The American beer scene in 2024 continues to thrive with innovation and diversity. From traditional lagers to bold IPAs and rich stouts, breweries across the United States are crafting exceptional beers that cater to a wide range of palates. This article highlights the top 10 beers that have stood out this year, earning accolades and capturing the hearts of beer enthusiasts nationwide.
1. Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout – Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. (Decorah, IA)
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 12%
Overview: This highly sought-after stout boasts rich flavors of coffee, maple syrup, and chocolate. Its limited release and exceptional taste have made it a favorite among collectors and connoisseurs alike.
2. Professional Human Being – Ambitious Ales (Long Beach, CA)
Style: Juicy/Hazy IPA
ABV: 7.2%
Overview: Winner of the gold medal in the Juicy/Hazy IPA category at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival, this beer offers a burst of tropical fruit flavors with a smooth, creamy finish.
3. Codebreaker – Trademark Brewing (Long Beach, CA)
Style: West Coast IPA
ABV: 6.8%
Overview: This gold medalist in the West Coast IPA category delivers a crisp, hop-forward profile with notes of citrus and pine, embodying the classic characteristics of the style.
4. Competition – Highland Park Brewery (Los Angeles, CA)
Style: American-Style IPA
ABV: 6.5%
Overview: Garnering gold at the Great American Beer Festival, this IPA balances a robust hop character with a clean malt backbone, making it a standout in its category.
5. Straight Jacket – Revolution Brewing (Chicago, IL)
Style: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine
ABV: 15%
Overview: This award-winning barleywine is aged in bourbon barrels, imparting deep flavors of caramel, toffee, and vanilla, with a warming finish.
6. Panopticon – Grains of Wrath (Camas, WA)
Style: IPA
ABV: 7%
Overview: Celebrated for its complex hop profile, Panopticon offers layers of citrus, tropical fruits, and a hint of pine, making it a favorite among hop enthusiasts.
7. Mosaic Takedown – Pinthouse Pizza (Austin, TX)
Style: IPA
ABV: 7.5%
Overview: This IPA showcases the Mosaic hop in all its glory, delivering notes of berry, mango, and citrus, with a balanced bitterness that keeps you coming back for more.
8. Baseball – Highland Park Brewery (Los Angeles, CA)
Style: Contemporary American-Style Lager
ABV: 5%
Overview: A gold medalist at the Great American Beer Festival, Baseball is a crisp and refreshing lager with subtle malt sweetness and a clean finish.
9. Nighthawk – Enegren Brewing Company (Moorpark, CA)
Style: Schwarzbier
ABV: 4.8%
Overview: This dark lager combines roasted malt flavors with a light body, offering a smooth and drinkable experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
10. Infinity-Hero IPA – Revolution Brewing (Chicago, IL)
Style: IPA
ABV: 7%
Overview: With its vibrant hop character and balanced malt profile, Infinity-Hero IPA stands out as a testament to Revolution Brewing’s commitment to quality.
Conclusion
The beers listed above represent the pinnacle of American brewing in 2024. Each one showcases the creativity, passion, and dedication of brewers who continue to push the boundaries of flavor and style. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or new to the craft beer scene, these selections offer something for everyone to enjoy.
For more insights into America’s top rankings across various categories, visit America Top 10 Ranking.
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