American Craft Beer The Best Craft Beer, Breweries, Bars, Brewpubs, Beer Stores, And Restaurants Serving Serious Beer.
(Courtesy Anheuser-Busch)
The US is home to numerous “big breweries” – those that produce large quantities of beer, but still offer unique and memorable experiences.
But “big brewery” tours in the US can no longer be limited to mega-brewers like Anheuser-Busch and Molson Coors, there are now plenty of big craft brewers that host impressive tours that stand with the majors and are almost “too much” fun.
And here are three “big brewery” tours in America that you shouldn’t miss!
Anheuser-Busch Brewery – St. Louis, Missouri
Anheuser-Busch, the world’s #1 brewer understands the value of a well-orchestrated tour and although most of their locations offer extensive tours, their original brewery tour in St. Louis is a historic classic.
The St. Louis location offers a comprehensive tour of its massive brewing operations. Visitors can walk through the historic brewery, see the iconic Clydesdales, and learn about the beer-making process from start to finish.
- What to Expect:
- A peek at the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
- Insights into the brewing process with a close-up look at the equipment.
- Tastings of a variety of Anheuser-Busch beers, including limited-edition brews.
- Fun Fact: The Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis has been in operation since 1852. They also offer a terrific Brewery Lights Extravaganza during the Christmas season, that shouldn’t be missed
(Courtesy Sierra Nevada Brewing)
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Chico, California
Sierra Nevada is known for its award-winning Pale Ale as well an ever-evolving host innovative brews that have helped shape the American craft beer revolution.
The Chico location of Sierra Nevada offers an impressive tour, where visitors can learn how Sierra Nevada has maintained quality as it has grown into one of the nation’s largest breweries.
- What to Expect:
- An extensive tour through their high-tech brewing facility where Sierra Nevada brewing was
- A visit to their on-site restaurant and beer garden, where you can enjoy locally sourced food paired with their beers.
- A tasting room offering a variety of Sierra Nevada brews, including seasonal and experimental options.
- An eco-friendly brewery that takes sustainability seriously.
- Fun Fact: Sierra Nevada also operates an East Coast brewery in Mills River, NC that known for its environmental sustainability features and beautiful setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And they also offer wonderful tours!
Garden stream at Stone Brewing Escondido
Stone Brewing / Sapporo – Escondido, California
Stone Brewing, which now straddles the line between mass-market and craft brewery having been acquired by Sapporo in 2022, offers one of the most enjoyable brewery tours in the US at their Escondido, California location.
The brewery is massive, but it maintains an intimate, welcoming feel. The tour takes visitors through the brewery’s history, its sustainable practices, and the brewing process that produces its world-renowned beers.
- What to Expect:
- A tour of their large, open brewing space with explanations about the brewing and fermentation process.
- A tasting room where you can sample their extensive lineup of beers.
- A lush beer garden that’s perfect for enjoying their beers outdoors.
- A chance to purchase exclusive Stone Brewing merchandise.
- Fun Fact: Now Sapporo, Japan’s oldest beer brand still operating today and the #1 bestselling Japanese beer brand in the United States, has begun producing its beers in Escondido for the US market.
