In the ever-expanding universe of craft beer, certain styles and breweries tend to hog the spotlight. It’s a world where the Hazy IPA often reigns supreme, dominating tap lists and social media feeds with its juicy allure. But what if we told you there’s an entire galaxy of flavor lying just beyond the well-trodden paths? A realm where quiet excellence, masterful brewing, and sheer deliciousness are waiting to be discovered by intrepid beer enthusiasts like yourself.
Indeed, the concept of a beer being “underrated” is a delightfully complex one, as even the experts attest. What one person deems a hidden masterpiece, another might consider properly rated, or even—dare we say it—overrated. Yet, this very subjectivity is what makes the hunt for underrated brews so exciting. It’s about finding those exceptional ales and lagers that, for one reason or another, haven’t quite received the widespread recognition they so richly deserve, despite their undeniable quality and charm.
That’s precisely why we’ve embarked on this quest: to shine a much-needed light on these unsung heroes of the brewing world. We’ve tapped into the wisdom of seasoned brewers and certified beer experts across the country, gathering their personal picks for the most criminally overlooked beers available today. These aren’t just obscure finds; they’re smart buys, guaranteed to deliver an incredible drinking experience and perhaps even introduce you to your next all-time favorite. So, get ready to broaden your horizons and make some unforgettable discoveries this weekend.
1. **Long Trail Double Bag**Kicking off our journey into the magnificent world of the underrated is Long Trail Brewing’s Double Bag, a true testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted malty double amber ale. Hailing from a brewery with decades of history, this beer has been gracing shelves and taps for ages, yet it still possesses an uncanny ability to fly under the radar. It’s the kind of brew that, despite its impressive 7.2% ABV, practically invites you to savor another sip, making it a surprisingly sessionable choice for its strength.
What truly sets Double Bag apart is its rich and complex flavor profile. Imagine a symphony of caramel notes dancing alongside hints of roasted malts, all rounded out by a subtle whisper of chocolate. This intricate balance ensures that each mouthful is a rewarding experience, delivering depth without being overly heavy or cloying. It’s a beer that celebrates the beauty of malt-forward brewing, proving that richness doesn’t always have to come with an overwhelming sweetness.
Andrew Hueston, a USBG bartender at El Vez in Philadelphia, rightly champions this gem, highlighting its consistent quality and approachable nature. He recognizes that while many beers vie for attention with bold, new flavors, there’s an inherent value in a brew that has perfected its craft over time and continues to deliver exceptional taste at an accessible price point, typically around $11 for a six-pack. It’s a genuine smart buy for anyone looking for a flavorful, hearty beer that remains delightfully easy to drink.
This is a beer that truly encapsulates the essence of what it means to be underrated. It’s not about fleeting trends or chasing the latest hype; it’s about a foundational, expertly brewed ale that consistently exceeds expectations, quietly building a loyal following among those in the know. If you’re a fan of rich, amber hues and flavors that evoke warmth and comfort, seeking out Long Trail Double Bag should be at the top of your list.
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2. **Progression Connect The Dots IPA**Next on our expertly curated list is a visual and sensory delight, the Progression Connect The Dots IPA. Suzanne Schalow, CEO of Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont, Massachusetts, describes this as a “gorgeous, underrated beer to look at,” and she’s absolutely spot on. Pouring a light, bright yellow, it proudly displays a hazy body, naturally, and is crowned with a stark, pillowy white head that truly elevates its aesthetic appeal. At a respectable 7% ABV, it promises a full experience without overwhelming the palate.
Beyond its striking appearance, the beer boasts a typical creamy malt character, a textural treat made possible by the careful inclusion of malted wheat and oat additions. This foundation sets the stage for a truly bountiful aromatic journey. Imagine taking a deep inhale and being greeted by an explosion of tropical fruits – prominent notes of pineapple and papaya lead the charge, beautifully complemented by zesty tangerine and bright grapefruit citrus. Just as you think you’ve captured all its secrets, a whiff of distant pine trails gracefully in the background, adding an unexpected layer of complexity.
The flavors, we’re thrilled to report, perfectly mirror this tropical and citrus-laden aroma. What’s even more remarkable is that its bitterness is kept low, making it an incredibly approachable IPA, even for those who typically shy away from hop-forward styles. Suzanne aptly calls it a “true gem,” and given that most people have never even heard of Progression Brewing or its hometown of Northampton, Massachusetts, it unequivocally earns its spot as an underrated marvel. It’s this insider knowledge that we thrive on, bringing these hidden treasures to your attention.
Connect The Dots is a shining example of how an IPA can push boundaries while remaining incredibly drinkable and visually appealing. It’s an invitation to explore a less-traveled path in the IPA landscape, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience that stands apart from the crowd. Priced at approximately $16 for a four-pack of 16-ounce cans, it represents a fantastic opportunity to discover a brewery that’s crafting truly exceptional and often overlooked brews.
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3. **Great Lakes Eliot Ness**For our third essential underrated pick, we turn to a beer that has quietly been a cornerstone of the craft movement for decades: Great Lakes Eliot Ness. Joe Straitiff, brewing manager at Half Acre Brewing in Chicago, rightly points out that despite its long-standing availability, it remains “extremely underrated.” This is no fly-by-night sensation; it was one of the very first beers brewed by a pioneering craft brewery over thirty years ago, and it continues to stand strong, a testament to its timeless quality and perfect execution, all at a modest 6.2% ABV.
One of the fascinating aspects of Eliot Ness is its style classification. It’s an “amber lager,” a label that, as Straitiff notes, isn’t used as often as it perhaps should be. Many similar beers are often regionally named, like ‘Vienna’ or ‘Boston,’ or simply labeled ‘lager.’ Yet, Ness is indeed quite amber, and this distinct characteristic, combined with its meticulous brewing, truly sets it apart from its peers. It’s a classic that defies easy categorization, carving its own niche through sheer quality.
Upon tasting, the caramel malts immediately come to the fore, driving its beautiful color and delivering rich, hearty bread notes that speak to a profound malt depth. What might surprise some are the very present hops, which provide a noble-like crispness, a subtle counterpoint to the malt backbone. All of this complexity is impeccably wrapped in a super clean lager fermentation, resulting in a beer that is both simple and perfectly balanced. Joe Straitiff’s ultimate endorsement speaks volumes: “If someone asked me what beer tastes like, this would be my answer.”
Eliot Ness embodies the elegance of a well-made lager, a style that often gets overshadowed by more flamboyant ales. It’s a foundational beer, a benchmark of quality that offers immense satisfaction through its balanced profile and crisp finish. At around $11 for a six-pack, it’s an undeniable smart buy for anyone seeking a classic, impeccably brewed amber lager that delivers on all fronts, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound experiences come from clarity and balance rather than extreme flavors.
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4. **Barley Brown’s ESB**Venturing into a style that has, perhaps unfairly, receded from the forefront of craft beer popularity, we present Barley Brown’s ESB as a truly underrated gem. Ryan Schmiege, brewmaster at Cascade Lakes Brewing Company in Redmond, Oregon, perfectly encapsulates its status: it’s “highly underrated because most of the world doesn’t know Barley Brown’s and therefore isn’t ‘rating’ them.” This statement highlights a common plight for exceptional regional breweries whose incredible output doesn’t always reach a national audience. Furthermore, the ESB style itself, or Extra Special Bitter, has “so sadly, fallen out of favour with most consumers,” a trend we hope to help reverse, even if just a little, for this specific beer, which clocks in at a pleasant 5.8% ABV.
The English Pale Ale, or ESB, is a style steeped in tradition, originating from British pubs where it was designed for drinkability and nuanced flavor rather than aggressive hops or high alcohol. These beers are renowned for their delicate balance between malt sweetness and a refined hop bitterness, often showcasing earthy, floral, or fruity hop characteristics that complement a bready, biscuity malt profile. Barley Brown’s rendition proudly carries this torch, offering a masterclass in subtlety and satisfying complexity that stands apart from the modern hop-driven paradigm.
Schmiege’s endorsement speaks volumes about the quality hidden within this less-celebrated style. He implicitly argues that its lack of widespread recognition is less about its inherent merit and more about market trends and geographical limitations. This is a beer that, for those fortunate enough to discover it, offers a profound appreciation for traditional brewing. It’s a testament to the fact that great beer doesn’t always need to shout to be heard; sometimes, it merely needs a dedicated enthusiast to find it.
For brewery hoppers seeking an authentic and deeply satisfying experience that harks back to the roots of ale brewing, Barley Brown’s ESB is an absolute must-try. It’s a reminder that embracing the underrated often means discovering timeless classics that have been overlooked in the rush for the new and flashy. Its limited availability only adds to its mystique, making the discovery even more rewarding. This beer invites you to slow down, savor, and appreciate a style that deserves a significant comeback.
5. **Saison Dupont**Our penultimate entry in this first section is nothing short of legendary, yet, in the grand scheme of mass market popularity, it remains profoundly underrated: Saison Dupont. Nico Freccia, co-founder and COO at 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco, doesn’t mince words, declaring it, “hands down, the best beer in the world.” While that’s a bold claim, it speaks to the immense respect this classic Belgian farmhouse ale commands among those who truly understand beer. Priced around $7 for a 375ml bottle, it’s an accessible masterpiece at 6.5% ABV.
Saison Dupont is the quintessential example of its style, a beer that embodies the rustic elegance of Belgian farmhouse brewing. Historically crafted to refresh thirsty farm workers, these ales balance spicy yeast notes with a distinctive peppery dryness and a touch of fruit, creating an endlessly complex yet incredibly approachable drinking experience. Dupont’s version sets the benchmark, delivering a crisp, effervescent texture and a nuanced flavor profile that evolves with every sip, revealing layers of earthy, fruity, and spicy notes.
Freccia’s impassioned plea, “It should be in everyone’s beer fridge. It’s that good,” highlights not just its quality, but its versatility. A Saison, and especially one as perfectly executed as Dupont, is a chameleon on the dinner table, pairing beautifully with a wide array of foods, from rich cheeses to grilled poultry. It challenges the notion that only the most niche or obscure beers can be underrated; sometimes, even foundational, highly-acclaimed beers can be overlooked by the broader drinking public in favor of trendier options.
To truly appreciate the art of brewing, one must experience Saison Dupont. It’s a beer that transcends simple refreshment, offering a sophisticated and profoundly satisfying journey for the palate. Its “underrated” status isn’t about its lack of critical acclaim, but rather its relative absence from the everyday conversation among many craft beer drinkers, despite its undeniable place in the pantheon of great beers. Make it a point to seek out this iconic brew; it’s an education in a bottle and an absolute pleasure to drink.
Our journey through the landscape of exceptional yet unsung craft beers continues, promising even more delightful discoveries for your palate this weekend. We’re about to dive into five more expertly recommended brews, spanning a captivating range from smoky lagers and historical staples to vibrant sours and modern IPAs. Each one is a testament to the incredible skill and passion within the brewing world, ready to surprise and satisfy the adventurous beer hopper in you. Get ready to expand your beer horizons and find some new favorites that truly deserve a spotlight!
6. **Aecht Schlenkerla Helles Lager**Prepare for a truly unique lager experience with our sixth underrated champion: Aecht Schlenkerla Helles Lager. Jared Williamson, lead brewer at Schlafly Brewing in St. Louis, wisely calls this a standout pick. If you thought lagers were just about crisp and clean, this Bavarian classic is here to gently challenge that notion, all while maintaining a highly sessionable 4.3% ABV. It’s an accessible masterpiece, usually priced around $5 for a 500ml bottle, making it an excellent smart buy.
What makes this Helles Lager so intriguing is its subtle smokiness, a characteristic you might not expect in a beer without smoked malt. But here’s the magic: this distinctive quality comes from the lager yeast itself, which is harvested from another smoked malt beer. It’s a fascinating example of how brewing artistry can impart complex flavors through unexpected means, resulting in a beer that’s both deeply traditional and wonderfully distinctive. You won’t find aggressive smoke here; rather, it’s a delicate wisp that adds an extra layer of depth to an otherwise perfectly executed lager.
This isn’t just another light lager; it’s a gateway to a richer, more nuanced appreciation of the style. It invites you to explore the spectrum of lager brewing beyond the mainstream, showcasing how even the most subtle variations can create a profoundly different drinking experience. For those who appreciate craftsmanship and a touch of the unexpected, Aecht Schlenkerla Helles Lager offers a refreshing departure and a truly memorable sip.
It’s a prime example of how some of the most rewarding discoveries in the beer world aren’t about chasing the highest ABV or the most extreme flavors, but rather about appreciating the elegant complexity in a perfectly balanced and subtly surprising brew. Seek this one out; it’s a quiet revelation waiting to be uncorked.
7. **Anchor Steam Beer**Next up, we’re taking a historical detour with a beer that embodies American craft brewing’s pioneering spirit, yet is tragically overlooked today: Anchor Steam Beer. George Hummel, grain master of My Local Brew Works in Philadelphia, describes it as a beer “jilted at the craft brew dance,” a poignant observation for a brew that was once revolutionary. At a modest 4.9% ABV and typically available for about $10 for a six-pack, it’s a foundational piece of beer history that deserves a passionate rediscovery.
Anchor Steam isn’t just a beer; it’s a testament to resilience and innovation, a unique style known as California Common or Steam Beer. It’s brewed with lager yeast but fermented at warmer ale temperatures, a practice born of necessity during the California Gold Rush era when refrigeration was scarce. This distinctive method yields a beer with a rich, malty backbone balanced by a crisp, hoppy finish, creating a flavor profile that stands apart from both traditional lagers and ales.
Hummel’s assessment speaks to a broader truth about the craft beer market: sometimes even the most iconic, trailblazing beers can fall victim to “indifferent craft brewery take over and modern jaded craft brew taste buds.” It’s a sad reality that a beer of such immense historical and stylistic importance can be overshadowed by newer, flashier trends. Yet, its enduring quality and unique character remain undiminished, offering a bridge between the past and present of American brewing.
For anyone interested in the roots of craft beer or simply seeking an exquisitely balanced and utterly drinkable brew, Anchor Steam is an essential experience. It’s a reminder that true classics never fade, even if they occasionally get forgotten in the shuffle. Don’t let its ‘underrated’ status deter you; let it entice you to try a piece of brewing heritage that continues to deliver pure, unadulterated deliciousness.
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8. **Independence Native Texan**Our eighth pick brings us back to the beauty of a well-executed lager, but with an American twist: Independence Native Texan. Bryan Donaldson, brewing innovation manager at Lagunitas Brewing Company, makes a bold but understandable claim that “pretty much every premium American Lager is underrated.” While he’s not suggesting you drink them all the time, he highlights the immense skill involved in crafting a “clean beer with such little flavor” – a nuanced art form often overlooked. At 5.2% ABV and around $9 for a six-pack, Native Texan elevates this challenge to a whole new level of crisp, clean deliciousness.
Indeed, the magic of a truly great American Lager lies in its subtlety and pristine execution. There’s nowhere for flaws to hide, making the brewer’s precision paramount. Independence Native Texan exemplifies this mastery, delivering a beer that is incredibly refreshing, impeccably balanced, and supremely drinkable. It’s the kind of lager that makes you appreciate the finesse required to achieve such a seemingly simple yet profoundly satisfying result.
Donaldson’s endorsement points to a fundamental aspect of brewing often overshadowed by more audacious styles: the pursuit of perfection in the basics. This isn’t a beer that screams for attention with exotic ingredients or extreme bitterness; instead, it whispers of quality through its clarity, its balanced malt profile, and its exceptionally clean finish. It’s proof that sometimes, less is truly more, especially when ‘less’ is brewed with such expertise.
For those hot weekend days or any occasion demanding a truly refreshing and expertly crafted beer, Independence Native Texan is a brilliant choice. It’s an invitation to appreciate the sophisticated simplicity of a premium American Lager, demonstrating that a beer doesn’t need to be complex to be utterly captivating. If you’re looking to redefine your perception of lagers, this one’s a must-try.
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9. **North Coast Tart Cherry Berliner Weisse**Prepare your taste buds for a delightful tart adventure with our ninth underrated selection: North Coast Tart Cherry Berliner Weisse. Fal Allen, brewmaster at Anderson Valley Brewing Co., emphatically states this is his pick for the most underrated beer, calling it a “fabulous beer that has never gotten its due.” For around $12 for a four-pack and a very approachable 4.1% ABV, this sour gem is an absolute revelation for those looking to explore beyond traditional styles.
The Berliner Weisse style itself is a historical German wheat beer known for its distinct tartness, often described as a ‘Champagne of the North’ due to its effervescence. North Coast’s Tart Cherry version takes this classic and infuses it with a vibrant fruit character, creating a beer that is bright, refreshing, and beautifully balanced between sour and sweet. The cherry adds a luscious depth without overwhelming the beer’s characteristic tang, resulting in a lively and incredibly drinkable brew.
Allen’s strong recommendation underscores the fact that even within burgeoning categories like sours, there are still exceptional beers that fly under the radar. This isn’t just a sour for sour lovers; it’s a perfect gateway for anyone curious about the style, offering a fruit-forward approach that is both delicious and incredibly approachable. It demonstrates how a beer can be both traditional in its style and innovative in its execution, creating a memorable experience.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of sours or simply seeking a spectacularly refreshing and flavorful beer for your weekend adventures, North Coast Tart Cherry Berliner Weisse is an absolute must-grab. It’s a testament to the idea that some of the most fabulous brews are still waiting to be truly discovered and appreciated by a wider audience. Don’t miss out on this truly deserving, underrated delight!
10. **Hop Butcher Gottaguy IPA**Capping off our incredible list of smart buys for brewery hoppers is an IPA that demands immediate attention: Hop Butcher Gottaguy IPA. Garth Beyer, a certified Cicerone and owner of Garth’s Brew Bar, doesn’t mince words, declaring it “a beer that everyone should be grabbing from the shelf when they see it, or they ought to make the trip to the brewery.” At a solid 6.5% ABV and typically priced around $17 for a four-pack of 16-ounce cans, this is an IPA that’s worth the hunt.
In a crowded market of hop-forward beers, it takes something truly special to stand out, and Gottaguy IPA does just that. While the context doesn’t dive into its specific flavor notes, Beyer’s enthusiastic recommendation speaks volumes about its quality. It signals a beer that delivers on the promise of a great IPA, whether that’s through its aromatic hops, balanced bitterness, or exceptional drinkability. It’s the kind of beer that inspires experts to tell everyone they know to seek it out.
This selection reminds us that even within the wildly popular IPA category, there are still incredible examples that, for various reasons, might not get the universal fanfare they deserve. It could be regional availability, smaller production, or simply the sheer volume of new releases. But when a respected Cicerone tells you to grab it, you listen. It’s that insider tip, that authentic voice, that makes discovering these beers so thrilling.
So, if you’re an IPA enthusiast looking for your next obsession, or simply want to experience a truly outstanding example of the style, make Hop Butcher Gottaguy IPA a priority. It’s a prime example of an underrated brew that promises to deliver a truly memorable and highly satisfying drinking experience, solidifying its place as a smart buy for any serious beer lover.
What a ride it’s been, exploring these ten magnificent, yet often overlooked, craft beers! From the malty depths of amber ales to the vibrant tang of a Berliner Weisse, and from classic lagers to expertly crafted IPAs, we’ve unearthed a treasure trove of brews that are ready to redefine your weekend hopping experience. These aren’t just beers; they’re stories of passion, tradition, and innovation, each patiently waiting for you to discover its unique charm.
Remember, the beauty of the craft beer world isn’t just in the headlines or the hype; it’s often found in the quiet excellence of beers like these, championed by those who truly understand and appreciate the art of brewing. So, armed with this insider knowledge, step out this weekend, explore your local bottle shops and taprooms, and grab a few of these smart buys. Cheers to broadening your horizons and finding your next all-time favorite underrated gem!
