



Over the entire history of brewing, only three styles of beer have completely originated in the United States — steam beer, light beer, and cream ale. Steam beer was created (and patented) by San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing and we can thank Miller for launching the first light beer back in the ‘70s. As for cream ale, Rochester, New York’s Genesee Brewery is responsible for popularizing and modernizing the style. Though they technically didn’t invent it, they turned cream ale into a cult classic, beloved across generations.

Genny isn’t the only brewery to craft a cream ale these days. Breweries all over the country offer up riffs on the creamier, meltier cousin of the classic Kolsch. Great all year long, but perfect for the summer months, we asked some of our favorite brewers to tell us their favorite cream ales.

Around the Bend Vera

Cameron Compton, Brewer and co-owner of Midwest Coast Brewing

Hands down this goes to Around the Bend’s Vera, a pistachio cream ale. A lot of people might say a cream ale is boring, but this is anything but. The pistachio flavor comes through nicely without overpowering, and I think it’s super approachable and easy drinking.



New Glarus Spotted Cow

Rhett Dougherty, head brewer at Veza Sur Brewing Co.

New Glarus Spotted Cow. If you find yourself in Wisconsin or are in close with any ‘Sconies get your hands on this beer stat! The mouthfeel and sweetness are stars here and the experience is incredible.

Pizza Port No Surf Cream Ale

Yiga Miyashiro, director of brewery operations at Saint Archer Brewing Company

Pizza Port No Surf Cream Ale. This one’s kind of cheating because I used to make this beer. I love the delicate drinkable nature that this ale brings to the table. Using all of the tools of a lager, except for the yeast. Amazing Pilsner Malt flavor and subtle noble hop aromas makes this beer a go-to “drinking” beer for me.

Lake Louie Golden Booty

Brad Manske, beverage director at Viewhouse VH Beer

Golden Booty Cream Ale by Lake Louie Brewery Company, formally known as Coon Rock Cream Ale, because it is a pre-prohibition cream ale made with flaked corn, making it a very creamy and full-bodied beer.

Coopersmith’s Disraeli Beers

Carl Heinz, brewmaster at Breckenridge Brewery

Disreali Beers is a historically authentic American Cream Ale brewed by CooperSmiths’ Pub and Brewing in Fort Collins Colorado. I first enjoyed it a few years ago while visiting my alma mater out that way.



Burlington Strawberry Whale Cake

Brian Morris, innovation brewer at Deep Ellum Brewing Company

Strawberry Whale Cake from Burlington Beer Co. has to be at the top of my list. It’s a great combo of light strawberry flavor while still allowing the base beer to shine through.

Boddington’s Pub Ale

Adam Curfew, chief operating officer at Wasatch Brewery

I’d have to go with Boddington’s, and English cream ale. Boddingtons [Pub Ale] because it’s the only one I can think of. It’s also a stone cold pub classic.

Genesee Cream Ale

Scott Ungermann, brewmaster at Anchor Brewing

Genny Cream Ale. No doubt on this one. My Buddy’s dad grew up in upstate New York and always had it delivered to him whenever relatives visited. We would relish the opportunity to sample these out of the old man’s fridge — they were a delight.



Mother Earth Cali Creamin’

Doug Pominville Jr., head brewer at Thorn Brewing Co.

What’s my go-to cream ale? Not my favorite style, but the wife loves Cali Creamin’ by Mother Earth so let’s go with that. It’s a classic cream ale with a vanilla kick.