Feeling a little nationalistic and wondering what beers are made in the USA? There’s something special about cracking open a cold one that’s brewed right here on American soil, especially when it’s from a state like Pennsylvania.

When you’re exploring beer choices in P.A., you’ll find that American beers are as diverse and flavorful as the country itself. Let’s take a sip of history and see how these homegrown favorites have become a source of pride for beer lovers everywhere!

Key Takeaways

• American beers have evolved from European-inspired brews into diverse and innovative styles like IPAs, stouts, and lagers, making the U.S. a global leader in craft beer.
• The craft beer movement in the U.S. has transformed the industry, with breweries experimenting with bold new flavors like hazy IPAs, barrel-aged beers, and sours.
• Locally grown ingredients, such as American hops and barley, give U.S. beers a unique regional flavor, distinguishing them from international counterparts and reinforcing the American brewing tradition.

The History of American Beer

To know American beers is to know their history. It’s a story of creativity, resilience, and innovation, stretching back to the earliest days of European settlement.

When the first settlers arrived on American shores, they brought with them brewing techniques from their homelands—mainly England, Germany, and the Netherlands. These early beers were primarily ales, crafted from whatever local ingredients were available, establishing the foundation for what would become uniquely American beer styles.

As German immigrants began to arrive in larger numbers in the 19th century, they introduced lagers to the American palate, leading to a new chapter in the country’s brewing history.

One of the earliest and most significant contributions to American brewing was the development of lager yeast brewing. This style led to the creation of crisp, clean-tasting beers that quickly became popular across the country. It laid the groundwork for some of the biggest names in the brewing industry, like Miller Coors and Anheuser-Busch InBev.

However, the real revolution in American beer came with the rise of craft beer in the late 20th century. Frustrated with the blandness of mass-produced lagers, a new generation of brewers began experimenting with traditional beer styles, adding their own twists.

The movement gave birth to iconic beers like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which introduced many drinkers to the intense hop flavor that defines American pale ales. The Boston Beer Company, known for Samuel Adams, also played a crucial role in popularizing craft beer across the country.

The rise of American beer

As the craft beer movement grew, so did the variety of beer styles being produced. IPAs (India Pale Ales), once a nearly forgotten style, exploded in popularity, leading to the creation of substyles like the American IPA and the Black IPA.

Other styles, like brown ales, cream ales, and the uniquely American steam beer style, also gained traction, showcasing the diversity of American beer styles. Breweries experimented with barrel aging, using wine and spirits barrels to add complex flavors to their beers, resulting in rich, intense styles like imperial stouts and imperial porters.

Today, American craft beer is a major player on the global stage, with the Great American Beer Festival serving as a celebration of the best beers the country has to offer. From traditional styles like lager and porter to innovative creations that push the boundaries of brewing, the American beer scene is more vibrant than ever. 

There’s no doubt that American brewers have mastered the art of crafting better beer.

Related read: What’s the Difference Between IPA and Beer?

Traditional American Beer Styles

American brewing has birthed several classic styles that are now icons of American craft beer. American Pale Ale is one such style that has become a cornerstone of American craft beer. With its balanced hop flavor and refreshing drinkability, it reflects the ingenuity of brewers who wanted a beer that was flavorful yet approachable.

Another standout is the West Coast IPA. Known for its intense hop bitterness and vibrant citrus and pine notes, this style pushed the boundaries of what beer could be.

The West Coast IPA was the product of creative brewers in California who wanted to highlight the unique flavors that American-grown hops could offer. Today, the American IPA has evolved into various substyles, but the West Coast version remains a favorite among hop enthusiasts.

Cream ale is a classic example of American ingenuity, blending the best of both ales and lagers. With its smooth, light body and subtle malt sweetness, cream ale offers a crisp, refreshing experience. It’s a style that harks back to the days when brewers were experimenting with different yeast strains and brewing techniques to create something truly American.

Lastly, the amber ale is another staple of American brewing, known for its balanced malt character and rich amber hue. It’s a versatile beer that pairs well with a wide range of foods, making it a popular choice among both brewers and drinkers.

Beer Ingredients Grown in the USA

What truly sets American craft beer apart is the use of locally grown ingredients that give these beers their distinctive edge. In particular, American-grown hops play a huge role in giving American beers their distinctive edge.

Varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Citra hops have become favorites among brewers, known for delivering bold flavors ranging from citrusy and floral to piney and earthy. These hops are a staple in many modern American IPAs, giving them the bright, aromatic hop character that sets them apart from their international counterparts.

Beyond hops, American brewers also rely on locally sourced barley, which is another crucial ingredient in beer-making. The quality of American barley has continued to rise, offering brewers a dependable malt base. Sourcing ingredients domestically allows brewers to experiment with regional flavors, creating beers that truly reflect their home soil.

The Craft Beer Revolution

The craft beer movement in the U.S. has transformed the brewing landscape and shows no signs of slowing down. 

Over the past few decades, craft breweries have emerged all across the country, with passionate brewers experimenting far beyond the traditional beer styles. This movement has pushed the boundaries of what beer can be, offering drinkers bold new flavors and experiences.

One of the most exciting developments has been the rise of sour beers, which offer a tart, sometimes fruity twist that stands apart from more traditional brews. Barrel-aged beers have also become a staple of the craft scene as brewers age their creations in wine, bourbon, or even rum barrels to create complex layers of flavor.

The hazy IPA, with its juicy, citrus-forward profile, has become a fan favorite, representing a new take on the classic IPA with softer bitterness and more emphasis on fruity hops. On the other end of the spectrum, imperial stouts and imperial porters have gained popularity for their rich, robust flavors, often infused with hints of coffee, chocolate, and dark fruits.

The growth of the American craft beer industry has given brewers the freedom to explore new techniques, play with different ingredients, and deliver beers that reflect the creativity and diversity of the craft. This revolution has created a beer culture unlike any other in the world, one that continues to evolve with each passing year.

Proudly American-Made Beers by New Trail Brewing

New Trail Brewing Co takes pride in crafting American-made beers. Each of our beers is brewed with the finest ingredients, many of which are sourced locally, to create flavors that capture the essence of American craftsmanship.

Here are a few of our current and popular brews that you can try in our Tasting Room:

Ohiopyle Hazy IPA

Ohiopyle Hazy IPA is a perfect example of a modern American IPA. Brewed with Pilsner malt and a generous amount of oats, this beer delivers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. 

We dry-hop it with Azacca, Amarillo, and Citra hops to bring out bright, refreshing notes of mango, citrus, and sweet florals.

At 6.5%, Ohiopyle is a hazy IPA that’s both flavorful and incredibly drinkable.

Crisp Lager

For something on the lighter side, Crisp Lager is our take on the classic American lager. Handmade with only four ingredients—finely selected malts, American Noble hops, Pennsylvania mountain water, and lager yeast—this beer is brewed for easy drinking. 

The result is a golden, full-flavored beer that’s refreshingly crisp and perfect for enjoying in any season.

Savor the good times with this straightforward yet brilliant brew.

State Light

Designed for the fans, State Light is our light lager option that’s perfect for an active lifestyle. With only 105 calories and 4.6g of carbs, it’s brewed to be your every-down beer—easy to drink, refreshing, and light enough for any occasion.

Sticky Imperial Milk Porter

For those craving something sweet and indulgent, Sticky is an Imperial Milk Porter brewed with dark malts and layered with local maple syrup. 

After fermentation, it’s treated with locally sourced dark roast coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla, creating a rich, dessert-like beer perfect for cooler days. Pair it with a warm cinnamon roll and enjoy the cozy, sweet flavors.

Double Broken Heels Hazy IPA

For those who love Broken Heels but want a little more punch, we created Double Broken Heels. 

This Hazy Double IPA takes the original recipe and amps it up with more malt and hops. Brewed with oats and hopped with Citra and Mosaic, it has the same tropical and citrus-forward flavors you love but with a bigger, bolder character. It’s the perfect beer when you’re looking for an extra boost of hop intensity.

Each of these beers showcases the quality that goes into American beer brewing, making New Trail’s offerings a true reflection of the craft beer movement here in the U.S.

Broken Heels Hazy IPA

Broken Heels is another standout in the hazy IPA category, showcasing the best of American-grown hops. This beer is brewed with hand-selected Citra and Mosaic hops, giving it high aromatics with bursts of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit.

With a full, soft mouthfeel and low bitterness, Broken Heels is a great reminder that no adventure is without its risks—but this beer makes the journey all the more enjoyable.

Visit New Trail Brewing Co.

Try our proudly American-made beers! Head on over to our Tasting Room and experience our craft firsthand! Whether you’re looking for a hazy IPA, a crisp lager, or something sweet and rich, we’ve got a brew for every taste.

Can’t make it in person? No worries—you can find us at a beer merchant near you or online. Cheers to new adventures and great beer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any American-made beers?

Yes, there are many kinds of beer brewed in the U.S.! American breweries produce a wide range of beer styles, from IPAs and stouts to lagers and more experimental brews like sour beers and barrel-aged varieties.

If you also want to learn about import beers, here’s a good read: What is An Import Beer?

What beer is 100% American?

Many craft beers are brewed exclusively in the U.S., using locally sourced ingredients like American-grown hops and barley. Beers from New Trail Brewing Co., for example, are mostly brewed with ingredients from American soil.

Here are steps in confidently ordering your American-made beer like an expert, from checking for freshness to choosing beer styles: How to Buy Beer Like an Expert

Which beer is the most American?

There isn’t one single answer, but beers like pale ales, IPAs, and lagers have become iconic to American brewing. Craft beers, in particular, have come to represent American innovation and creativity in the beer world.

What is the #1 beer in America?

While mass-produced light lagers have historically dominated sales, craft beers like IPAs (which has so many substyles like Cold IPAs, Black IPAs, Double IPAs, and Hazy IPAs) are  are rising in popularity, with more Americans choosing flavorful, locally brewed beers.