An independent brewery isn’t just a place that makes beer; it’s a testament to the spirit of autonomy and creativity. These breweries are the heart and soul of the craft beer industry, embodying the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to producing exceptional brews.

The definition of an independent beer has always been controversial. And if anything, that definition has gotten more complex as the major beer companies have merged, divided, and gobbled up much of the industry. The Brewer’s Association defines Independent Craft Breweries as those that are less than 25% owned by a non-craft brewery. But that hard line can lead to some hazy results, especially when big, publicly traded companies like Boston Beer Corporation are included.

So we’ve taken a more intuitive approach – if your brewery is focused on one brand, and you’re going it alone, we’re probably going to call you independent. If you’re part of a group that has multiple beer brands, you’re probably going to end up in our list of Owners. It’s not a perfect system, but hey – beer is complicated.

We’ve also included in this list some ciders, seltzers, and other beer-like things to try to cover

Disagree? Spot an error? Or are you looking for a beer that you can’t find? Let us know!