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New York – the city that never sleeps… and judging by the number of breweries popping up, it’s also the city that never stops brewing. From Brooklyn to Syracuse, the Empire State has brewed up a reputation for innovation, quality, and, most importantly, great-tasting beer. The New York State Brewers Association crowned some absolute stunners this year, proving once again that New York beers are in a league of their own. And I’m here to showcase the best beers in New York!
Best Pale Ales in New York
Pale ales: the gateway beer for many and a staple in the craft beer world. New York has some outstanding offerings in this category, and 2024’s medal winners prove it.
Starting off, Moderance from Wild East Brewing Company snagged the Gold in the Pale Ale category at the recent beer awards. With a balanced malt profile and just the right amount of hoppy bitterness, this brew is a masterclass in simplicity done right. One fan called it “A quaffable malty treat”, while another hailed it as being “very drinkable, thirst-quenching and delicious.”
Meanwhile, Grimm Artisanal Ales struck again with their Silver-medal-winning Lighter Than Air, a pale ale that delivers big on flavour but keeps it crisp and light. This one’s perfect for those who want a little hop kick without getting bogged down by heavy malts.
And rounding out the podium is RIP Pale Ale from Wood Kettle Brewing, taking home the Bronze. Expect a balance of citrus and pine, making it ideal for those after a classic yet refreshing pale ale.
The Finest IPAs New York Has to Offer
For the IPA enthusiasts, New York’s beer scene is like Disneyland for hops. The state’s breweries have perfected the art of squeezing every ounce of flavour out of hops, and there are some real winners here that will make you rethink your relationship with bitterness.
Golden Hour, a 6.2% American IPA from Long Island Farm Brewery, took home the Gold at the 2024 New York State Craft Beer Competition. This beer is dry-hopped with El Dorado hops, bringing bright notes of tropical fruits, particularly mango and pineapple.
Drinkers have praised it as the perfect beer for those sunset moments, with its hoppy aroma and a mild bitterness that balances the fruity sweetness. Fans describe it as a “dangerously easy drinker,” with some appreciating the subtle nuances that make it both flavourful and refreshing.
Venomous Villains from Kings County Brewers Collective nabbed Bronze, and if you’re a fan of punchy, bold IPAs, this one’s a must-try. Bursting with citrus and piney notes, it’s the kind of beer that wakes you up after a long day, slapping your tastebuds awake with each sip. One fan states it is a “very nice and drinkable IPA”.
Dark Beers to Warm You Up
Dark beers are perfect for those chilly New York evenings when you just want to curl up with something warm and rich. The state’s breweries have mastered the art of the stout and porter, creating brews that feel like liquid blankets.
Druthers Brewing Company earned Gold in the Dark Lagers category with their appropriately named Dark Encounter. It’s rich and roasty, with chocolate and coffee notes that are “tasty and clean”. Add a fireplace and a good book, and you’ve got yourself an ideal winter evening.
Meanwhile, Carlow from Drowned Lands won the Gold in the Stout (Non-Imperial) category. This rich stout offers a deeply roasted malt character with dark chocolate and coffee flavours. It’s “very enjoyable with lots of malt complexity with minimal sweetness”. The beer’s robust, slightly smoky profile will surely please stout lovers who prefer a more traditional, bold flavour.
Unique Beers You Need to Try
New York doesn’t do ordinary—especially when it comes to craft beer. Some of the state’s breweries are pushing the boundaries with unique flavours and brewing techniques that you won’t find anywhere else.
Threes Brewing grabbed Gold with their Contiguity in the Light Lagers (Modern and Contemporary) category. A crisp, clean lager with a modern twist and notes of dried jasmine, golden crust, honey blossom and light oak. It’s the type of beer that bridges the gap between traditional lager lovers and fans of experimental brewing.
If you’re after something a bit quirkier, Shadowtricks by Wayward Lane Brewing, which won Gold in the Experimental category, is an absolute must-try. Claimed as a “phenomenal craft rauchbier (smoke beer)”, this beer has a delicious smokiness backed with lemon zest and a subtle floralness.
Crispy Boys Blood Orange from Prison City Brewing is a refreshing, fruity ale that stands out for its vibrant citrus character. This brew blends the sweetness of blood oranges with a crisp, clean ale base, creating a balanced beer that’s both easy to drink and flavour-packed. It won Gold in the Fruit & Vegetable Beer (Non-Sour) category, cementing its place as a fan-favourite for those who love refreshing, flavourful ales.
Best Seasonal Beers to Sip in New York
New York has a beer for every season, and the limited-edition brews that come around each year are worth marking on your calendar.
No autumn is complete without Southern Tier Brewing’s Pumking, which remains a classic for fans of pumpkin beer. This spiced ale delivers all the flavours of fall—pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg—wrapped up in one deliciously seasonal brew. It didn’t make the 2024 podium, but it’s a perennial favourite for a reason.
On the summer side, Greenport Harbor Brewing’s Summer Ale offers light and zesty refreshment. It’s the perfect companion for those sun-soaked days by the water when all you need is a chilled pint in your hand.
Best Places to Drink Craft Beer in New York
Now that we’ve covered the best beers, where should you go to drink them? New York is filled with top-tier beer bars and breweries, but a few places stand out as absolute must-visits.
In Brooklyn, Tørst is a beer bar that’s gained a reputation for its extensive and carefully curated beer list. Whether you’re in the mood for a rare Belgian sour or a fresh local IPA, Tørst has you covered.
For a quintessential New York experience, head to Blind Tiger Ale House in Greenwich Village. This historic bar has been serving craft beer since before it was cool, and its tap list is constantly rotating with some of the best brews in the city.
And if you want to visit a brewery, Evil Twin Brewing NYC is a must. With a modern, minimalist taproom and a focus on bold, experimental brews, it’s a beer lover’s paradise.
A Quick Recap: Best Beers in New York
Here’s a handy list of all the beers we’ve covered on this epic New York craft beer journey so you can keep track of your must-try pints.
- Moderance 5.4% (Wild East Brewing Co.): A pale ale that balances a clean malt profile with just the right amount of hop bitterness. A Gold medal winner, perfect for fans of classic pale ales with a refreshing finish.
- Lighter Than Air 5.3% (Grimm Artisanal Ales): A light, crisp pale ale with delicate hop flavours. Silver medalist and a great choice for easy sipping without sacrificing flavour.
- RIP Pale Ale 4% (Wood Kettle Brewing): A Bronze-winning pale ale featuring citrus and pine notes, offering a refreshing and balanced profile for any occasion.
- Golden Hour 6.2% (Long Island Farm Brewery): A tropical fruit bomb of an IPA, with bold flavours of mango and pineapple balanced by a lingering bitterness. Gold medal winner in the American IPA category.
- Venomous Villains 6.9% (Kings County Brewers Collective): A Bronze medal-winning IPA that delivers a punch of citrus and pine, ideal for hop lovers looking for a full-flavoured experience.
- Dark Encounter 5.5% (Druthers Brewing Company): A rich and roasty dark lager with flavours of chocolate and coffee. This gold-winning lager is perfect for a cold evening.
- Carlow 5.5% (Drowned Lands Brewing Co.): A Gold medal-winning stout with a rich, roasted malt character and deep flavours of dark chocolate and coffee.
- Contiguity 5.2% (Threes Brewing): A modern light lager with a clean, crisp taste and a hint of malt complexity. Gold medal winner for its unique twist on the classic lager style.
- Shadowtricks 5.4% (Wayward Lane Brewing): A bold and experimental beer with an unusual flavour profile. This Gold-winning brew pushes the boundaries and is perfect for adventurous drinkers.
- Crispy Boys Blood Orange 4.3% (Prison City Brewing): A fruity, refreshing ale that combines the citrus sweetness of blood orange with a crisp, clean finish. Gold medal winner in the Fruit & Vegetable Beer (Non-Sour) category.
- Pumking 8.6% (Southern Tier Brewing Co.): A beloved seasonal pumpkin ale with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for autumn. A fan favourite, especially during Halloween.
- Summer Ale 5% (Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.): A light, zesty ale that’s perfect for summer, with bright citrus notes and a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal for warm days by the water.
Now that you’ve got the full list, all that’s left is to grab a pint.
Summary
New York’s craft beer scene shines with diverse, award-winning brews, proving its reputation as a brewing powerhouse. From pale ales like Moderance (Wild East Brewing Co.) to tropical IPAs such as Golden Hour (Long Island Farm Brewery), New York offers something for every beer lover. Dark beer enthusiasts can enjoy rich brews like Dark Encounter (Druthers Brewing) and Carow (Drowned Lands). Unique beers like Shadowtricks (Wayward Lane Brewing) push boundaries with bold flavours. Seasonal favourites such as Southern Tier’s Pumking add festive warmth.
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