My cousin let me drink a founders brew from grand rapids Michigan and it was very smooth and good!
Kelly - 12 years ago
Grand Rapids!!!! GR GR GR!!!
Derek - 12 years ago
@CMS - I can at least appreciate your grounded opinion on the topic since you've experience Asheville as well as Grand Rapids. Many debaters here haven't visited any other city up for the distinction. For what it's worth, I left GR after being able to consume for a couple of years, lived in Asheville for over 2 years and now I'm back in GR. At least there is a great beer community in Grand Rapids and I can grab a quality pint anytime I want.
TK - 12 years ago
To Asheville Native: The reality of it is Asheville would be struggling if the influences of the outside we're not here. The amount of Jobs and diverse culture that these outside folks bring and have brought in are one of the upsides too the area. I am a transplant to the area from Wisconsin (and no Wisconsin is not part of New England) you in particular "natives" around here think. Nor am I from a rich family. I am a hardworking blue collar man who respects the area and history. For the sake of my family and friends, native or not I hope that you stay cooped up in your hole. It is narrow minded people such as you that make things worse.
cms008 - 12 years ago
@Derek, I guess we have different perceptions of what our experiences in Ashville were like. Don't get me wrong, I think the place is the SHIT (I'm a huge hiker and camping guy) and I thought the beer scene there rocked, but trust me, it wasn't hard to find the domestic end of the beer list in most of the places I went to. If there is anything separating the two cities, I don't think it's the quality of the beer bars. But hey, you lived both places, who am I to say?
Derek - 12 years ago
@CMS
I didn't say HopCat was the only good "beer bar" I stated that the only one that would truly fit in in Asheville. Every bar in Asheville would be what you would consider a good "beer bar" here in GR.
Ted Ruble - 12 years ago
It's a great city, Kalamazoo has a lot to offer and the breweries are a perfect compliment.
cms008 - 12 years ago
@Derek - I have a hard time believing that you lived in Grand Rapids if you can only think of HopCat as the only beer bar. Really? Go to Logan's Alley on Michigan. Go to Pyramid Scheme. Go to Graydon's Crossing. Go to The Sazarac Lounge on Plainfield. Go to any of the other 30 or so places that dedicate 75% of their taps to local brews. Maybe you lived in GR when you were too young to drink. You cannot say that there are no "good beer bars" there, though. Come on, man.
Patrick Murphy - 12 years ago
Asheville, per capita is the #1
Cathy LaBruyere - 12 years ago
Sitting at Wicked Weed in Asheville, NC, sipping a delicious black IPA. Asheville IS Beer City USA!
Lisa HK - 12 years ago
Having moved from the New England Coast to Asheville, this is hands down Beer City USA. Up North one was hard pressed to get a good brew, and to get a good brew you always had to shop at specialty shops in order to get anything more exotic than Sam Adsms or Samuel Smiths (not knocking them at all, when that's all you've got then....). So fast forward to Asheville, I can still be choosy about my local coffee house, but even moreso about my local brewery! It can be a mission of sorts. Discovering that perfect melding of hops and creative add-ins ie Papaya in an IPA at Wicked Weed-don't knock it until you try it! Just an example of having the choice to try something new every week. You could manage to drink a different beer each time you go out for sure and at home as even the grocers carry microbrews! Beer has become a passion. I have let my passion and pursuit of the perfect wine fall second yet Asheville has that too, no lack of amazing wines. Anyway I digress Beer City-Perfect Pours- Perfect People- Choice!
Derek - 12 years ago
Having lived in both Grand Rapids and Asheville, Asheville wins this hands down. Not even taking the breweries into account, the whole culture and beer availability is second to none. The only "beer bar" that would fit in would be HopCat, that's really it.
This is why I love Asheville: Let's say you have a craving for a standard domestic brew. You are going to have a hard time finding it in an Asheville Bar. They look at you like you are crazy if you try to order a traditional domestic. Grand Rapids, on the other hand, that is usually the first words out of a servers mouth when you ask for "beer specials."
Nancy baker - 12 years ago
Bell brewery home of Oberon. The best summer bear.
laurenh - 12 years ago
Asheville baby. Highland, Wicked Weed, Asheville brewery to name a few!!! Love this little town.
Val - 12 years ago
Grand Rapids, Michigan! Best beer on the planet.
jd - 12 years ago
Cleveland Ohio! Hell yeah we may not be a lot of things but we do know our beer, Great Lakes Brewing Company is phenomenal!!! blackout stout is my fav beer in the world!
Darlene - 12 years ago
Kalamazoo is #1
Allan - 12 years ago
Kalamazoo...yeh!
lindsey summa - 12 years ago
Grand Rapids!!
Mike - 12 years ago
Though I'd like to say Raleigh, Raleigh in my mind does not encompass the Triangle Area, with great breweries in Fuquay Varina (Aviator) and Durham (Triangle) in addition to Big Boss, Lone Rider, Carolina Brewing, Bull City, and the list goes on...
That said, then, Asheville is really the only choice. Wedge, French Broad, Highland, Green Man and other in addition to the new big boys in the area make it the place to drink.
Alesia - 12 years ago
I grew up in Asheville, NC and moved to Eugene, OR when I was 21 to attend the UO for graduate school. I love Asheville and have seen the great beer boom of the last 8ish years, but I have to say, The PacNW really takes the medals when we're talking about beer.
Trisha - 12 years ago
KALAMAZOOOOOOOOOOO
Johnny T - 12 years ago
@Liz Nope, you're definitely the only place that does that. Nobody else does. You are absolutely right. Here, have a gold star. You're a winner.
Heidi - 12 years ago
Asheville- NO DOUBT!
Liz - 12 years ago
just a question.... does anyone else but Asheville have a week-long beer festival culminating in the best 8 hours ever in pack square park with THE beer city festival? Didn't think so. ASHEVILLE IS BEER CITY.
Matthew - 12 years ago
Lived my whole life in the GR area and have visited Asheville a couple times. Love Wedge and Thirsty Monk(downstairs) in Asheville but gotta go GR. Simply better beer.
Rh - 12 years ago
Bend or rocks
Mary - 12 years ago
Asheville is a great place to live and are serving the best beer ever.
Sally Butcher - 12 years ago
If you haven't been to Asheville in a while, you are missing out. One of our newest and most popular breweries, Wicked Weed, has completely changed my mind about the beer scene and about beer itself. Their ever-evolving offerings are not only delicious, they are creative and fun. (And, really, isn't that what craft beer is all about?) The Weed, as I like to call it, brews a marvelous variety of traditional and exotic beers, including girly beers brewed with fruit such as blood orange puree, honeydew, grapefruit zest, etc. and manly beers aged (?) in bourbon casks, and even a beer in which the hops were roasted in the 12 Bones smoker. (12 Bones is a beloved local barbecue joint frequented by the Prez whenever he's in town.) If it sounds good, they'll try it. Plus, Wicked Weed is just a great place to be, whether you are in the tasting room downstairs or enjoying a flight outside watching the passersby. Everyone who works at the Weed is informative and friendly. My impression is you don't get work there if you're not nice. I have had such fun beers and such a good time at the Weed that it makes me want to explore the other breweries in town more fully. Who knew I would learn to love beer? Thanks, Asheville!
Deryl - 12 years ago
Asheville is definitely the Beer City of USA, hands down no question asked. We get so many tourists here, because of our Beer... Holla!!!!!!!!! DATS how we represent!!!!!!! Whoop Whoop.....;)
Brett - 12 years ago
Tampa
brian shepard - 12 years ago
grand rapids is BEER CITY U.S.A!!!!!!!!!!
kelly chapin - 12 years ago
Kzoo!
aeast - 12 years ago
Asheville on top! Our whole region is brimming with tasty brews and we just welcomed in some of the top of the top craft breweries into the region! Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada, and New Belgium! Our microbreweries are popping up in every nook and cranny keeping the competition and quality high! WE ARE BEER CITY/BEER REGION/FERMENTED GREATNESS!
Dana - 12 years ago
Hope you win
Jason - 12 years ago
GRAND RAPIDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jon - 12 years ago
GR
Bacon - 12 years ago
Yes there really is a Kalamazoo!!!
Bacon - 12 years ago
Yes there really is a Kalamazoo!!!
Bacon - 12 years ago
Yes there really is a Kalamazoo!!!
Jim - 12 years ago
Asheville hands down. Best beer and the nicest people. If you can say something bad about that place then anything you have to say is discredited.
Weber - 12 years ago
Many great places in KZOO, serving delicious BEER!
Asheville really is an amazing place with delicious beer.
Misty - 12 years ago
B
Timo - 12 years ago
If there was ever a year for Asheville to win "Beer City" it's this year - after landing both New Belguim & Sierra Nevada!
Ty - 12 years ago
ASHEVILLE is Beer City. That's why we win every year. We have the best beer, and the best bars. All you other posers can get out of my face, you are UNWORTHY. Call me when you taste a real beer.
Steve A - 12 years ago
The beer scene here is amazing and is exploding with the expansion/new development of craft breweries. Several more are coming online shortly. I can't wait until later this summer going on a bike tour of all Kalamazoo has to offer.
Johnny T - 12 years ago
I love how many people here are clearly lying. Like the guy claiming to be Mayor George Heartwell or all of the people claiming to have lived in both Asheville and GR. This anonymous comment shit is ridiculous and you should be ashamed of yourselves for being so petty. Oh, I also think that there are only really 1 or 2 people posting all of the "KALAMAZOO SHOULD WIN BECAUSE OF BELL'S OBERON ALONE!" bullshit. Oberon is a good beer for the masses, but it isn't astounding. Oh, and the jackass saying you can get KBS pints for $2 in Asheville is full of shit too. It's $6 for half a pint at Founders.
To all the people posting negative comments about Asheville: MOVE!
I love my Mountain Home. I will die here!
LONG LIVE THE PARIS OF THE SOUTH!
Kzoo 4 life - 12 years ago
What a lot of people seem to forget is....a lot of Michigan breweries got their brewmasters FROM Bell's or they worked at Bell's at some point. Kalamazoo was the start and HEART of it all!!
Been to and drank in Asheville Fort Collins,San Diego and Grand Rapids. All locations have great beers and good beer cultures. But I have to give it to GR. In the past 10 years they have grown there brew industry tremendously. The have great breweries with excellent beers as well as the sorroundings. Many home brewers here have gone on to create national beers that have taken off. Should be a close race with GR, Asheville and K-Zoo... Good luck to all!
David Segretto - 12 years ago
Why is Oakland CA not on this list, they have a great up and coming beer scene. Check Liden Street Brews who only sell in Oakland City limits and don't bottle, and Line 51 who only are on tap in bars who are on the Bus Route 51. Our bars like Beer Revolution are also recognized throughout the nation and world. Beer city shouldn't just be how many brews are being mass produced, in Oakland it is a local beer scene that nobody in the nation can taste without visiting this fast changing city.
Jude Tunkel Ricker - 12 years ago
We are proud to live in the mountains of western North Carolina! I am more proud to serve beer at Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville. I also want to thank everyone who tours the breweries in Asheville, Brevard, and surrounding areas, and takes the time to visit Southern Appalachian brewery. Not only do we serve great beer, we have incredible music and are kid and dog friendly! Cheers!!!!
http://www.sabrewery.com/
Mark - 12 years ago
I can't believe how much Grand Rapids was booming with breweries this year. I think adding kalamazoo so close to GR is going to pull some votes away though. The entire west Michigan region deserves it though.
Grant - 12 years ago
As a former resident of Asheville, and a current resident of Grand Rapids, This was a very hard pick for me. I ended up having to vote for GR, as i feel it truly is Beer City USA.
Brandon - 12 years ago
Fort Beer, Colorado. Been in the game for a LONG time making great beers. Odell Brewing rules.
Daniel - 12 years ago
Good point Jeremy. Fortunately, Asheville has a great culture AND great beer! Whatever your tastes are, there’s a beer for you. Our bike shops serve beer, our businesses use breweries as adjunct conference rooms, and our city supports a growing infrastructure specific to breweries (roads, intersections, greenways, etc.). Come check out Beer City USA 2010, 2011, and 2012. And if you don’t dig beer, we have three cideries opening. WHAT?!? But cider is not beer you say?. I know that. But Asheville can’t help itself. It’s such an amazing place to be that there are new, businesses, restaurants, pubs, distilleries, cideries, art studios, galleries, heath centers, opening every day.
I love beer! I am voting for our city because it is where I drink the most of it. I like the Asheville brewery scene because most of them are family friendly. I can have A beer, my husband can have a few (or vice versa) and my son is guaranteed to find other children to play with. Ashevillians that are into local brews tend to be laid back and like minded in their views and lifestyle. We have won the past few years because we have a lot of people who are passionate about their beer... not necessarily because it is better or superior to others around the country. With that said, the Wedge IPA is my favorite tasting and always provides a lovely buzz.
Tim - 12 years ago
Grand Rapids has one of the best beer cultures of any city I've been to. Everyone is very knowledgeable and you can come into downtown and can't possible visit every brewery in one day. They have every kind of beer... not just west coast IPAs or Colorado ales. Grand Rapids IS Beer City USA.
Kyle - 12 years ago
Asheville IS Beer City USA!
Cheryl - 12 years ago
Grand Rapids has come on strong for breweries!
Jeff - 12 years ago
I have a "beer" in KALAMAZO!
Kay - 12 years ago
Go Asheville! A liberal blue oasis in a sea of Southern conservative crazy.
Rachelle - 12 years ago
Grand Rapids, Michigan! :D
Damara Smith - 12 years ago
Hellz yea!
jason - 12 years ago
I would prefer to drink my homebrew over any brewery mentioned! I am 100% positive the best beer in america is made at homes all over the country! My vote went to asheville for our awesome homebrew scene!
Jeremy - 12 years ago
It's funny hearing people give their OPINIONS of the best beer and where that beer flows from. This poll is about BEER CITY not who has the best beer according to random vote. The beer culture in Asheville is the best. And as a side note - why would I want to have a beer with a bunch of disgruntled haters. People in Asheville are chill. IT IS ABOUT THE CULTURE - NOT YOUR OPINION OF THE BEST BEER!!
jason - 12 years ago
Hey Brian, for the record the british are known for ales not lagers. There lagers came later and are just copies of bavarian type lagers from germany, czech republic, ect...
I could be perfectly happy with my beers, if all I drank from now on were Grand Rapids stouts. Hideout's Smuggler's Hazelnut Stout is my favorite. Graydon's Crossing is my favorite restaurant to have a brew at. When you ask for a beer list there, they hand you a book! River City Saloon, O'Toole's, Monarch Club and Logan's Alley are some of the runners-up bars.
Mark - 12 years ago
May the best city win !!!!!
Anne - 12 years ago
Go GR!
ChuckShow - 12 years ago
Asheville!! Seriously? Why else would Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, & New Belgium open new breweries here? To complement the other 74 craft breweries in the State!!
Native to GR...moved to colorado. Both places have a ton of new breweries popping up. But I like the colorado beer scene better. .mmmmmm....beer
bell - 12 years ago
Go Kazoo
Donna - 12 years ago
Asheville!
steve - 12 years ago
Grand Rapids, we got to love it.
Cayce - 12 years ago
Love our local mirco brews! Go GR!
Melissa - 12 years ago
Asheville!
k - 12 years ago
Go Grand Rapids!
Native Son - 12 years ago
To answer all the negative and bitter remarks about Asheville, let me offer a few thoughts. FTRST, Asheville may not have the best beer in the US, but what they do have is a thriving beer scene, with hundreds of people showing up daily at each of the breweries in the Asheville area. I have visited several local breweries in a single afternoon, and am always impressed with the crowds of laid-back happy people at each venue enjoying beer and the company of others. No drunks, no fighting, just a thriving beer scene with thousands of people. All those people voting is why Asheville has held the Beer City title for several years. SECOND, Everything Changes. If you're a lifelong resident (like myself) complaining because your hometown is currently known as "Beer City" or someone from somewhere else, angry because YOUR town wasn't chosen and Asheville was, if you'll abandon your collective bitterness for a moment and think about it, Nothing Stays The Same. The year 1965 has come and gone, and every town, and every person in it, has changed slowly but surely, every year. Where you or your parents were born doesn't give you any extra rights or perks, simply a history, which keeps changing, wether you want it to or not. If two interstate highways hadn't been built, bringing in new people, money and ideas from all points of the compass, maybe Asheville could have remained what it once was...but I doubt it. Asheville has been touted as the perfect climate, scenery, whitewater, hiking and camping destination, while also being sold off to any manufacturing concern who will listen, for over a hundred years. We are surrounded by tourist traps, from Biltmore Estate to festivals, eateries, scenic railroads ...you name it. Right now, BEER is the new buzz; in a few years, it will be something else. Time Brings Change, like it or not. And if you're pissed because YOUR town wasn't named Beer City, do something about it. Rally up the thousands of happy people, like the Asheville beer scene, in YOUR town. When you have a dozen-plus breweries actively engaging their customers, creating events throughout the year bringing in thousands of locals and a lot of beer tourism, you create a thriving industry and growing beer scene. Rally the brewers and their clients in your town like that, and YOU can live in Beer City. It's just a stupid name. THIRD, When you project bitterness, you negate your own argument. Facts and logic makes people think, and often wins arguments; bitterness only reveals the twisted distorted perspective of the speaker. Some folks badmouth Asheville who have never been here; that's as twisted as racism. Conversely, a self-professed native who wishes Asheville was like it was when he was a kid, and won't go downtown to check out what has changed is equally blind and biased. If you want to make a truly compelling argument, stick to the facts, and let people decide for themselves; I don't know anyone who responds positively to bitterness and negativity. Me? I'll just kick back and have a Wedge IPA....let the ranting continue! ;)
Barak - 12 years ago
Without a doubt, Kzoo is the best!
MI Native - 12 years ago
Fort Collins is the beer capital of the country. Funkwerks, Odell's, Fort Collins Brewery, Equinox, New Belgium.. I could go on and on!! Best Beer I've had.
MI Native - 12 years ago
Fort Collins is the beer capital of the country. Funkwerks, Odell's, Fort Collins Brewery, Equinox, New Belgium.. I could go on and on!! Best Beer I've had.
AshevilleNative - 12 years ago
Brian, my vote goes to anyone BUT Asheville, I am not a fan of the beer here, way too hoppy for me, I prefer British lagers. I understand what you were saying, I was just trying to make a point that while Asheville may technically in the south, the residents and the culture of Asheville are NOT southern. Asheville is a cross between New England, San Francisco & Portland. Asheville has lost every single thing that made it southern. So if the beer is not what you prefer, its has nothing to do with the south, because there is nothing southern associated with this town or the beer
Brian - 12 years ago
AshevilleNative to clarify what I was referring to earlier by saying 'the south' doesn't know how to make a decent stout was more about regional tastes. Different regions of the country have different tastes. In the south the stouts aren't nearly as strong as they could be. They remind me more of porters to be honest. Maybe the taste of people down your way like that style of stout better. But that's just not how a good stout is done in Michigan. There were a lot of breweries in Asheville, and they do have a chance at winning this. My votes still on GR though.
aGUYwhoLOVESbeer - 12 years ago
Guy Gadbois, please stop telling people that you are from Grand Rapids. You're making us look bad over here.
Dickey Butane - 12 years ago
LupulinDevil...that just made my night...too funny! Notwhatsoever, i do agree that the laws a bit lax compared to some other states. Cheers!
LupulinDevil - 12 years ago
To Guy Gadbois, you are a testimony to all that is wrong in the craft beer world. I want to apologize on the behalf of residents on both sides of this argument for this jerk. I hope you get some satisfaction (as you must) from being an ass. Congratulations. You win the giant prize. Be proud of yourself. Now feel free to move on to another area of the interweb to inflict your hate. Best of luck to you and don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. It may give you a headache.
Cheers
Nowhatsoever. - 12 years ago
Dickey Butane, it's actually because NC has pretty lax laws when it comes to brewing.
Nowhatsoever. - 12 years ago
Guy Gadbois, please get a life. It's Thursday and you're trolling the internet b!tching about how much you hate Asheville. I'm a Floridian not a Floridiot, nor a trust fund hippie, drug addict. I work hard for my money, and frankly, peebrains like you are why I worry about humanity.
Dickey Butane - 12 years ago
There's a reason why Breweries like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium are moving to ASHEVILLE. Kind of funny people are forgetting what the actual question is...it's about BEER, not bible thumpers, trust fund kids, and upset wannabe former natives. For the record, in regards to service and restaurants...there are two restaurants that rated in the top 100 in the nation...and thats a whole new subject. ASHEVILLE for sure.
AshevilleNative - 12 years ago
Guy Gadbois, Why are you trying to insult me? I have agreed with what you have said, I am not defending Asheville, I am not supporting Asheville, I have voted against it, I want Asheville to loose this poll. What is your problem? Why attack me? Talk smack about the beer & who makes it, but there is no reason to make it personal with someone you don't even know and will never meet in person.
Beer guy - 12 years ago
GR all the way. More home brewers, more new breweries, and more beer festivals which are supported by the city. $2 billion added to the state economy last year by the craft beer industry. I'll drink to that, tippin a Perrin honey rye ale right now.
Bells is the best ..... now why don't we check out the great wines of Michigan!!
Benjamin Stapleton - 12 years ago
Tampa has some of the best brewies in America.
leanna - 12 years ago
Cndjs
Guy Gadbois - 12 years ago
Asheville Native "The only southerners who live in this town are those like me whose family roots go back 200+ years in the area."
So, you are admitting by timeline that your family is a part of the cherokee murder drive. See, My family goes back about 5-10 thousand years in the area and you and you white corn bred bible fuckers needed to go 200 years ago.
Billy Graham beats children in his basement dungeon.
My cousin let me drink a founders brew from grand rapids Michigan and it was very smooth and good!
Grand Rapids!!!! GR GR GR!!!
@CMS - I can at least appreciate your grounded opinion on the topic since you've experience Asheville as well as Grand Rapids. Many debaters here haven't visited any other city up for the distinction. For what it's worth, I left GR after being able to consume for a couple of years, lived in Asheville for over 2 years and now I'm back in GR. At least there is a great beer community in Grand Rapids and I can grab a quality pint anytime I want.
To Asheville Native: The reality of it is Asheville would be struggling if the influences of the outside we're not here. The amount of Jobs and diverse culture that these outside folks bring and have brought in are one of the upsides too the area. I am a transplant to the area from Wisconsin (and no Wisconsin is not part of New England) you in particular "natives" around here think. Nor am I from a rich family. I am a hardworking blue collar man who respects the area and history. For the sake of my family and friends, native or not I hope that you stay cooped up in your hole. It is narrow minded people such as you that make things worse.
@Derek, I guess we have different perceptions of what our experiences in Ashville were like. Don't get me wrong, I think the place is the SHIT (I'm a huge hiker and camping guy) and I thought the beer scene there rocked, but trust me, it wasn't hard to find the domestic end of the beer list in most of the places I went to. If there is anything separating the two cities, I don't think it's the quality of the beer bars. But hey, you lived both places, who am I to say?
@CMS
I didn't say HopCat was the only good "beer bar" I stated that the only one that would truly fit in in Asheville. Every bar in Asheville would be what you would consider a good "beer bar" here in GR.
It's a great city, Kalamazoo has a lot to offer and the breweries are a perfect compliment.
@Derek - I have a hard time believing that you lived in Grand Rapids if you can only think of HopCat as the only beer bar. Really? Go to Logan's Alley on Michigan. Go to Pyramid Scheme. Go to Graydon's Crossing. Go to The Sazarac Lounge on Plainfield. Go to any of the other 30 or so places that dedicate 75% of their taps to local brews. Maybe you lived in GR when you were too young to drink. You cannot say that there are no "good beer bars" there, though. Come on, man.
Asheville, per capita is the #1
Sitting at Wicked Weed in Asheville, NC, sipping a delicious black IPA. Asheville IS Beer City USA!
Having moved from the New England Coast to Asheville, this is hands down Beer City USA. Up North one was hard pressed to get a good brew, and to get a good brew you always had to shop at specialty shops in order to get anything more exotic than Sam Adsms or Samuel Smiths (not knocking them at all, when that's all you've got then....). So fast forward to Asheville, I can still be choosy about my local coffee house, but even moreso about my local brewery! It can be a mission of sorts. Discovering that perfect melding of hops and creative add-ins ie Papaya in an IPA at Wicked Weed-don't knock it until you try it! Just an example of having the choice to try something new every week. You could manage to drink a different beer each time you go out for sure and at home as even the grocers carry microbrews! Beer has become a passion. I have let my passion and pursuit of the perfect wine fall second yet Asheville has that too, no lack of amazing wines. Anyway I digress Beer City-Perfect Pours- Perfect People- Choice!
Having lived in both Grand Rapids and Asheville, Asheville wins this hands down. Not even taking the breweries into account, the whole culture and beer availability is second to none. The only "beer bar" that would fit in would be HopCat, that's really it.
This is why I love Asheville: Let's say you have a craving for a standard domestic brew. You are going to have a hard time finding it in an Asheville Bar. They look at you like you are crazy if you try to order a traditional domestic. Grand Rapids, on the other hand, that is usually the first words out of a servers mouth when you ask for "beer specials."
Bell brewery home of Oberon. The best summer bear.
Asheville baby. Highland, Wicked Weed, Asheville brewery to name a few!!! Love this little town.
Grand Rapids, Michigan! Best beer on the planet.
Cleveland Ohio! Hell yeah we may not be a lot of things but we do know our beer, Great Lakes Brewing Company is phenomenal!!! blackout stout is my fav beer in the world!
Kalamazoo is #1
Kalamazoo...yeh!
Grand Rapids!!
Though I'd like to say Raleigh, Raleigh in my mind does not encompass the Triangle Area, with great breweries in Fuquay Varina (Aviator) and Durham (Triangle) in addition to Big Boss, Lone Rider, Carolina Brewing, Bull City, and the list goes on...
That said, then, Asheville is really the only choice. Wedge, French Broad, Highland, Green Man and other in addition to the new big boys in the area make it the place to drink.
I grew up in Asheville, NC and moved to Eugene, OR when I was 21 to attend the UO for graduate school. I love Asheville and have seen the great beer boom of the last 8ish years, but I have to say, The PacNW really takes the medals when we're talking about beer.
KALAMAZOOOOOOOOOOO
@Liz Nope, you're definitely the only place that does that. Nobody else does. You are absolutely right. Here, have a gold star. You're a winner.
Asheville- NO DOUBT!
just a question.... does anyone else but Asheville have a week-long beer festival culminating in the best 8 hours ever in pack square park with THE beer city festival? Didn't think so. ASHEVILLE IS BEER CITY.
Lived my whole life in the GR area and have visited Asheville a couple times. Love Wedge and Thirsty Monk(downstairs) in Asheville but gotta go GR. Simply better beer.
Bend or rocks
Asheville is a great place to live and are serving the best beer ever.
If you haven't been to Asheville in a while, you are missing out. One of our newest and most popular breweries, Wicked Weed, has completely changed my mind about the beer scene and about beer itself. Their ever-evolving offerings are not only delicious, they are creative and fun. (And, really, isn't that what craft beer is all about?) The Weed, as I like to call it, brews a marvelous variety of traditional and exotic beers, including girly beers brewed with fruit such as blood orange puree, honeydew, grapefruit zest, etc. and manly beers aged (?) in bourbon casks, and even a beer in which the hops were roasted in the 12 Bones smoker. (12 Bones is a beloved local barbecue joint frequented by the Prez whenever he's in town.) If it sounds good, they'll try it. Plus, Wicked Weed is just a great place to be, whether you are in the tasting room downstairs or enjoying a flight outside watching the passersby. Everyone who works at the Weed is informative and friendly. My impression is you don't get work there if you're not nice. I have had such fun beers and such a good time at the Weed that it makes me want to explore the other breweries in town more fully. Who knew I would learn to love beer? Thanks, Asheville!
Asheville is definitely the Beer City of USA, hands down no question asked. We get so many tourists here, because of our Beer... Holla!!!!!!!!! DATS how we represent!!!!!!! Whoop Whoop.....;)
Tampa
grand rapids is BEER CITY U.S.A!!!!!!!!!!
Kzoo!
Asheville on top! Our whole region is brimming with tasty brews and we just welcomed in some of the top of the top craft breweries into the region! Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada, and New Belgium! Our microbreweries are popping up in every nook and cranny keeping the competition and quality high! WE ARE BEER CITY/BEER REGION/FERMENTED GREATNESS!
Hope you win
GRAND RAPIDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GR
Yes there really is a Kalamazoo!!!
Yes there really is a Kalamazoo!!!
Yes there really is a Kalamazoo!!!
Asheville hands down. Best beer and the nicest people. If you can say something bad about that place then anything you have to say is discredited.
Many great places in KZOO, serving delicious BEER!
KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Asheville really is an amazing place with delicious beer.
B
If there was ever a year for Asheville to win "Beer City" it's this year - after landing both New Belguim & Sierra Nevada!
ASHEVILLE is Beer City. That's why we win every year. We have the best beer, and the best bars. All you other posers can get out of my face, you are UNWORTHY. Call me when you taste a real beer.
The beer scene here is amazing and is exploding with the expansion/new development of craft breweries. Several more are coming online shortly. I can't wait until later this summer going on a bike tour of all Kalamazoo has to offer.
I love how many people here are clearly lying. Like the guy claiming to be Mayor George Heartwell or all of the people claiming to have lived in both Asheville and GR. This anonymous comment shit is ridiculous and you should be ashamed of yourselves for being so petty. Oh, I also think that there are only really 1 or 2 people posting all of the "KALAMAZOO SHOULD WIN BECAUSE OF BELL'S OBERON ALONE!" bullshit. Oberon is a good beer for the masses, but it isn't astounding. Oh, and the jackass saying you can get KBS pints for $2 in Asheville is full of shit too. It's $6 for half a pint at Founders.
best breweries / best beer enthusiasts
ASHEVILLE!
To all the people posting negative comments about Asheville: MOVE!
I love my Mountain Home. I will die here!
LONG LIVE THE PARIS OF THE SOUTH!
What a lot of people seem to forget is....a lot of Michigan breweries got their brewmasters FROM Bell's or they worked at Bell's at some point. Kalamazoo was the start and HEART of it all!!
KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Been to and drank in Asheville Fort Collins,San Diego and Grand Rapids. All locations have great beers and good beer cultures. But I have to give it to GR. In the past 10 years they have grown there brew industry tremendously. The have great breweries with excellent beers as well as the sorroundings. Many home brewers here have gone on to create national beers that have taken off. Should be a close race with GR, Asheville and K-Zoo... Good luck to all!
Why is Oakland CA not on this list, they have a great up and coming beer scene. Check Liden Street Brews who only sell in Oakland City limits and don't bottle, and Line 51 who only are on tap in bars who are on the Bus Route 51. Our bars like Beer Revolution are also recognized throughout the nation and world. Beer city shouldn't just be how many brews are being mass produced, in Oakland it is a local beer scene that nobody in the nation can taste without visiting this fast changing city.
We are proud to live in the mountains of western North Carolina! I am more proud to serve beer at Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville. I also want to thank everyone who tours the breweries in Asheville, Brevard, and surrounding areas, and takes the time to visit Southern Appalachian brewery. Not only do we serve great beer, we have incredible music and are kid and dog friendly! Cheers!!!!
http://www.sabrewery.com/
I can't believe how much Grand Rapids was booming with breweries this year. I think adding kalamazoo so close to GR is going to pull some votes away though. The entire west Michigan region deserves it though.
As a former resident of Asheville, and a current resident of Grand Rapids, This was a very hard pick for me. I ended up having to vote for GR, as i feel it truly is Beer City USA.
Fort Beer, Colorado. Been in the game for a LONG time making great beers. Odell Brewing rules.
Good point Jeremy. Fortunately, Asheville has a great culture AND great beer! Whatever your tastes are, there’s a beer for you. Our bike shops serve beer, our businesses use breweries as adjunct conference rooms, and our city supports a growing infrastructure specific to breweries (roads, intersections, greenways, etc.). Come check out Beer City USA 2010, 2011, and 2012. And if you don’t dig beer, we have three cideries opening. WHAT?!? But cider is not beer you say?. I know that. But Asheville can’t help itself. It’s such an amazing place to be that there are new, businesses, restaurants, pubs, distilleries, cideries, art studios, galleries, heath centers, opening every day.
I love beer! I am voting for our city because it is where I drink the most of it. I like the Asheville brewery scene because most of them are family friendly. I can have A beer, my husband can have a few (or vice versa) and my son is guaranteed to find other children to play with. Ashevillians that are into local brews tend to be laid back and like minded in their views and lifestyle. We have won the past few years because we have a lot of people who are passionate about their beer... not necessarily because it is better or superior to others around the country. With that said, the Wedge IPA is my favorite tasting and always provides a lovely buzz.
Grand Rapids has one of the best beer cultures of any city I've been to. Everyone is very knowledgeable and you can come into downtown and can't possible visit every brewery in one day. They have every kind of beer... not just west coast IPAs or Colorado ales. Grand Rapids IS Beer City USA.
Asheville IS Beer City USA!
Grand Rapids has come on strong for breweries!
I have a "beer" in KALAMAZO!
Go Asheville! A liberal blue oasis in a sea of Southern conservative crazy.
Grand Rapids, Michigan! :D
Hellz yea!
I would prefer to drink my homebrew over any brewery mentioned! I am 100% positive the best beer in america is made at homes all over the country! My vote went to asheville for our awesome homebrew scene!
It's funny hearing people give their OPINIONS of the best beer and where that beer flows from. This poll is about BEER CITY not who has the best beer according to random vote. The beer culture in Asheville is the best. And as a side note - why would I want to have a beer with a bunch of disgruntled haters. People in Asheville are chill. IT IS ABOUT THE CULTURE - NOT YOUR OPINION OF THE BEST BEER!!
Hey Brian, for the record the british are known for ales not lagers. There lagers came later and are just copies of bavarian type lagers from germany, czech republic, ect...
I could be perfectly happy with my beers, if all I drank from now on were Grand Rapids stouts. Hideout's Smuggler's Hazelnut Stout is my favorite. Graydon's Crossing is my favorite restaurant to have a brew at. When you ask for a beer list there, they hand you a book! River City Saloon, O'Toole's, Monarch Club and Logan's Alley are some of the runners-up bars.
May the best city win !!!!!
Go GR!
Asheville!! Seriously? Why else would Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, & New Belgium open new breweries here? To complement the other 74 craft breweries in the State!!
Native to GR...moved to colorado. Both places have a ton of new breweries popping up. But I like the colorado beer scene better. .mmmmmm....beer
Go Kazoo
Asheville!
Grand Rapids, we got to love it.
Love our local mirco brews! Go GR!
Asheville!
Go Grand Rapids!
To answer all the negative and bitter remarks about Asheville, let me offer a few thoughts. FTRST, Asheville may not have the best beer in the US, but what they do have is a thriving beer scene, with hundreds of people showing up daily at each of the breweries in the Asheville area. I have visited several local breweries in a single afternoon, and am always impressed with the crowds of laid-back happy people at each venue enjoying beer and the company of others. No drunks, no fighting, just a thriving beer scene with thousands of people. All those people voting is why Asheville has held the Beer City title for several years. SECOND, Everything Changes. If you're a lifelong resident (like myself) complaining because your hometown is currently known as "Beer City" or someone from somewhere else, angry because YOUR town wasn't chosen and Asheville was, if you'll abandon your collective bitterness for a moment and think about it, Nothing Stays The Same. The year 1965 has come and gone, and every town, and every person in it, has changed slowly but surely, every year. Where you or your parents were born doesn't give you any extra rights or perks, simply a history, which keeps changing, wether you want it to or not. If two interstate highways hadn't been built, bringing in new people, money and ideas from all points of the compass, maybe Asheville could have remained what it once was...but I doubt it. Asheville has been touted as the perfect climate, scenery, whitewater, hiking and camping destination, while also being sold off to any manufacturing concern who will listen, for over a hundred years. We are surrounded by tourist traps, from Biltmore Estate to festivals, eateries, scenic railroads ...you name it. Right now, BEER is the new buzz; in a few years, it will be something else. Time Brings Change, like it or not. And if you're pissed because YOUR town wasn't named Beer City, do something about it. Rally up the thousands of happy people, like the Asheville beer scene, in YOUR town. When you have a dozen-plus breweries actively engaging their customers, creating events throughout the year bringing in thousands of locals and a lot of beer tourism, you create a thriving industry and growing beer scene. Rally the brewers and their clients in your town like that, and YOU can live in Beer City. It's just a stupid name. THIRD, When you project bitterness, you negate your own argument. Facts and logic makes people think, and often wins arguments; bitterness only reveals the twisted distorted perspective of the speaker. Some folks badmouth Asheville who have never been here; that's as twisted as racism. Conversely, a self-professed native who wishes Asheville was like it was when he was a kid, and won't go downtown to check out what has changed is equally blind and biased. If you want to make a truly compelling argument, stick to the facts, and let people decide for themselves; I don't know anyone who responds positively to bitterness and negativity. Me? I'll just kick back and have a Wedge IPA....let the ranting continue! ;)
Without a doubt, Kzoo is the best!
Fort Collins is the beer capital of the country. Funkwerks, Odell's, Fort Collins Brewery, Equinox, New Belgium.. I could go on and on!! Best Beer I've had.
Fort Collins is the beer capital of the country. Funkwerks, Odell's, Fort Collins Brewery, Equinox, New Belgium.. I could go on and on!! Best Beer I've had.
Brian, my vote goes to anyone BUT Asheville, I am not a fan of the beer here, way too hoppy for me, I prefer British lagers. I understand what you were saying, I was just trying to make a point that while Asheville may technically in the south, the residents and the culture of Asheville are NOT southern. Asheville is a cross between New England, San Francisco & Portland. Asheville has lost every single thing that made it southern. So if the beer is not what you prefer, its has nothing to do with the south, because there is nothing southern associated with this town or the beer
AshevilleNative to clarify what I was referring to earlier by saying 'the south' doesn't know how to make a decent stout was more about regional tastes. Different regions of the country have different tastes. In the south the stouts aren't nearly as strong as they could be. They remind me more of porters to be honest. Maybe the taste of people down your way like that style of stout better. But that's just not how a good stout is done in Michigan. There were a lot of breweries in Asheville, and they do have a chance at winning this. My votes still on GR though.
Guy Gadbois, please stop telling people that you are from Grand Rapids. You're making us look bad over here.
LupulinDevil...that just made my night...too funny! Notwhatsoever, i do agree that the laws a bit lax compared to some other states. Cheers!
To Guy Gadbois, you are a testimony to all that is wrong in the craft beer world. I want to apologize on the behalf of residents on both sides of this argument for this jerk. I hope you get some satisfaction (as you must) from being an ass. Congratulations. You win the giant prize. Be proud of yourself. Now feel free to move on to another area of the interweb to inflict your hate. Best of luck to you and don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. It may give you a headache.
Cheers
Dickey Butane, it's actually because NC has pretty lax laws when it comes to brewing.
Guy Gadbois, please get a life. It's Thursday and you're trolling the internet b!tching about how much you hate Asheville. I'm a Floridian not a Floridiot, nor a trust fund hippie, drug addict. I work hard for my money, and frankly, peebrains like you are why I worry about humanity.
There's a reason why Breweries like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium are moving to ASHEVILLE. Kind of funny people are forgetting what the actual question is...it's about BEER, not bible thumpers, trust fund kids, and upset wannabe former natives. For the record, in regards to service and restaurants...there are two restaurants that rated in the top 100 in the nation...and thats a whole new subject. ASHEVILLE for sure.
Guy Gadbois, Why are you trying to insult me? I have agreed with what you have said, I am not defending Asheville, I am not supporting Asheville, I have voted against it, I want Asheville to loose this poll. What is your problem? Why attack me? Talk smack about the beer & who makes it, but there is no reason to make it personal with someone you don't even know and will never meet in person.
GR all the way. More home brewers, more new breweries, and more beer festivals which are supported by the city. $2 billion added to the state economy last year by the craft beer industry. I'll drink to that, tippin a Perrin honey rye ale right now.
Bells is the best ..... now why don't we check out the great wines of Michigan!!
Tampa has some of the best brewies in America.
Cndjs
Asheville Native "The only southerners who live in this town are those like me whose family roots go back 200+ years in the area."
So, you are admitting by timeline that your family is a part of the cherokee murder drive. See, My family goes back about 5-10 thousand years in the area and you and you white corn bred bible fuckers needed to go 200 years ago.
Billy Graham beats children in his basement dungeon.