The Best Beer is Microbrewed: America's Top Eleven Breweries

I'm not going to lie, I love beer. Some may call me a bit of a beer snob (okay, a big beer snob), but one thing is certain-if you want to know the best beer breweries in this fine country you've come to the right place. Whether it's dark beer or light beer, lager or lambic, these ten breweries are what I've found to be the best tasting. I've put them in order of approximate budget-from closer to that of the college kid to serious snob such as myself (though it's arguable I should be embracing the former, starving academic that I am). Good beer comes in all different flavors, colors, and seasons. Here are the breweries that offer the best, in all price ranges. Cheers!

1. Dundee (Rochester, NY): This brewery is better known by its particular brew, Honey Brown. The small increase in price from your run of the mill domestic is more than worth it, and Honey Brown can be found on tap in many of the bars I've visited (of course, this could be entirely dependent on geographic location). Honey Brown is a bit darker, and certainly not a light beer. Its economical value makes Dundee the perfect inexpensive microbrew. Visit: http://www.dundeebeer.com/

2. Samuel Adams (Boston, MA): It's a name we've all heard, and in my opinion they offer best mid-priced microbrews on the market. The famous brewery is of course in Boston-well known by its Boston Lager. Whereas I love the fact that this beer can be my stand-by at any bar with a limited selection, my favorite aspect of the brewery is the excellent variety packs it offers. This is particularly true during the holiday season when it includes Old Fezziwig and the Holiday Porter. Visit: http://www.samueladams.com

3. Leinenkugel's (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin): When I first sampled the fruits of this brewery, it tasted exactly so-fruity. Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat (so dubbed the "Trix Beer" by me and my colleagues) is a very flavorful beer with a strong fruit taste. I would dub this the best beer for summer. This brewery isn't limited to good summer beer, however. My particular favorite offering is the Fireside Nut Brown they carry in the winter. Not terribly heavy, but very comforting for the season. Visit: http://www.leinie.com

4. Magic Hat (South Burlington, Vermont): Likely one of my all-time favorite breweries. They make some of the best variety packs, and assortment of seasonal beer I've ever found. I'm also able to find their most popular brew, #9, on tap year-round. I think the best quality in this brewery is the great amount of versatility they practice so effortlessly. Howl, the "Black as night winter lager" was likely the best seasonal of 2009. But they pull off Circus Boy, a delicious hefeweizen seamlessly. To this brewery I say: Bravo, and another pint, please. Visit: http://www.magichat.net

5. Abita (Abita Springs, LA): I'm not sure how well-known this brewery is across the states, but from what I've tasted it should be a household name. Many enjoy the straight Abita Amber (excellent flavor, not too heavy). Many love the raspberry wheat goodness that is Purple Haze. I personally find my personal solace in Turbodog-which not only has a fantastic name, but is also one of the few ales that I care for (if you didn't notice, I tend to stick to hefeweizens or darker brews). That fact alone gives the brewery an A+. Visit: http://abita.com

6. Rogue (Newport, OR): It's hard for me to pick a favorite among the breweries listed here, but this one may take the prize. Not only do I pretty much flip for the Hazelnut Brown Ale, but they have recently released what has come to be the best beer-also seemingly the most unavailable beer-I have ever tasted. Oddly enough, it is not a stout or porter. Rather, it is the Morimoto Soba Ale-a specialty brew that comes in a 22 oz. bottle that you can apparently find nowhere in my area. Its partner in crime, the Morimoto Black Obi Soba Ale (a darker, nuttier version) is also a gem, and just as unavailable. If you happen to find it, let me know. It's worth the extra mileage. Visit: http://www.rogue.com

7. Great Lakes (Cleveland, OH): I'm sure some will cry in outrage that I included this brewery because of its proximity to my hometown. I say not a chance. Why? Because this Cleveland brewery not only makes delicious beers such as Eliot Ness and Edmund Fitzgerald, but they make by far the greatest Christmas Ale ever to grace the winter months of our country. Favoritism? I think not. You find me a fuller bodied, spicier holiday brew and I'll say kudos to you. Until then, I'm sticking with the brewery I know does it best. Oh, and the other beers are great too. Visit: http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com

8. Flying Dog (Frederick, MD): Inspired by Hunter S. Thompson and appropriately illustrated by Ralph Steadman, these creative bottles house great beer with excellent taste. The brewery has won a number of awards for its beautifully crafted brews. This is the only other brewery able to seduce, and win me over with its pale ale. However, the championed Gonzo Imperial Porter is really what does it for me. The very subtle hints of chocolate round out a dry hopped masterpiece, and serve the perfect tribute to the brewery's greatest inspiration. Visit: http://www.flyingdogales.com

9. Left Hand (Longmont, CO): Though I personally have not sampled anywhere near a comprehensive selection from this brewery, the Milk Stout seals the deal all by itself. It is certainly on the sweeter side, but despite this holds great flavor and a rich creaminess. This is by far one of my favorite brews and because it makes my top five, the brewery earns itself a place among the giants. Great job, Left Hand. Visit: http://www.lefthandbrewing.com

10. Goose Island (Chicago, IL): I've found this brewery also to be highly versatile, and offer a great seasonal selection. I know I talked up the Great Lakes Christmas Ale already, but Goose Island's is a close second. I personally prefer their Nut Brown Ale-which isn't quite as sweet as some of the others. I also very much enjoy the 312 Urban Wheat Ale, another summer favorite of mine. It doesn't need any bells or whistles, it's a straightforward, matter of fact kind of beer. Visit: http://www.gooseisland.com

11. Stone (Escondido, CA): Even if this brewery didn't have excellent beer, I would still love them for their incredible sense of humor. Thankfully, I don't have to choose. As they warn on the bottle, no one is really "worthy" of drinking their Arrogant Bastard Ale-and they very well may be right. For all their pompous behavior, Stone really knows what they're doing. I, of course, prepare the dark, rich Smoked Porter. Again, it's those coffee and chocolate notes that get me every time. You should definitely give it a try, if you've got the audacity. Visit: http://www.stonebrew.com

Again, I know this is not an exhaustive list of the best beer in America. There are so many excellent breweries all across the country. However, I think taste, price, and geographical variety are well represented. That being said, enjoy your beer tasting adventure, and remember: the best beer is microbrewed.