American Homebrewers Association members voted Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Elder the “Best Commercial Beer in America” for the fifth year running. The poll is conducted annually by Zymurgy magazine. This is the 11th year that AHA members voted for up to 20 of their favorite beers in an online poll. Members were able to choose any commercial beer available for purchase in the United States. The top-ranked beers include:
1. Russian River Pliny the Elder
2. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale (made in Michigan!)
3. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
4. Bell’s Hopslam Ale (made in Michigan!)
5. Ballast Point Sculpin IPA
6. Founders Breakfast Stout (made in Michigan!)
7. Arrogant Bastard Ale
8. Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA
T9. Lagunitas Sucks
T9. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
T9. Stone Brewing Co. Ruination IPA
More than 1,100 breweries were represented in this year’s poll, and the top-ranked brewery is Stone Brewing, with five beers in the top 50. Russian River Brewing took second with five beers as well, followed by the Sierra Nevada Brewing, in third with four beers making the list. Additionally, the Best Portfolio of Beers was awarded to the Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams), which had 40 beers receive votes in the poll.
