USA TODAY 10Best
Best New Brewery: The Seed: A Living Beer Project wins
Best New Brewery (2021)
Craft breweries are opening in record numbers in the United States, hundreds each year. USA TODAY 10Best wanted to find the best new breweries in the country, ones founded in the past three years (since the beginning of 2018), so we asked our readers to vote for their favorites.
The top 10 winners in the category Best New Brewery are as follows:
Photo courtesy of The Drowned Lands
No. 10: The Drowned Lands - Warwick, New York
The Drowned Lands brewers take inspiration from the land on which the farm brewery is built when crafting their terroir-focused beers. The current lineup includes six beers, including an aged alt bier, fruited sour IPA, two double IPAs, table saison and an oatmeal stout.
Photo courtesy of Corporate Ladder Brewing
No. 9: Corporate Ladder Brewing - Palmetto, Florida
The motto of Corporate Ladder Brewing Company is “stop climbing and start living.” This new Florida brewery offers the perfect place to do so, offering a place to gather over a pint of Paperweight Pilsner, Empty Cubicle DDH Hazy IPA or Corporate Hausing Lager.
Photo courtesy of Walt & Whitman Brewing Company
No. 8: Walt & Whitman Brewing Company - Saratoga Springs, New York
Walt & Whitman Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs occupies the former Saratogian newspaper building as a brewery, restaurant and coffeehouse in one.
Photo courtesy of Red Clover Ale Company
No. 7: Red Clover Ale Company - Brandon, Vermont
Red Clover Ale Company operates a small brewery and taproom in Brandon, Vermont, where the beers take inspiration from farming, the changing seasons and the surrounding natural beauty of the state.
Photo courtesy of Young Blood Beer Company
No. 6: Young Blood Beer Company - Madison, Wisconsin
This new Madison brewery was scheduled to open in spring of 2020 when the pandemic hit. After successfully opening in June, the brewery is already making a name for itself thanks to its dank and hoppy IPAs and farmhouse ales. The folks at Young Blood already have plans for a cocktail tasting room on their second floor.
Photo courtesy of The Good Society
No. 5: The Good Society - Seattle
The Good Society, named Small Brewpub of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival in 2020, brews beers from their West Seattle facility and public house. The brewery takes community seriously. Each year, they select two local non-profits to support for the coming six to twelve months. Guests can choose from a dozen beers and a few ciders.
Photo courtesy of Torch & Crown Brewing Company
No. 4: Torch & Crown Brewing Company - New York
This Lower Manhattan production brewery and restaurant opened their 9,000-square-foot space in Soho last fall in the middle of the pandemic. The beer lineup includes 10 or so options ranging from pilsners and IPAs to barrel-aged and pastry stouts.
Photo courtesy of Boss Rambler Beer Club
No. 3: Boss Rambler Beer Club - Bend, Oregon
Boss Rambler, based in Bend’s Westside neighborhood near the Deschutes River, seeks to make memorable beers, whether it’s a hazy IPA, an imperial stout made with balsam fir and maple syrup or a coconut cream and pineapple fruited sour.
Photo courtesy of iStock / KariHoglund
No. 2: Fire Maker Brewing Company - Atlanta
Fire Maker Brewing Company was founded on the values of family, integrity, revelry and enthusiasm. You can sense the enthusiasm at this new brewery in Atlanta, where you’ll find nearly two dozen brews on tap.
Photo courtesy of The Seed: A Living Beer Project
No. 1: The Seed: A Living Beer Project - Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City’s newest brewery specializes in saisons and mixed-fermentation ales made from local fruits, grains and botanicals. The new 5,000-square-foot production brewery and tasting room features a seven-barrel brewing system with nine taps and a dedicated side-pull lager line.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning breweries!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a... Read More
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys–a chocolate vanilla imperial stout–geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys–a chocolate vanilla imperial stout–geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Gary Monterosso
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who... Read More
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is a regular guest on “You Oughta Know,” on WHYY-TV, a PBS station based in Philadelphia. Gary also hosts one-minute beverage updates on several southern NJ radio stations. From 2010-2017, he was seen on the History Channel show called “The Epic History of Everyday Things.” He is the author of the book, “Artisan Beers.” After a 41-year career as a NJ- based educator, Gary now teaches beer appreciation classes at Wilmington University. Gary has appeared on many television programs discussing craft beers and has guested on BBC radio offering an American perspective on the beverage. In late 2014, he lent his expertise to CBS News New York, by offering fall beer recommendations. One of the highlights of his career was a three-year stint on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, talking about the latest happenings in the beer world. In 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States. He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.
Gary Monterosso
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is a regular guest on “You Oughta Know,” on WHYY-TV, a PBS station based in Philadelphia. Gary also hosts one-minute beverage updates on several southern NJ radio stations. From 2010-2017, he was seen on the History Channel show called “The Epic History of Everyday Things.” He is the author of the book, “Artisan Beers.” After a 41-year career as a NJ- based educator, Gary now teaches beer appreciation classes at Wilmington University. Gary has appeared on many television programs discussing craft beers and has guested on BBC radio offering an American perspective on the beverage. In late 2014, he lent his expertise to CBS News New York, by offering fall beer recommendations. One of the highlights of his career was a three-year stint on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, talking about the latest happenings in the beer world. In 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States. He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.
Latiesha Cook
Latiesha Cook is the Co-Founder, President and CEO... Read More
Latiesha Cook is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Beer Kulture, a St. Petersburg, Florida based nonprofit focused on increasing diversity and inclusion in the craft beer industry. Born in the Bronx, New York, Latiesha is a wife, mother of four, Cicerone certified beer server, published author and entrepreneur. In her leadership role at Beer Kulture, she has guided the team in launching an array of initiatives designed to diversify craft beer, including Cicerone scholarships, internships, a job board, and kollaboration beers with breweries around the world, as well as community projects to help local neighborhoods and causes throughout the country.
Latiesha Cook
Latiesha Cook is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Beer Kulture, a St. Petersburg, Florida based nonprofit focused on increasing diversity and inclusion in the craft beer industry. Born in the Bronx, New York, Latiesha is a wife, mother of four, Cicerone certified beer server, published author and entrepreneur. In her leadership role at Beer Kulture, she has guided the team in launching an array of initiatives designed to diversify craft beer, including Cicerone scholarships, internships, a job board, and kollaboration beers with breweries around the world, as well as community projects to help local neighborhoods and causes throughout the country.
Mike Arra
Dr. Mike Arra is the CBO (Chief Beer Officer) and... Read More
Dr. Mike Arra is the CBO (Chief Beer Officer) and logistics guru of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning beer tour company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts. Bon Beer Voyage was created by Mike and his wife, Ruth Berman, as the beer lover’s casual but exclusive version of elite wine tours. They offer higher quality, small group, gourmet beer vacations (Beercations) in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind experiences, sightseeing, great food, brewery insider visits and beer tastings. Mike also is the beer instructor for Bon Beer Voyage’s monthly beer tasting classes and serves as the beer guide for their Beercation beer hunting sessions.
Mike Arra
Dr. Mike Arra is the CBO (Chief Beer Officer) and logistics guru of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning beer tour company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts. Bon Beer Voyage was created by Mike and his wife, Ruth Berman, as the beer lover’s casual but exclusive version of elite wine tours. They offer higher quality, small group, gourmet beer vacations (Beercations) in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind experiences, sightseeing, great food, brewery insider visits and beer tastings. Mike also is the beer instructor for Bon Beer Voyage’s monthly beer tasting classes and serves as the beer guide for their Beercation beer hunting sessions.
Ruth Berman
Dr. Ruth Berman is the CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond... Read More
Dr. Ruth Berman is the CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond the Beer) of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning international beer-centric vacation company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts. Bon Beer Voyage was created by Ruth and her husband, Mike Arra, as the beer lover’s casual but exclusive version of elite wine tours. They offer high-quality, small group, gourmet Beercations in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind experiences, locally guided sightseeing, great food, brewery insider visits and VIP beer tastings. Ruth is also a Certified Tour Director, Licensed Tour Guide and Cicerone Program Certified Beer Server and has served as one of the beer experts for USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Beer awards since 2014. She is member of the Pink Boots Society, Brewer’s Association, Florida Brewer’s Guild, North American Guild of Beer Writers and World Food Travel Association.
Ruth Berman
Dr. Ruth Berman is the CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond the Beer) of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning international beer-centric vacation company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts. Bon Beer Voyage was created by Ruth and her husband, Mike Arra, as the beer lover’s casual but exclusive version of elite wine tours. They offer high-quality, small group, gourmet Beercations in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind experiences, locally guided sightseeing, great food, brewery insider visits and VIP beer tastings. Ruth is also a Certified Tour Director, Licensed Tour Guide and Cicerone Program Certified Beer Server and has served as one of the beer experts for USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Beer awards since 2014. She is member of the Pink Boots Society, Brewer’s Association, Florida Brewer’s Guild, North American Guild of Beer Writers and World Food Travel Association.