Mt. Rushmore Of Craft Beer? Four Modern Classics To Try
Key takeaways
- Four Modern Classics To Try The craft beer story in the U.S. may be recent history compared to the hundreds of years of brewing tradition in Europe but there are four American beers that stand the test of time.
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- Pints and PanelsSierra Nevada Pale AleWhen it debuted in 1980, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale punched above its weight class.
Spirits Mt. Rushmore Of Craft Beer? Four Modern Classics To Try The craft beer story in the U.S. may be recent history compared to the hundreds of years of brewing tradition in Europe but there are four American beers that stand the test of time. By Em Sauter,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a cartoonist and author who focuses on Visual Drinks Education.Follow Author May 21, 2026, 07:22am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.The “modern” American craft beer scene started in the 1970’s and 1980’s with the legalization of homebrewing by President Jimmy Carter and the start of some iconic breweries still functioning to this day. And with the 250th anniversary of the United States being this year, it poses the question: what are true American craft beer legends? If craft beer had a Mt. Rushmore, who would be featured? There are so many classics of the craft beer genre but four beers stood out as being instrumental in changing the landscape of craft beer. These beers are still in production so you can try them for yourselves and see if you agree.
Pints and PanelsSierra Nevada Pale AleWhen it debuted in 1980, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale punched above its weight class. It featured distinct Pacific Northwest Cascade hops, which gave the beer an orange rind and pine aroma/flavor. Sierra Nevada pale ale fundamentally changed the entire beer world forever, showcasing American hops in a unique and drinkable but balanced way that had never been done before. Almost every American hoppy beer style can trace its roots to this beer.