Top 22 American Lagers

Highland Park Brewery (HPB) is a craft brewery from Los Angeles, founded in 2014, which started as a small project inside the bar “The Hermosillo” in the Highland Park neighborhood. The brewery is recognized for experimenting with styles and ingredients, while keeping a strong focus on freshness - most batches are produced in small quantities to ensure the beer is consumed as close to the production date as possible.

HPB also stands out for using local ingredients, and in certain releases they incorporate herbs and fruit sourced directly from the surrounding neighborhood, giving the beer a sense of terroir that is unusual in brewing. Their production approach follows a “slow beer” philosophy - careful aging, natural carbonation, and balance, without aggressive additives.

The portfolio includes lagers, various IPA expressions, as well as seasonal and specialty beers fermented in oak barrels. The brand’s philosophy, “drink fresh, drink local”, reflects their commitment to quality rather than mass distribution.

For that reason, their beers are mostly available on-site or in limited releases. Highland Park Brewery represents an example of how authenticity and local identity can be translated into a distinctive and sustainable brewing concept.Expand

Geisthaus Brewing is a new craft brewery from Sacramento County, California, opened in early 2025 and specializing exclusively in lager styles. The founders set out to revive the German lager tradition by using locally sourced Californian ingredients and classic fermentation methods.

The brewery’s space combines an industrial design with open garage doors leading to a spacious outdoor area, creating a relaxed atmosphere for tastings. Every beer undergoes a meticulous production process, with natural carbonation and horizontal tank conditioning to achieve a clean profile and balance.

Geisthaus gives equal attention to both classic and modern lager interpretations, attracting traditionalists as well as fans of experimentation. Their approach emphasizes quality and technical precision over mass production.

The result is beers that offer a clean aroma, balanced flavor, and distinctive character. This brewery is an example of how tradition can be successfully integrated into the modern American craft beer context while remaining true to its roots.Expand

Suarez Family Brewery is a small, family-owned brewery run by Dan Suarez and Taylor Cocalis. Since its founding in 2016, they have remained committed to producing small-batch beers with a clear focus on technical precision and flavor clarity.

Their production is centered around three main directions - German-inspired lagers, beers fermented with mixed cultures, and light, highly drinkable beers they themselves call “crispy little beers”. The lagers are unfiltered, clean, and dry-finishing, while the “country ales” are aged in wine barrels, developing layered yet balanced aromas.

Every beer is crafted using carefully selected ingredients and controlled fermentation processes, with an emphasis on patience and consistent quality. The taproom is simple and welcoming, offering a limited selection of beers on draft, while part of the lineup is distributed to local restaurants and shops.

The brewery has earned a reputation for combining European tradition with a modern American interpretation, creating beers recognized for their elegance, balance, and ease of drinking.Expand

Hanabi Lager is a craft brewery from Napa Valley, California, specializing exclusively in lager beers with a focus on grain as the primary carrier of flavor. It was founded by Nicholas Gislason, head winemaker at the renowned Screaming Eagle winery, and Jennifer Angelosante, combining experience from the world of wine with brewing precision.

Their philosophy is based on the use of heirloom, rare varieties of barley and other grains, aiming to showcase the terroir and history of each raw ingredient. The brewery’s most famous beer is Haná Pilsner, brewed from the ancient Haná barley variety - the same one Josef Groll used in 1842 for the first-ever pilsner in Plzeň.

Today, the barley is grown on a single field in Norfolk, England, resulting in an elegant pilsner with aromas of fresh bread, nori seaweed, and dried mint. Hanabi Lager produces beer in small batches, but Haná Pilsner remains available year-round.

The brewery has its own steam-powered decoction brewhouse, which they designed and built themselves. The production process is slow, deliberate, and guided by uncompromising craft principles.

Their approach is rare in today’s craft beer scene, where lagers often take a back seat. By focusing exclusively on this style, they have positioned themselves as pioneers in the “grain-forward” lager movement.

Thanks to their quality and originality, they have attracted the attention of both beer lovers and wine connoisseurs.Expand

Fat Head's Brewery is a renowned craft brewery in the United States, originally established in 1992 as a beer pub in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the years, it has grown into a well-known name in the craft beer industry, especially after opening its production brewery in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, in 2009.Expand

pFriem Family Brewers is a craft brewery located in Hood River, Oregon, known for its dedication to producing high-quality, innovative beers. Established in 2012, pFriem (pronounced "freem") quickly earned a reputation for its well-crafted beers and its commitment to creating balanced, flavorful brews across various styles, including IPAs, lagers, stouts, and saisons.Expand

Schulz Bräu Brewing Company is a German-style craft brewery located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 2016, the brewery is inspired by traditional Bavarian beer culture and brewing techniques.

It is known for its authentic German lagers, vibrant beer hall, and expansive beer garden, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.Expand

10 Barrel Brewing Company is a prominent craft brewery based in Bend, Oregon, with additional locations across the United States. Founded in 2006, the brewery has quickly become known for its innovative beers, commitment to quality, and strong connection to the craft beer community.

The name "10 Barrel" reflects the brewery’s production scale, initially designed to focus on small-batch brews using 10-barrel batches.Expand

Devils Backbone Brewing is an American brewery and brewpub based in Roseland, Virginia, founded in 2008 by Steven and Heidi Crandall, who were inspired by European craft brewing traditions. Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the brewery quickly gained recognition for its diverse and technically refined lineup.

At its peak, Devils Backbone produced around 75,000 barrels annually and released up to 128 different beer labels - ranging from crisp lagers and classic pilsners to aromatic pale ales, bold IPAs, and seasonal specialties. Their brewing style reflects a balance between precision and creativity, with each recipe crafted to combine tradition with innovation.

The brewery’s two main locations - Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows and Outpost Taproom & Kitchen - offer more than just beer, creating a full experience through culinary offerings, natural surroundings, and regular events. Devils Backbone is not just a place to drink beer - it’s a destination for enjoying it.Expand

Metazoa Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery founded in 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. It is known for its commitment to producing high-quality craft beer and its love for animals.

A portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to organizations that support animal conservation and their habitats.Expand