How Did This Get Made Tour 2019

At center: Marc Nobriga, a brewer for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., sweeps the flooring at the visitor's facility in Chico, California. Photograph Courtesy: Ken James/Bloomberg/Getty Images (center); John Gress/Corbis/Getty Images (left, right)

Few beer-drinking experiences are as fun every bit getting fresh brews direct from the source. So, if you've never been to one of the over 9,000 breweries operating in the United States, yous're missing out. Of course, choosing a brewery bout can exist a challenge; each brewer has its own unique history, location and, well-nigh chiefly, selection of beers. Hither, we've rounded up a few of the best brewery tours in the U.S., all of which allow you to acquire a bit more about the beer-making process up shut.

8 of the Best Brewery Tours in the United states of america

1. Budweiser | St. Louis, Missouri

Say what y'all volition nearly drinking a Bud, but the Anheuser-Busch Budweiser brewery in St. Louis, Missouri is well worth a visit. At Budweiser, the visitor doesn't just offer tours; they offer brewery experiences. You tin can explore beer and nutrient pairings or get a VIP upward-close await at the famed Clydesdales. And those are but 2 of the options.

Budweiser signage is displayed above the Anheuser-Busch Budweiser brewery in St. Louis, Missouri. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Budweiser has been a mainstay in the beer world for well-nigh 150 years, and then the brewery's tours offer a lot in the manner of beer-making history. Plus, you'll accept the chance to explore a broad range of the company's brews, from classic Budweiser to the honey-malt flavors or Budweiser Supreme to the smooth Budweiser Chelada with Clamato.

two. Goose Isle | Chicago, Illinois

The Goose Isle brewery tour isn't just special because of the souvenir glass and three samples yous become along the way. Near enticingly, information technology's a gamble to get a near-complete look at the unabridged brewing procedure. For our money, the bourbon barrel aging room is a standout moment as it showcases the place where a range of delectable brews are aged to perfection.

John Wyzkiewicz monitors equipment at the Goose Isle Brewery in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph Courtesy: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Non familiar with Goose Island's offerings? Start with the Lemonade Shandy for a light and bright option. The Lost Palate Hazy IPA is another excellent choice, and features flavors like mango and cinnamon. Needless to say, Goose Island brewery is a must-encounter spot on any beer lover'due south trip to Chicago, Illinois.

iii. SweetWater | Atlanta, Georgia

If you want a tour with a ton of samples, await no further than SweetWater in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with a chance to try six fantastic brews, you lot'll get a souvenir glass — but that's not all. Tour-wise, you tin can choose between a condensed 30-minute tour or a i.5-hour in-depth behind-the-scenes await at the brewing process.

Sweetwater's motto is, "We're not hither for a long time; we're here for a good time," and you can taste that passion in its brews. For a classic beer, endeavor the 420 Extra Stake Ale, which is like to an IPA. For something a flake darker, give the Hop Hash Double IPA or the seasonal Happy Catastrophe Purple Stout a go.

4. Sierra Nevada | Chico, California

The Sierra Nevada brewery in Chico, California is the original of the company'southward two locations, and that makes information technology an excellent pick for beer lovers looking to go along tours. You tin can explore how the diverse brews are made firsthand, and and so end your mean solar day at the on-site Brewhouse Bar.

Morgan Persky, a bartender at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, pours a beer for a client at the brewery'due south tap room in Mills River, N Carolina. Photo Courtesy: Jacob Biba/The Washington Post/Getty Images

I unique feature of the bout? Learning more than nigh Sierra Nevada's delivery to sustainability. Plus, you'll larn more about the visitor'southward quirky founder, Ken Grossman, which is a real treat; he built Sierra Nevada's starting time brewhouse pretty much past hand using, primarily, recycled dairy equipment.

When information technology comes to the tasting part, you tin can't go wrong with the Torpedo. Only if you're looking for something a bit different, give Strainge Animal, a hard kombucha, or the Tropical Torpedo beer a whirl.

v. New Belgium | Fort Collins, Colorado

A self-described "human-powered" brewery, New Belgium genuinely appreciates its employees, community and whatsoever out-of-town guests who come in for a tour. The company is also environmentally and socially witting, setting high standards with its brews and values.

New Kingdom of belgium Brewery's exterior. Photo Courtesy: Andy Cross/The Denver Mail service/Getty Images

When it comes to what to try at this Fort Collins, Colorado-based brewery, you can ever fall back on a classic: the Fat Tire. But the Voodoo Ranger IPA line is also worth checking out, peculiarly if you visit in the autumn, when the Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin brew is the seasonal care for on tap. If yous're non a big beer drinker, or want to effort something a chip different, New Belgium's Fruit Smash Hard Seltzer is a solid option.

6. Pabst | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

With more than 175 years of history under its bluish ribbon, Pabst offers tours that get you up close and personal with a classic American beer. Seriously — the tour is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything from a historic hall and Pabst's former corporate offices to an one-time hospital.

The Pabst brewery in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photograph Courtesy: Darren Hauck/Bloomberg/Getty Images

As for the all-important samples, trying a classic Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) is a must. Just if you desire something fuller-bodied, go with Pabst Bluish Ribbon Actress. For a lighter brew, there's also Pabst Blue Ribbon Easy.

7. Maui Brewing Co. | Kihei, Hawai'i

A trip to Maui Brewing Co. is pretty much guaranteed to delight beer fans. Beer on tap, right from the source, on Hawai'i? It doesn't go much better. If you visit the brewery, you lot'll get a wait in at the beer-making process likewise as the company's cellar and packaging line. Not to mention, there are sample brews to taste and complimentary souvenir glasses to have home.

While any brew here is worth trying, a few feel classically Hawai'ian in that they harness the flavors of local fruits. The Pineapple Mana and Kokosnoot Hiwa are musts, for example, just you also tin can't become incorrect with more classic (and less fruit-frontwards) beers, similar the Bikini Blonde, Double Overhead or Pueo. And for visitors who aren't of drinking age or who don't drink alcoholic beverages, Maui Brewing Co. makes a line of sodas, besides.

8. Tröegs | Hershey, Pennsylvania

At Tröegs in Hershey, Pennsylvania, you can choose between guided and self-guided tours, making for an incredibly flexible visit and one of the best brewery tours in the U.S. If you lot go with the self-guided option, the unabridged experience is too free — peachy news for travelers on a budget, correct? On the other hand, guided tours are but $5, and include a gift drinking glass and some samples, then it'due south definitely worth the price. During either bout, though, yous'll larn about this newer brewery'due south history and process.

A family-owned company that focuses on local ingredients, Tröegs is committed to exploring new, interesting flavors — and that makes the sampling portion of whatever visit pretty excellent. Not sure where to commencement tasting-wise? Try bestsellers similar the Perpetual IPA or Tröegenator. Along with the company's great beer, you lot can savour some made-from-scratch food, including bread broiled fresh on site. If you're non feeling hungry, you can wrap upwards your tour at the Art of Tröegs gallery instead.