale Craft
Woodland Empire Ale Craft leapt onto our radar courtesy of Tavour in 2018. We almost chose the Monroe-hopped A Place To Stand, but we ultimately sided with the Parallel or Together, this full, cedar-y double IPA. Drinking an Idaho beer that tastes like the woods? It just… feels right.
Illinois (95)
Le Grand Monde 2018-5 by Une Annee
“It was impossible to choose one sour beer from this Niles-based brewery for this list, but Le Grand Monde stands out.” Read more about this beer in our Best Sours of 2018.
Indiana (1)
We’ve had a few Upland sours in the past and always enjoyed them. Unsurprisingly, our only Upland bottle this year was a winner. When you think sour beer flavors, you may not immediately think that pineapple and chamomile is an ideal combination– but the experts at Upland make it work, as always.
Iowa (3)
Fire, Skulls, and Money by Toppling Goliath
We’ve had plenty of cans of Pseudo Sue over the last two years, but this was our first experience with Fire, Skulls, and Money, a tasty bottle of haze with the perfect balance of juicy flavor and bitter finish. Plus, you can sing the name of the beer to the tune of Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns, and Money,” which is an added bonus.
Kansas (1)
8-Bit Pale Ale by Tallgrass Brewing
True story: we were in Hazel’s in Boulder, just searching for beers to help us check beers off our #FiftyStatesChallenge checklist. Literally, in the last fridge, in the lowest rack, shoved into the back, was *one* 8-Bit Pale Ale by Tallgrass. Kansas, with this light and balanced pale, congratulations– you’re on the board!
Kentucky (3)
35K by Against the Grain Brewing
Shockingly, we didn’t obtain any bourbon barrel aged beer from Kentucky this past year. (Moment of silence, please.) That said, the 25K is still a worthy inclusion on this list– it’s malty but quite sweet and definitely easy to drink. It also won’t give you a bourbon beer hangover, so that’s a perk.
Louisiana (39)
Ghost in the Machine by Parish Brewing
Parish Brewing’s Ghost in the Machine provides a delightful answer to the question, “What if I drank a 100+ IBU glass of pineapple juice?” Read more about this beer in our Best IPAs of 2018.
Maine (6)
2015 Farm to Face by Allagash Brewing
Feels weird to feature a three-year-old beer on this list, but this was a standout at this summer’s The Rarest Experience, so we had to include it. It’s a peach-packed wild ale that delivers a kick of tartness but still goes down incredibly smoothly. Age has treated this beer marvelously.
Maryland (1)
This was our first Burley Oak experience, an experience we hope to replicate in 2019 (perhaps with an actual visit to Maryland? Fingers crossed!). The Lost IPA sits at 7.2% ABV, but it’s surprisingly crushable– you could’ve fooled us into thinking it was a session. It’s light, crisp, and silky going down.
Massachusetts (7)
Russell is doing a massive trip to Boston before he hits Extreme Beer Fest. Near the top of his list of breweries to visit is Lord Hobo. The Glorious is a hazy, easy-drinking Galaxy-hopped pale ale that Russell had several of at West 4th and Jane. The Massachusetts consolation prize would, appropriately, go to Lord Hobo’s Consolation Prize.
Michigan (5)
Arabicadabra by Bell’s Brewery
“On a hot summer day in Los Angeles, their smooth, spiced coffee beer was just what the doctor ordered.” Read more about this beer in our Best Stouts of 2018.
Minnesota (2)
Furious by Surly is one of several “classics” that we finally got a chance to enjoy this year. This legendary Minnesota IPA– which has nearly 270,000 check-ins on Untappd– is very hoppy but balanced out with a sweet, caramel malt flavor. It’s easy to see why this IPA is so beloved.
Mississippi (1)
Timber Beast Rye IIPA by Lazy Magnolia
Another discovery at Hazel’s, this spicy, nutty beer from Mississippi’s oldest brewery helped warm us up on a cold Boulder afternoon. It’s also surprisingly smooth for something with this much flavor and with a 9% ABV.
Missouri (1)
Absence of Light by 4 Hands Brewing
One of our biggest regrets this year was not pushing harder to obtain more St. Louis beer. That said, we were pleased with the one selection we did obtain, the Absence of Light from 4 Hands Brewing. It’s a sweet stout with intense peanut butter smell, very balanced flavor, and a really light body considering the boldness of the ingredients within.
Montana (2)
Moose Drool by Big Sky Brewing
Whenever we’d ask friends about the best brown ale they’d ever had, two words would unfailingly come up: “Moose Drool.” Thankfully, Dutch’s Brewhouse in Long Beach gave us the opportunity to try this classic for the first time this year. Like the Furious, this lives up to the word-of-mouth.
Nebraska (1)
Supajuice by Kros Strain Brewing
We shared this with our friend Megan, a native of Nebraska. The Supajuice is hazy, citrusy, and dank, with a 9.4% ABV that would effectively warm the blood during a Nebraska winter. It won the approval of two Californians and one Nebraskan.
Nevada (17)
“Owyhee is a potent combination of dry hoppiness and pineapple juiciness.” Read more about this beer in our Best IPAs of 2018.
New Hampshire (1)
Rumination Three by Branch and Blade
We were sent multiple Branch and Blade beers by an Instagram friend to complete this challenge. We finished the rest in 2019 and enjoyed all– but the winner of the bunch may still be the Rumination Three, a smooth, crushable hazy IPA. Surprised we could follow this, as we hadn’t seen Ruminations One or Two!
New Jersey (1)
IPA No. 2 by Eight and Sand Beer Company
Surprised we could follow this, as we hadn’t seen IPA No. 1– oh wait, we already did that hacky joke with the last state? Oh well. Our lone Garden State beer gave us bitter citrus flavor and a slightly-translucent haziness reminiscent of the New Jersey air.
New Mexico (2)
Chocolate Milk Stout by Boxing Bear Brewing
“One minute you’re in a brewery, the next you’re 5, sitting at the kitchen table, reading Calvin and Hobbes, sipping a glass of cool and delicious chocolate milk.” Read more about this beer in our Best Stouts of 2018.
New York (18)
“Fruity, bitter at the end… a “slamma jamma.”” Read more about this beer in our Best IPAs of 2018.
North Carolina (1)
Bolo Coconut Brown by Burial Beer
Those looking for wallop of coconut flavor will be disappointed by this beer, but this Asheville brown still delivers a tasty, medium-bodied balance of malt, caramel, and toffee. Russell heads to North Carolina in January 2019, so we’re looking forward to a bevy of new North Carolina options– along with hopefully more from Burial Beer.
North Dakota (2)
We had several Drekker beers in the first days of 2019 that likely would’ve contended for this spot, but the Sinister Pear is still a very worthy inclusion. You wouldn’t immediately think of Belgian Golden Strong Ales when you think of North Dakota, but this Laughing Sun was fruity and spicy, light yet complex, and at 9+% ABV boozier than it tastes.
Ohio (120)
The Tumi: Curiosity Series by Urban Artifact
“This sour is a rich delicacy with a thick, puree-esque mouthfeel that sends your spirit straight to a South American beach.” Read more about this beer in our Best Sours of 2018.
Oklahoma (3)
Paradise by Prairie Artisan Ales
“Coconut and vanilla make your mouth water, then 13% ABV hits you as you sip this delightful stout, warming you from the inside out.” Read more about this beer in our Best Stouts of 2018.
Oregon (19)
The Bluest by de Garde Brewing
“The Bluest has a bright blueberry aroma but a funkier blueberry skin finish.” Read more about this beer in our Best Sours of 2018.
Pennsylvania (6)
The Shape of Hops to Come by Neshaminy Creek Brewing
The Shape of Hops to Come is a big bitter beast, dank and piney all day long, with some nice grapefruity citrus sprinkled liberally into the mix. In a year where haze continues to surge in popularity and smoothie/milkshake IPAs began to stake a claim, this old-fashioned hop grenade was a welcome change of pace.
Rhode Island (1)
Captain’s Daughter by Grey Sail
When we hear the phrase “double IPA,” we immediately think of Captain’s Daughter. It’s the quintessential DIPA: hoppy, resiny, and grapefruity in equal parts, astonishingly crushable for a can of 8.5% ABV. No wonder it’s such a popular can in Rhode Island.
South Carolina (1)
18 Mile Red Grand Cru by Carolina Bauernhaus
We brought this beauty to Thanksgiving dinner with our friends Dan and Kim. Dan is a hardcore sour aficionado, so we knew a cru from Carolina Bauernhaus would be a slam dunk. Fruity, acidic, and as pucker-inducing as you’d want a Thanksgiving sour to be. We’ve got two more bottles of Carolina Bauernhaus in the cellar– can’t wait to crack open the next one.
South Dakota (2)
We got crowlers from Ben’s Brewing as part of our #FiftyStatesChallenge call on social media, and to be honest, we were concerned about the Peach Genius, because we’re generally not fans of Milkshake IPAs. However, this struck the right chord– the lactose and vanilla didn’t overwhelm, they enhanced the fruitiness and smoothed out without removing the bitterness. It had balance, it was sweet, but it still tasted like a beer. Major tip of the cap to Ben– this honestly may be the best milkshake IPA we’ve ever had.
Tennessee (2)
No Rebuttals by Southern Grist
We had several tasty cans from Tennessee courtesy of our friends from the Drinking Alone With Friends podcast at the start of 2019– but we crushed the session IPA they sent us from Southern Grist the second we opened the porchbomb. It’s a hazy glass full of oats, and it definitely left us wanting more.
Texas (9)
Russell went to Austin for a bachelor party this year. His first beer was a pint of (512)’s Pecan Porter on nitro. The rest are all hazy– not the beers, mind you. His memories. Still, the Pecan Porter remains vividly glued into his brain as a sweet, nutty treat.
Utah (75)
Big Bad Baptista by Epic Brewing
The coffee is potent but the cinnamon is perfectly restrained in this standout stout.” Read more about this beer in our Best Stouts of 2018.
Vermont (4)
“This classic haze bomb lives up to the hype.” Read more about this beer in our Best IPAs of 2018.
Virginia (118)
Juan de Bolas by Aslin Beer Company
“Aslin’s Juan de Bolas is more stuffed with blueberry flavor than Violet Beauregarde.” Read more about this beer in our Best Stouts of 2018.
Washington (15)
When you think of the Pacific Northwest, you think of hop-heavy beers. The Topcutter is a stone-cold Yakima Valley classic, such a crisp and bold IPA that we’re envious of those who get to stack their fridges with cans of it all year long. Whenever Topcutter is on Tavour, we can’t hit “Get It” quickly enough.
Washington D.C. (27)
“This stout has incredible freshness and is thicker than spoonfuls of Skippy.” Read more about this beer in our Best Stouts of 2018.
West Virginia (2)
West Virginia was the last state we needed beer from in 2018– luckily, a kind Instagram user sent us a couple of Stumptown Ales crowlers to help us drink our way across the finish line. The Holy Simcoe is an old-school IPA, a great feature of the Simcoe hop, giving us the piney flavor that Mountaineer fans crave.
Wisconsin (1)
Down and Dirty Stout by Tyranena Brewing
We got a couple of bottles from O’so Brewing this year, but we selfishly didn’t open them for 2018. So instead, we’ll sing the praises of this stout from Tyranena, which smells strongly of chocolate but doesn’t taste overly sweet, giving a nice balanced oatmeal stout flavor.
Wyoming (3)
This is as pure as a stout gets. Blacker than charcoal, packed full of roasty malt flavor, even some smokiness in the mix. For those who don’t like your stouts packed full of sweetening adjuncts, this is 100% the drink to cure what ails you.
Are you excited to complete the #FiftyStatesChallenge in 2019? What were your favorite beers from each state in 2018? Please let us know in the comments below– and thanks again for reading The Beer Travel Guide!
