(Credit: Courtesy Ca l'Arenys)

Based in Barcelona, the Spanish brewing-supply shop sells grains and hops, builds brewing equipment, teaches classes, and distributes its own line of beers, Guineu--"fox" in Catalan. The unfiltered, unpasteurized releases range from the silky, milk chocolaty Montserrat stout to the lightly smoky Coaner dark lager and Antius, a fruity English-style bitter.

What to drink: Guineu Riner's dainty ABV (just 2.8 percent) and sublimely citrusy aroma make it ideal for all-day drinking.

(Credit: Courtesy Hobbybrouwerij Het Nest)

A decade ago, eight pals from northern Belgium's Turnhout--famed for its playing-card factory and museum--started a biweekly beer-tasting club. By 2007, the friends began brewing, soon nabbing accolades for their efforts. Today, the hobby has blossomed into a profession, with the friends crafting beers, such as the coriander-spiced Schuppenboer ("Jack of Spades") tripel and brawny Kleveretien ("Ten of Clubs"), at breweries across Belgium. They aim to open their own facility in 2015.

What to drink: The hazy, herbal Hertenheer ("King of Hearts") presents a persistent bitterness paired with residual sweetness.