Craft beer has surged in popularity over the years, with people flocking to local brewers for unique flavors, innovative brewing techniques, and that handcrafted touch. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting to explore, these top-selling U.S. breweries are some of the most beloved in the country. Let’s explore what makes each of them stand out.
Yuengling: The Oldest Brewery in the U.S.
Established: 1829 | Location: Pottsville, PA
Yuengling has been brewing beer in Pennsylvania since before the Civil War, making it the oldest operating brewery in the U.S. Despite its size, this family-owned business remains independent. Their flagship Traditional Lager is a classic, especially on the East Coast, where it’s become a go-to for many beer drinkers.
Popular Brews:
- Traditional Lager
- Light Lager
- Black & Tan
Why It’s Popular: Yuengling offers an affordable, widely accessible beer while maintaining its independent spirit.
Samuel Adams: A Craft Beer Pioneer
Established: 1984 | Location: Boston, MA
Samuel Adams, brewed by the Boston Beer Company, was instrumental in launching the modern craft beer movement. Its Boston Lager set the stage for craft beers to move into the mainstream. They keep things exciting with a wide range of seasonal releases like their fan-favorite Octoberfest.
Popular Brews:
- Boston Lager
- Summer Ale
- Octoberfest
Why It’s Popular: Sam Adams is a craft beer staple with a solid range of seasonal and year-round offerings that appeal to many palates.
Sierra Nevada: The King of Pale Ales
Established: 1980 | Location: Chico, CA
Sierra Nevada was one of the early players in the craft beer revolution and is known for its hop-forward Pale Ale, which helped shape the American craft beer scene. They continue to push boundaries, particularly in the world of IPAs, with offerings like the Torpedo Extra IPA and the hazy favorite, Hazy Little Thing IPA.
Popular Brews:
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
- Hazy Little Thing IPA
- Torpedo Extra IPA
Why It’s Popular: They’ve mastered hoppy beers and are a leader in sustainability, making them a long-standing favorite.
New Belgium: Where Innovation Meets Tradition
Established: 1991 | Location: Fort Collins, CO
New Belgium is most famous for its easy-drinking Fat Tire Amber Ale, but its more recent Voodoo Ranger IPA series has become a huge hit among craft beer lovers. They were one of the first breweries to focus on eco-friendly practices, and their employee-owned model—until they were acquired—helped shape a community-focused culture.
Popular Brews:
- Fat Tire Amber Ale
- Voodoo Ranger IPA
- La Folie Sour Ale
Why It’s Popular: Their mix of traditional and adventurous beers, along with their focus on sustainability, keeps fans loyal.
Duvel Moortgat USA (Boulevard & Ommegang): Belgian Style, American Flair
Established: 1989 (Boulevard), 1997 (Ommegang) | Locations: Kansas City, MO & Cooperstown, NY
With Boulevard Brewing and Brewery Ommegang under its belt, Duvel Moortgat USA offers a unique blend of Belgian-style brewing with American craft beer innovation. Boulevard is known for its standout Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, while Ommegang’s Belgian-style beers like Three Philosophers are loved by fans of more complex brews.
Popular Brews:
- Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale (Boulevard)
- Three Philosophers (Ommegang)
- Bourbon Barrel Quad (Boulevard)
Why It’s Popular: These breweries offer well-crafted beers that appeal to lovers of both Belgian and American brewing traditions.
CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective: Canned Craft Beer, Done Right
Established: 2015 | Location: Longmont, CO
CANarchy is a collective of independent craft breweries like Oskar Blues and Cigar City, and they’ve made a name for themselves by leading the charge in canned craft beer. Their focus on quality and convenience makes them a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and craft beer fans alike.
Popular Brews:
- Dale’s Pale Ale (Oskar Blues)
- Jai Alai IPA (Cigar City)
- Mama’s Little Yella Pils (Oskar Blues)
Why It’s Popular: CANarchy offers top-tier craft beer in convenient cans, making it perfect for any adventure or backyard gathering.
Stone Brewing: IPAs with Attitude
Established: 1996 | Location: Escondido, CA
Stone Brewing is all about big, bold beers, especially when it comes to IPAs. Their signature Stone IPA is a must-try for hop lovers, and their assertive branding—like the infamous Arrogant Bastard Ale—reflects their no-nonsense approach to beer. Stone is not afraid to push the limits of hoppiness.
Popular Brews:
- Stone IPA
- Arrogant Bastard Ale
- Ruination Double IPA
Why It’s Popular: Stone’s beers are bold, unapologetically hoppy, and cater to beer drinkers who crave intense flavors.
Dogfish Head: Where Creativity Knows No Limits
Established: 1995 | Location: Milton, DE
If you love experimental and boundary-pushing brews, Dogfish Head is likely one of your favorites. Their 60 Minute IPA is a classic, but Dogfish Head is best known for its more adventurous beers that use unique ingredients and brewing techniques. They’ve made a name for themselves by crafting one-of-a-kind beers for curious drinkers.
Popular Brews:
- 60 Minute IPA
- SeaQuench Ale
- 90 Minute IPA
Why It’s Popular: Dogfish Head’s bold experimentation and creativity set them apart, making their beers a favorite for those looking to try something new.
Deschutes Brewery: The Balanced Beer Kings
Established: 1988 | Location: Bend, OR
Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Deschutes Brewery is all about balance. Their flagship Black Butte Porter is one of the top-selling porters in the country, and they’re also known for their crisp, refreshing Fresh Squeezed IPA. Deschutes emphasizes community, sustainability, and brewing beers that are approachable yet full of flavor.
Popular Brews:
- Black Butte Porter
- Fresh Squeezed IPA
- Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Why It’s Popular: Deschutes excels at making balanced, smooth beers that are easy to drink but still packed with flavor.
Bell’s Brewery: Home of the Iconic Two Hearted Ale
Established: 1985 | Location: Kalamazoo, MI
Bell’s Brewery is beloved for its award-winning Two Hearted Ale, a beer that frequently tops lists as one of the best IPAs in the U.S. Their Oberon Ale, a wheat beer, is another seasonal favorite that gets people excited for summer. With a range of well-crafted, flavorful beers, Bell’s has carved out a devoted fanbase.
Popular Brews:
- Two Hearted Ale
- Oberon Ale
- Hopslam Ale
Why It’s Popular: Bell’s consistently produces some of the most highly regarded beers in the U.S., with Two Hearted Ale being a standout.
From coast to coast, these craft breweries have made their mark by offering unique, flavorful beers that appeal to a wide range of beer lovers. Whether you’re into hop bombs, smooth porters, or adventurous sours, you’ll find something to enjoy from one of these top-selling breweries.
Of the top 10 biggest selling craft breweries, which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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