The top 5 beer breweries located in the United States, with the top beers from each company, purchasing information, and awards.
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch has 12 breweries in the United States, with their central location being in St. Louis, MO. Tours are available at 5 breweries: St. Louis, MO, Merrimack, NH, Jacksonville FL, Fort Collins, CO, and Fairfield, CA. Their most well known beers are Budweiser, including Bud Light and Bud Light Lime. Anheuser-Busch also produces Michelob, another very famous beer, and Bacardi. According to their website, Anheuser-Busch was given a BevStar award in the July publication Beverage World for “innovation in ingredients, packaging and positioning and overall uniqueness.” Earlier in 2010 Fortune Magazine ranked Anheuser-Busch as Number 1 in the brewery category, and Number 2 in overall beverage company category. Anheuser-Busch products are available in your local grocery and liquor stores across the United States.
New Belgium Brewing
Established in 1991 by a home brewer and his wife, New Belgium brewing doesn’t have a history spanning many decades like some other breweries, but it certainly is gaining in popularity for being relatively young. New Belgium’s flagstaff beer is Fat Tire, a Belgium inspired brew. With headquarters in Fort Collins, CO, you can currently book tours of this unique brewery online. New Belgium Brewing hosts an annual Tour de Fat bicycle tour with all proceeds to charity. Currently they are distributing to 19 states, gaining more of a following every day.
Spoetzl Brewery
The Spoetzl Brewery is located in Shiner, TX. The maker’s of Shiner Bock, Spoetzl is the oldest independent brewery in Texas. Brewery tours are available with all Shiner beers on tap. There are 7 varieties of Shiner brew, as well as 3 seasonal beers. The Holiday Cheer beer is a winter seasonal with pecan and peach flavors. Spoetzal Brewery currently distributes to 41 states.
MillerCoors
MillerCoors has 10 breweries across the United States, and their headquarters are located in Chicago, IL. Tours of breweries can be taken in Golden, CO, Chippewa Falls, WI, and Milwaukee, WI. MillerCoors is most famous for the Miller and Coors brand beers. Also gaining in popularity are the Red Dog and Blue Moon varieties. MillerCoors’ Blue Moon has won a gold medal for White Beer at the World Beer Championship. Gold medals have also been awarded by the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. MillerCoors received Superior Taste Award from The International Taste and Quality Institute of Belgium. MillerCoors brews are available in local grocery and liquor stores across the United States.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company was established in Chico, C.A. in 1979. A tour of the brewery is available, and they have a Taproom and restaurant on site. Sierra Nevada is most famous for Pale Ale, which has won a gold medal from the Great American Beer Festival. Also offered are seasonal brews, and some special releases. The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company distributes across the United States.
Sources:
http://www.anheuser-busch.com/index.html
http://www.millercoors.com/Home.aspx
http://www.newbelgium.com/
http://www.shiner.com/main.php
http://www.sierranevada.com//index2.html
