If you’ve never been on a brewery tour — and are of legal age — you’re missing out on something truly amazing. Not only do you get the chance to see how the popular beverage is made, but you’re handsomely rewarded at the end with free glasses of the stuff! It’s the perfect way to spend a leisurely weekend afternoon with friends, family, or your sweetie. Here are just a handful of the best places across the country to get a taste of the action.
Budweiser (Merrimack, NH)
Beer AND horses? It doesn’t get better than that. While there are a number of Budweiser plants across the country, the world-famous Clydesdales reside at this facility, making it extra-special. After you’ve been led around by your guide and sampled the goods, you have free “rein” (get it?) to make your way over to the stables and meet some fabulous new furry friends.
Old Mecklenburg Brewery (Charlotte, NC)
Their brewery tour was voted #1 in the country by USA Today, so they must be doing something right at this southern spot. While it’s only 6 years old, it’s become one of the most popular breweries in the region to sample some suds on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
New Glarus Brewing Co. (New Glarus, WI)
It’s all about fruit beers at New Glarus, so it might not be everyone’s, er, cup of tea. However, those looking for a twist on the typical flavors (and a twist on the typical tour) will love the reservation-only hard hat adventure that takes place on the premises every Friday afternoon. It also includes a cheese pairing, because who doesn’t love fruit and cheese?!
Perennial Artisanal Ales (Saint Louis, MO)
With crazy flavors like Pecan Pie and Pineapple Kumquat, Perennial certainly isn’t your dad’s brewery. All of their risk-taking pays off, though, with one of the most unique selections in the whole nation. Every Saturday, visitors can stop by for a tour, sample, and even snacks from local purveyors.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. (Gilbert. AZ)
This small craft brewery has gained a veritable cult following, probably due in part to their slogan: Handcrafted beers, facecrafted beards. Sense of humor aside, Arizona Wilderness serves up the goods: a rotating menu of everything from IPAs to Blondes and Ryes are on tap in their tasting room, which is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
