Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or simply appreciate a thirst-quenching cold one, you’ll probably love this Sunday’s holiday: National Beer Day. And if you’ve ever wondered where your ales, pilsners and lagers come from, it’s probably time to book a brewery tour for a behind-the-scenes peek at how your favorite brewskis are made.
To get you started, here’s a toast to five great brewery tours that shouldn’t be missed.
Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland
Stand underneath the world’s largest pint glass, see how Guinness’ famous black stout is made and learn how to pour the perfect pint with a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. At the end of the tour, you can drink in the sites of Dublin — and a tall pint of Guinness–from the seventh-floor Gravity Bar.
Samuel Adams, Boston, Mass., United States
You’ll be able to taste the malts, smell the hops and sample the beers during a tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston. This free, hour-long tour aims to educate, and you’ll discover everything from how specialty beers are brewed to how to properly drink different beers – and, yes, there are rules beyond putting your cold one in a koozie.
Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, Mo., United States
You might know Budweiser’s iconic Clydesdales from tear-inducing Super Bowl commercials, but you’ll have a chance to see these impressive horses on their home turf during a tour of the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis. Another highlight of this free tour? Two free beer samples at the end. Those who truly take their brewing seriously may want to opt for the $25 Beermaster tour or a $10 Beer School class.
Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, Calif., United States
An “Indoctrination Specialist” is your guide through this 55,000-square foot brewery in Southern California, where you’ll learn about different beer ingredients, see the brewing process and sample a few of Stone Brewing’s top brews.
Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, NY, United States
A 30-minute talk about the brewery’s history and production process is coupled with a guided tasting of four beers Mondays through Thursdays. On weekends, you’ll purchase tokens to exchange for the craft beers of your choice.
(Main image: m_p_king)
