11 Craft Beers To Try This Spring
Sampling craft beers from local breweries is one of our favorite ways to experience a new destination. After all, the joy of travel is to go beyond your routine and discover new things — new tastes, new sights and smells, and new friends along the way.
This was the inspiration behind Flavor by Loews Hotels, which brings the best of our destinations' unique food and drink specialties right to you during your stay. Our partners across North America include some excellent craft breweries — and warm, sunny days are the perfect opportunity to get to know them. Here’s a sampling of what you can expect if your Happy Hour at Loews Hotels includes a glass or two or the local beer.
Atlanta
Orpheus Brewing
Seasonal pours and artisan ales are the name of the game at Orpheus Brewing. The team loves to play with new hops and fermentations, so there's always something new in rotation — along with core favorites such as the Transmigration of Souls (a double IPA) and Serpent Bite (a sour saison).
Where to Try It: At the Orpheus Brewery and Taproom overlooking Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Beltline, or at Loews Atlanta's Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar and the Lobby Bar.
Chicago
Revolution Brewing
Chicago is home to a busy craft beer scene and Revolution Brewing has been at the heart of it since 2010. The brewery turns out dozens of styles every year, from IPAs to Belgian-style ales, with action-packed names like the Anti-Hero and Northwest-Hero. For Loews Chicago, Revolution created an exclusive brew called Zephyr, a low-ABV Golden Ale that’s mild and crisp with a delicate hop finish.
Where to Try It: At Revolution's bustling restaurant in Logan Square (a great Sunday brunch spot), and at Loews Chicago's ETA Restaurant + Bar, The Lobby Lounge and seasonal rooftop spot Streeterville Social.
  |
| Wynwood Brewing Funky Buddha |
Miami Beach
Wynwood Brewing & Funky Buddha
Swing by Loews Miami Beach Hotel in the heart of South Beach and you can sample beer from two of the best local breweries. Wynwood Brewing Co. is located in the colorful, creative Wynwood neighborhood, and was Miami's first craft production brewery. Their lineup draws inspiration from Miami's thriving art scene and the brews, including flagship La Rubia Blonde Ale, are perfectly matched for Florida's warm weather. Funky Buddha Brewery is located in Oakland Park, to the north of Miami, and produces culinary-inspired, craft beers that include an award-winning Hop Gun IPA, Floridian and limited releases like Juicy Smalls and Mexican Coffee.
Where to Try It: Venture into the mural-filled Wynwood neighborhood of Miami or to Oakland Park for a visit to Funky Buddha's lively tap room. At Loews Miami Beach, you can sample both at Bar Collins, the pool bar Nautilus and at Lure Fishbar.
Montreal
Broken 7
Time-honored traditional brewing processes form the foundation of Broken 7's easy-drinking craft beers. Brewed in Quebec, the German Klölsch-inspired ale is made from Pilsner toasted what, delicate Carafoam malt and noble Halertau hops.
Where to Try It: At La Société Bistro, at a catered banquet event at Loews Hôtel Vogue, or in your hotel room's minibar.
Nashville
Yazoo Brewing Company
Yazoo has been in business since 2003, when founder Linus Hall began experimenting with home brewing. Fast-forward to today and Yazoo has a huge brewery and taproom in the Gulch, turning out porters, pale ales and double IPAs full of nuanced flavor.
Where to Try It: At Yazoo's taproom (with a dog-friendly patio), or at Loews Vanderbilt's Mason Bar, where you can even indulge in chocolate cake made with Yazoo Porter.
Orlando
Crooked Can Brewing Company
A fixture of downtown Winter Garden near Orlando, Crooked Can is an award-winning brewery that uses both traditional and cutting-edge practices to make its beers. The brewmasters have the science on lock but are passionate about creating a laidback experience for their customers, with varieties like the High Stepper, an American IPA and Mr. Tractor, a Kolsch.
Where to Try It: At Crooked Can's location at Plant Street Market, and on property at Loews Royal Pacific Resort's Jake’s American Bar.
Philadelphia
Saint Benjamin Brewing
Philly is all about American history, and Saint Benjamin Brewing is no exception — its beer is brewed in a historic Philadelphia carriage house and it takes its name from founding father Benjamin Franklin. The brewery is best known for fresh spins on classic styles, like the easy-drinking Bicentennial Cream Ale.
Where to Try It: At Saint Benjamin's beautiful taproom and kitchen or at Bank & Bourbon at Loews Philadelphia, where you can sample an exclusive bourbon barrel-aged ale.
San Diego
Mike Hess Brewing
After a career as a financial planner, Mike Hess started his own brewery with his brother Greg and quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in the fast-growing San Diego craft beer scene. The lineup of distinctive, high-quality varieties includes a Claritas Kolsch, Reds, Browns, Am. Wheat, Pales, IPAs and imperial stouts.
Where to Try It: At one of the three Mike Hess locations, including the tasting room in Ocean Beach, and at Loews Coronado Bay Resort — on tap throughout the resort's bars and restaurants and via in-room dining.
San Francisco
Calicraft Brewing Co.
Calicraft Brewing began as a home-brew hobby project — out of founder Blaine Landberg’s UC Berkeley dorm room. Today, that passion lives on in a thriving business focused on using high-quality Californian ingredients. Everything from star thistle honey to anise hyssop shows up in Calicraft creations, giving them a unique twist.
Where to Try It: At Calicraft's Taproom in Walnut Creek, or at Loews Regency San Francisco's The Bear & Monarch, where you can sample "The City" IPA and a rotating seasonal Californian Sour beer.
Tucson
Dragoon Brewing Co.
A local brewery with a feel-good family story: Dragoon was started by a father-son duo and their friend — Bruce and Eric Greene and Tristan White. The home-brewing evangelists opened Dragoon in 2012 with just two beers on tap — Dragoon IPA, and Stronghold Session Ale. They now offer 30 different varieties throughout the year.
Where to Try It: At the Dragoon Taproom, from local food trucks and, of course, on tap at all Loews Ventana Canyon Resort restaurants. You can also sample a drop or two at the resort's popular Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch.
