Sacramento's craft beer scene is booming! With over 29 breweries, finding your new favorite can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best breweries in Sacramento, categorized for easy exploration, ensuring you discover your perfect pint. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your craft beer journey, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the diverse and exciting Sacramento brewing landscape.
Exploring Sacramento's Diverse Brewery Scene: A Comprehensive Guide
Sacramento's craft beer scene offers a diverse range of experiences, from intimate taprooms to sprawling outdoor spaces. This guide focuses on helping you find the perfect brewery based on your preferences. We've categorized our picks to help you easily navigate this exciting scene.
Top 10 Sacramento Breweries for Unique Beer Styles
This section highlights breweries known for their experimental and innovative brewing techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles.
- New Glory Craft Brewery: Renowned for their bold and unique IPAs, New Glory consistently surprises with experimental hop combinations. Their use of local ingredients adds a unique Sacramento touch. They often host events and food truck nights.
- Auburn Alehouse: A bit outside of Sacramento proper, in Auburn, this brewery boasts a stunning location and equally stunning brews. Expect traditional styles executed to perfection alongside some adventurous experiments.
- Track 7 Brewing Co.: This brewery consistently produces high-quality beers with a focus on seasonal and limited releases. They frequently collaborate with other breweries, leading to exciting and unexpected flavor profiles.
- Sacramentality: Located in the heart of Sacramento, Sacramentality is known for its commitment to quality and community. Their beers often feature locally sourced ingredients and reflect the city’s character.
- Device Brewing Company: A favorite among local beer enthusiasts, Device consistently delivers exceptional brews with a focus on both classic and innovative styles. Their taproom atmosphere is inviting and relaxed.
- Moonraker Brewing Co.: Known for its strong focus on IPAs and its creative use of hops, Moonraker's range of beers provides something for everyone. Their outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
- B. Nektar Meadery: While technically not a brewery, B. Nektar offers a unique experience with a wide selection of meads (honey wines). Their diverse flavors provide a fantastic alternative to traditional beer.
- Rubicon Brewing Company: Specializing in British-style ales, Rubicon provides a refreshing change of pace from the more common IPA-centric breweries. Their commitment to traditional brewing methods shines through in their high-quality products.
- Yolo Brewing Company: Located just outside of Sacramento in Woodland, Yolo offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the larger city breweries. Their beer quality remains consistently high.
- Knee Deep Brewing Company: Known for their quirky names and bold flavors, Knee Deep is a must-visit for any adventurous beer drinker. Their beers are often described as intensely flavorful and memorable.
Top 5 Sacramento Breweries with Great Ambiance
This section focuses on breweries with exceptional atmospheres, ideal for a relaxing evening out.
| Brewery Name | Atmosphere | Food Options | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Glory Craft Brewery | Lively, energetic, food trucks often present | Varies with food trucks | Outdoor seating, frequent events |
| Auburn Alehouse | Relaxed, scenic, mountain views | Full menu, elevated pub fare | Outdoor patio with beautiful views |
| Track 7 Brewing Co. | Industrial chic, modern, comfortable | Food trucks, occasional food pairings | Spacious indoor and outdoor areas |
| Device Brewing Company | Relaxed, casual, friendly staff | Limited snack options, often food trucks | Comfortable seating, laid-back vibe |
| Moonraker Brewing Co. | Lively, outdoor-focused, family-friendly | Food trucks often present, occasional pizza | Large outdoor patio, games |
5 Breweries Perfect for a First-Time Sacramento Beer Visitor
For those new to Sacramento's brewing scene, these breweries provide a great introduction to the city's diverse offerings:
- Sacramentality: A central location and welcoming atmosphere make this a perfect starting point.
- Device Brewing Company: Known for consistent quality and approachable styles.
- Track 7 Brewing Co.: Offers a good range of styles to explore.
- New Glory Craft Brewery: Their bold IPAs are a great introduction to Sacramento's hop-forward scene.
- Rubicon Brewing Company: Offers a different perspective with their British-style ales.
Finding Your Perfect Pint: Tips for Exploring Sacramento Breweries
- Plan your route: Sacramento breweries are spread throughout the city. Use a map to plan your route efficiently.
- Check brewery hours: Hours vary, especially on weekdays.
- Consider transportation: Designate a driver or utilize ride-sharing services.
- Try a flight: Most breweries offer flights, allowing you to sample multiple beers before committing to a pint.
- Talk to the staff: Brewery staff are often passionate about their beer and happy to offer recommendations.
- Don't be afraid to try something new: Step outside your comfort zone and explore different styles.
Conclusion:
Sacramento's craft beer scene is a vibrant and constantly evolving landscape. This guide provides a starting point for your exploration, but the best way to discover your favorites is to get out there and try them for yourself! Cheers to exploring Sacramento's amazing breweries!
