2011 Best Microbreweries in America

If your idea of trying new and inventive beer is popping open a can of Bud Light Lime (shop for merchandise), be prepared to have your eyes opened and your mind expanded by this collection of top-notch microbreweries, based on rankings from online magazines Spectrum Culture and AskMen.com.

Dry Dock Brewing Co.
Headquarters: Aurora, Colo.

This acclaimed microbrewery got its start when the owner of a home brew store decided to take his recipes to the people. After years of talking hops with local brewers, he opened a small taproom in 2005 before expanding to a larger facility in 2009.

Signature brews: H.M.S. Victory ESB, URCA Vanilla Porter, Paragon Apricot Blonde

Ballast Point Brewery
Headquarters: San Diego

Ballast Point Brewery got its start in back of a home-brew mart where co-founders Jack White and Yuseff created their first tasty brews. In 1996, it expanded to a full brewery site and stays true to its motto “Beer Lovers Making Real Good Beer”.

Signature brews: Big Eye IPA, Wahoo Wheat Beer, Black Marlin Porter.

Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Headquarters: Paso Robles, Calif.

This brewery is owned by relatives of “The Bachelor” TV star Andrew Firestone. The Firestone family is better known by the people of San Louis Obispo County for their Union Jack IPA than their automotive business.

Signature brews: Double Barrel Ale, Solace, Velvet Merlin

Port Brewing Co.
Headquarters: Solana Beach, Calif.

Continually ranked as one of the top microbreweries by both industry experts and enthusiasts, this fast-growing brewery has nearly doubled its brewing capacity since opening in 2006.  If you’re in the San Diego area, check out one of its Pizza Port brewpub locations.

Signature brews: Wipeout IPA, Shark Attack, Old Viscosity

-2011 Best Microbreweries in America