Best New Brewery (2017)

Started in April, 2016, Bond Brothers Beer Company brews up high-quality artisanal beers – mostly ales and sours – for thirsty beer lovers in historic downtown Cary, North Carolina. The dog- and kid-friendly brewery, taproom and beer garden features 14 beers on tap, monthly brewery tours and a barrel sour program.
Photo courtesy of Bond Brothers Beer Company

Since Scofflaw Brewing Company opened its doors in Atlanta in July 2016, the brewery has been wildly successful. So successful, in fact, that they'll be adding fermentation capacity soon. The hop-forward beers are the standouts, including juicy Northeastern-style Basement IPA, Galaxy-hopped Hooligan IPA and Double Jeopardy Double IPA.
Photo courtesy of Scofflaw Brewing Company

Housed within an old electric supply store in Braddock, Pennsylvania, Brew Gentlemen opened for business in May, 2014 and has since grown from a pair of college buddies brewing good beers to a team of 10. The focus of the beer program is on hop-centric flavors, with an emphasis on flavor and aroma rather than bitterness. Guests at the taproom can sip draft beer onsite or take growlers to go, and local food trucks are often hosted on site.
Photo courtesy of Brew Gentlemen

Cruz Blanca, a new Chicago restaurant and brewery from Chef Rick Bayless, debuted in May 2016 and has already earned a reputation for its excellent brewery tour and classic German, French and Austrian-style beers. Street-style tacos and tostadas made from wood-grilled meats are the perfect accompaniment. 
Photo courtesy of Huge Galdones

Specializing in traditional, Continental European-style beers, Dovetail Brewery out of Chicago got started in May 2015 – the work of two brewers from Chicago who met in Munich while studying for their Master Brewer Certifications. Guests in the dog-friendly tap room can sample a flight of Dovetail's flagship beers while enjoying food ordered in or from a local hosted food truck.
Photo courtesy of Dovetail Brewery

Opened in summer 2016, Narrow Gauge Brewing Company pays tribute to Florissant, its home town and the former terminus of the West End Narrow Gauge railroad from St. Louis. Visitors are welcome in the 3-barrel brew house for a pint or to fill up a growler to take home. Narrow Gauge beers are also available at Cugino's Italian Grill.
Photo courtesy of Narrow Gauge Brewing Company

The Answer Brewpub opened in Richmond in fall of 2014 after An Hui of Mekong fame decided to expand from the Vietnamese restaurant and beer bar to open his own brewery. Visitors to the brewpub can choose between 56 taps – both Answer and guest beers – enjoyed alongside a menu of Vietnamese fare with live music in the background.
Photo courtesy of The Answer Brewpub

Founded in Berkeley in early 2015, Fieldwork Brewing Company has been so successful, they're already expanding with new taprooms in Napa and Sacramento, with new ones slated to open soon in San Mateo and Monterey. Besides several brews available on draft (and in growlers to go) Fieldwork recently launched a limited release can program as well.
Photo courtesy of Fieldwork Brewing Company

Situated in the Scott's Addition neighborhood of Richmond, The Veil Brewing Co. opened in spring of 2016 with a focus on hop-centric beers, lagers, wild ales and spontaneous fermentation. The Veil beers can be enjoyed on draft in the taproom or from cans available to go.
Photo courtesy of The Veil Brewing Co.

With a focus on New England-style IPAs and creative sours, Great Notion Brewing in Portland maintains a robust barrel program, where American sours are aged from nine to 24 months in oak. Founded early in 2016, the brewery also operates a taproom with house and guest beers on tap and a menu of pub fare.
Photo courtesy of Steven Shomler / Great Notion Brewing