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The Agency Top 10: Microbreweries

by | Oct 16, 2013

There’s beer, and then there’s craft beer. Microbreweries have popped up all over the country in the last 15 years, which is great news for those who prefer the finer things in life. Here are The Agency’s top 10 favorite microbreweries (and brews), just in time for the Octoberfest and Thanksgiving season.

1. The Great Divide Brewing Company

Denver, CO


Home of the Great American Beer Festival, Denver has some of the best craft beers in the country, and Great Divide is probably the best. Its tap room has a welcoming, festive atmosphere, and you will come again and again once you get a taste of their Yeti Imperial Stout, Hercules Double IPA or Claymore Scotch Ale. greatdivide.com ‎

shutterstock_599039592. Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn, NY


Brooklyn Brewery has been churning out quality beers since 1984, when craft breweries were just in their infancy. Its famous brewmaster, Garret Oliver, has can be seen spreading the craft-brew gospel (and his beers) all around the world. The Brooklyn Lager is their flagship beer. brooklynbrewery.com

3. The Brewery at Abigaile

Hermosa Beach, CA

One of the few true beach-based microbreweries, Brian Brewer (yes, that’s his name) serves up delicious beers along with Abigaile’s notable food. Try their Tangerine Honey Wit, Sticky Fingers IPA, Nihilist DIPA or our favorite, the Coconut Imperial Red.

Hermosa Beach, California. abigailerestaurant.com/brewery

4. Rogue Ales

Portland, OR

Rogue is more than just hipster beer – it’s great beer, period. Their inventive brews include flavors like the Chipotle Ale and the infamous VooDoo Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Banana Ale. And their bottles include tasting notes, ingredients and food pairings directly on the labels. rogue.com

5. Blue Corn Brewery

Santa Fe, NM

Crafted by brewmaster John Bullard, this wide range of beers can be paired with the Blue Corn Brewery’s delicious Southwestern food. In particular, we liked the Road Runner IPA and the Atalaya Amber Ale. bluecorncafe.com

6. Georgetown Brewing Company

Seattle, WA

Georgetown Brewing Company doesn’t have the best place to sit and drink, but they make up for it with a top-notch lineup of brews, which you can sample for free. Their five regular beers are Manny’s Pale Ale, Roger’s Pilsner, Chopper’s Red Ale, Georgetown Porter, and our personal recommendation, the Lucille IPA. georgetownbeer.com

7. Anchor Brewing Company

San Francisco, CA

Anchor Steam beer, sometimes called “California Common,” emerged following the Gold Rush way back in the mid-1800s. The brew has since become an American classic, and this San Francisco microbrewery does it best. Anchor Steam offers a great 90-minute tour, complete with beer tastings, twice daily. anchorbrewing.com

8. Stone Brewing Company

Escondido, CA

One of the largest of the microbreweries, Stone’s headquarters in California attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year. Despite Stone’s size, however, its quality remains strong. In addition to seasonal releases – and their famous Arrogant Bastard Ale – the craft brewery also produces a number of eagerly awaited limited editions. stonebrew.com

10. Pike Place Brewery

Seattle, WA

Owned and operated by the Finkel family since 1989, the Pike is a staple of Seattle microbrews. A wonderful place to come with a group, try The Pike Monks Uncle, the Pike Old Bawdy and the unparalleled Pike Kilt Lifter. pikebrewing.com

9. Dogfish Head

Milton, DE

Dogfish Head remains one of the most popular microbreweries in the country, and their original 60 Minute IPA can now be found in more than 25 states. Under the direction of Sam Calagione, Dogfish continues to put out limited additions such as the Raison d’Extra (18% abv) and other brews notable for their high alcohol content. You may want to cab it home. dogfish.com

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