Top 10 American Cream Ales Brewed in North America
This Top Ten List of Cream Ales is from the results of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. The best American cream ales are mild, pale and light-bodied ales. They are made using a warm fermentation (top or bottom) and cold lagering. Hop bitterness and flavor range from very low to low. Hop aroma is often absent. Sometimes referred to as cream ales, these beers are crisp and refreshing. Pale malt character predominates. ABV:4.2-5.6%. IBU: 10-22.
1. Kinnikinnick Kream – Spilled Grain Brewhouse – Minnesota
2. Buckle Bunny – Eureka Heights Brewing – Texas
3. Canü – Uberbrew – Montana
4. NEP Cream Ale – Norris English Pub and Brewery – Indiana
5. Cosmic Cream Ale – Cameron’s Brewing – Ontario
6. Artifexican – Artifex Brewing – California
7. Calm Before The Storm – Ballast Point – California
8. AleSmith Cream Ale – AleSmith Brewing – California
9. Sweet Action – Sixpoint – New York
10. Cali Creamin – Mother Earth Brew – California
History of Cream Ales
Cream ale, an American-born beer style, emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the growing popularity of light, crisp lagers brought by German immigrants. Brewers in the United States, particularly in the Northeast, sought to create a beer that could compete with these lagers while utilizing existing ale-brewing techniques. The result was cream ale, a hybrid style that combined the smooth, clean characteristics of lagers with the quicker fermentation of ales. Often brewed with a mix of barley malt and adjuncts like corn or rice, cream ales were light in body, mildly sweet, and highly carbonated, making them refreshing and approachable. By the late 1800s, cream ales had become a staple in American breweries, with brands like Genesee Cream Ale, first introduced in 1960, cementing the style’s place in beer culture.
The style faced challenges during the 20th century, particularly with the rise of mass-produced lagers and the impact of Prohibition, which disrupted many small breweries. However, cream ales experienced a revival during the craft beer boom of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as brewers rediscovered and reinterpreted the style. Modern cream ales vary widely, with some staying true to the traditional light and crisp profile, while others experiment with hoppier or maltier variations. Today, cream ales remain a beloved choice for their versatility and easy-drinking nature, appealing to both craft beer enthusiasts and those seeking a nostalgic taste of American brewing history.
Top 10 Beers in America – Ales Lagers Specialty Barrel Aged