Over the past few years when I've been traveling around the world one of my favorite things to do is try sample the different beers of the world. I thought to myself, "what better way to do so than by visiting breweries?". So that's what I did, as I've traveled both inside and outside of the country and I've made some stops at some great breweries. I listed them in no particular order, well they are somewhat chronological, but not really:
Heineken Brouwerij - My first brewery visit in Amsterdam, Netherlands. A great tour with samples and a free glass at the end!
Sam Adams - One of the best tours I've been on to date. Located in Jamaica Plain, right outside of Boston, MA it is one of my most frequented brewery tours and usually has one of the biggest ranges in terms of different styles, including some that will never leave the factory! Officially the tour is free, but a donation is suggested! One of the coolest touches besides the souvenir tasting glass is the Sam Adams label as your entrance ticket.
Sapporo - Located in Tokyo, Japan this isn't the best brewery tour ever, but the automated tasting machine at the end and giant beer cans are pretty cool.
Guinness St. James's Gate Brewery - Located in Dublin, Ireland, this legendary brewery is the only one with a 9,000 year lease. A bit costlier than some of the other tours I've been on, it really has a cool layout and and awesome view of the surrounding city whilst tasting the freshest Guinness you'll ever have! Can't remember how much it cost, but it was a great experience.
Mayflower Brewing Co. - As you would guess, this small brewery is located in Plymouth, MA and hosts a great selection of beers and free sampling. Only open certain days, but is a great place to fill up a growler.
SweetWater Brewing Co. - In Atlanta, GA, you can come visit for $8 and get 6 healthy pours and a nice glass to keep. Nice place to be able to get all their beers on tap, including their "Dank Tank" limited offerings.
Pike Brewing Company - Right by Pike's Place Market in Seattle, WA, this place has some great beers and definitely a unique Obama taphead. Great food as well and good to go check out for a tasting flight.
Long Trail - Located in Bridgewater Corners, VT and is a good stop along the way up to Burlington. Only a self guided tour, but it is a very eco-friendly brewery and offers tasting size pints, but not free.
Magic Hat - The "artifactory" is in Burlington, VT and has some interesting artwork located in and outside of the brewery. Free tour and lots of yummy beers on tap to try!
Coastal Extreme (Newport Storm) - Only brewery on the Island located in Newport, RI. At $7 it is a bit pricey, but you do get a nice snifter type glass to keep. Usually you get to sample between 4 and 5 1/2 pours and there is also an option for a Thomas Tew Rum tasting (an additional $9).
Union Station Brewery - No real brewery tour or anything to speak of, but they brew their beer onsite and have awesome food. A great stop in Providence, RI.
Trinity Brewhouse - Another good Providence, RI stop perhaps after a P-Bruins game. Go for the beer, not for the food. First place I tried a Scotch Ale.
Red Brick Brewing - Also know as the Atlanta Brewing company, is a small brewery in Atlanta, GA with some good beers including the Laughing Skull. They offer trivia and games during sampling and tour times, so it is definitely a fun time. Tasting was $8 ($10 with ATL coozie) with a pint class to take home and came with 4 pretty full pours.
Portsmouth Brewery - One of my favorite stops in Portsmouth, NH. Great food and a huge selection of great beers on tap.
Harpoon Brewery - Last but certainly not least by any means on this list is the Harpoon Brewery located in the Seaport in Boston, MA. This brewery opens in the evenings and is a great spot to try some fantastic Boston Beer. Of course this list is no where near complete, but as I continue to visit some more, I'll update my list! I think this is a pretty good start though!
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