Every month, the craft beer industry feels its profile lift a bit higher – from new breweries opening to high-end restaurants putting microbrew selections on their menus. Really, it’s safe to say that craft beer has saved America’s beer reputation.
Though it’s easier than ever to find high-quality craft beers distributed throughout the country, beer aficionados should travel to find selections that are only released in certain areas. Here are a few destinations that microbrew fans can count on for rare and unusual brews.
Portland, Ore.
Portland is one of the epicenters of the craft beer renaissance. It’s home to well-known labels like Rogue, Deschutes and Bridgeport. These are all worthy destinations during a visit to the Rose City, but there are a few places where you can find much more unusual beers that you’re unlikely to encounter outside of Oregon. Topping my list is The Green Dragon. Imbibe magazine named it one of the 100 best places to drink beer in America. You’ll find close to 50 taps, most devoted to unusual flavors (such as a jasmine India pale ale) brewed in the region. It’s a rotating selection. From the super-hoppy to super-sour to super-malty, you’ll find it here. The Green Dragon also serves food.
Frisco, Colo.
Craft beer is one of Colorado’s points of pride. In Fort Collins alone, you’ll find New Belgium and Odell. Statewide? Ska, Great Divide, Breckenridge – the list goes on. So what’s the deal with the tiny town of Frisco? Well, its lone brewery is Backcountry Brewery. Its standouts are its stouts and IPAs – occupying opposite ends of the flavor spectrum. And true to the purpose of this list, you won’t find a bottle of Breakfast Stout in the beer aisle of a Safeway in Phoenix. The menu is also extensive and tasty – a great end to a day on the slopes. The staff is typical Colorado friendly – something I’ve come to expect from the entire Breckenridge area.
Chicago
I’d given up all hope in Chicago. After a few days of prowling The Loop on foot, I had come up empty (not including finding a bottle of New Holland’s excellent El Mole Ocho in a grocery store). Finally, I interrogated a bartender at Rock Bottom – I could tell from his Colorado flag tattoo that he knew what I sought . He directed me to Haymarket Pub & Brewery . You’ll find many of the usual craft beer suspects there – but choose one of Haymarket’s own. The Matthias Imperial IPA ranks right up there with the Oskar Blues Gubna. Haymarket also has several spins on Belgian ales. Not a disappointing flavor in the bunch.