There are more than 4000 breweries in the United States of America, with more opening daily. This provides beer aficionados with a dizzying array of choices, which is both a blessing and a curse.  Due to the realities of beer distribution (including a slew of complex state and federal alcohol regulations) it is hard for the even the well informed citizen to keep track of which breweries are churning out the most extraordinary brews. Each of our diverse 50 states (and Washington D.C., because of their bureaucratically bona fide brews) has its own unique style of beer due to geography, water, local ingredients, brewing traditions, and a host of other factors. Please select a state and learn about its best breweries*. If you have genuine American beer expertise, i.e. you like to drink good beer and discuss the experience with others, please vote for your favorite brewery.

​The results of this poll have been combined with the previously collected data to determine the top three breweries in each state for 2016, information about the methodology is shown here.This will help thirsty folks find some of the best beer in America. Results are available on each state page, or buy a map here.

Voting has begun for 2017, vote early and vote often, Cheers! 

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What makes good beer?

Water

Good water is the key to good beer, because beer is mostly water. Certain beer styles lend themselves better to either harder or softer water, which is determined by the amount of dissolved minerals such as Calcium and Magnesium. In order to keep beer flavors consistent, many breweries treat their water through a variety of methods, such as reverse osmosis or adding key minerals. 

Barley

Barley is a nice cereal grain, which makes beer taste like beer. Malted barley (germinated and dried) is sweet and can be roasted a little or quite a bit in order to brew many styles of beer. Smash the roasted malted barley and steep it in hot water - the resulting "barley soup" is called wort which is the humble beginnings of beer.

Hops

Hops balance the sweet malty flavors and aromas of the malt with contrasting bitterness. They also preserve the beer. There are many varieties of hops which add different characteristics to the finished beer. The flavors and aromas can be described as citrus, floral, earthy, piney, bombastic, etc. Beer may contain a single hop or multiple varieties..

Yeast

Yeast is a magnificently mysterious microorganism which transforms the sugars in the wort to alcohol and carbon dioxide (carbonation or bubbles).
Fermentation - Boom!
There are also many varieties of yeast and they impart differing flavors and aromas to beer.

More Stuff

​There is plenty more that can be added to beer:
Other grains can be added: Wheat, Oats, Rye and the like can add distinct flavors, body and color. Boring grains such as rice and corn can cheaply increase the alcohol in the beer, but generally do not add much in the way of flavor or complexity. 
Fruit is common addition, as are spices, coffee, chocolate, vegetables, nuts, oysters, smoke flavor and so so much more.
Other additives may not affect the flavors, but can adjust the clarity or pH of the beer; these include Irish Moss, isinglass, and a variety of salts and minerals.

The Human Element

Ultimately the best ingredients in the world coupled with the fanciest most up-to-date equipment is useless without a brewer who has the knowledge and aptitude to brew. If it is possible, get to know who brews the beer you are drinking, then thank them.
And don't forget about the people pouring your beer. They make sure the beer you are drinking is pouring well, that the glassware is clean and appropriate, and a host of other subtleties to enhance your overall experience, take care of them.