This year, we've had the pleasure of tasting some incredible beers from all over the world—and a ton of local gems, of course. These are the breweries and beers we enjoyed most but don’t worry, this isn’t a ranking! No particular order here; just a list of standouts that inspired us throughout the year. Whether you’re planning your next beer adventure or looking to try something new, this list might just spark your next great beer discovery. Here are our top 10 breweries and beers for 2024.
La Brasserie du Bas-Canada – Gatineau, Canada
Located in Gatineau, this independent brewery is all about crafting high-quality artisanal beers that showcase the best of Quebec’s brewing culture. We were particularly blown away by their IPAs and DIPAs, but the standout for us was Fuegitos, a 5.5% pale ale that completely redefines the style. It’s hazy, fruity, and punches way above its weight, tasting like a full-blown IPA with its explosive tropical notes. Definitely a must-try if you’re into bold, juicy brews.
Track Brewing Co. – Manchester, England
For anyone who appreciates bold, experimental beers, Track Brewing Co. is the place to be. Since 2014, this Manchester-based brewery has been making waves with its innovative approach. For Sandro, this is hands down the best brewery in the UK right now. Their “Voyage” collab DIPA with Messorem (more on them later) was a true masterpiece, brewed with a lot of Motueka, Riwaka & Nelson CGX. The beer blends unique flavors in a way that had us coming back for more. And if you're into hops, especially Nelson Sauvin, prepare for some mind-blowing beers.
Vault City Brewing – Edinburgh, Scotland
Known for their mastery of sour beers, Vault City Brewing is a standout from Scotland. They’re completely reimagining fruity sour ales, turning dreary British weather into a sunny beer experience. Their DDF Gingerbread, one of their rare imperial stouts, was a highlight for us this year. With deep roasted malt notes and a warming gingerbread spice, it was an absolute treat.
Metalhead Brewery – Burgas, Bulgaria
Metalhead Brewery, founded in 2018, combines craft beer with heavy metal. Located in Burgas, Bulgaria, this brewery not only offers exceptional brews but also brings rock ‘n’ roll vibes. Our favorite beer from them was Death Morita Doom, an imperial porter infused with honey and Morita chipotle for a smoky, sweet profile that’s equal parts BBQ and bold porter. It’s one of those beers you drink while cranking up some classic metal. But also don't miss out on their other creations, their decoction Helles for example is for all the lager fans out there,
Arbànt – Bellinzona, Switzerland
In the beautiful southern part of Switzerland, Arbànt is crafting some of the most interesting wild and spontaneously fermented beers we’ve had the pleasure of trying. Their Leandra, a wild saison, was a standout. Blended from different barrels, it celebrated three years of the brewery’s spontaneous fermentation project, and it’s a beer that can either be drunk fresh or aged to perfection. With a complex mix of flavors, it’s a beer that truly expresses the unique terroir of the region.
Messorem – Montreal, Canada
Messorem, a microbrewery based in Montreal, is dedicated to the art of brewing with precision. We had the pleasure of visiting them on two occasions, and each time we were impressed by their commitment to crafting beers that align perfectly with their personal taste, a quality we truly admire.
While their hop-forward IPAs are exceptional, it was the Black Walls: Strawchoke that left a lasting impression. This barrel-aged wild ale, fermented with strawberries and chokeberries, showcased a remarkable complexity and depth that made it one of our standout favorites this year.
Messorem's dedication to their craft and their innovative approach to brewing ensure that each beer is not just a drink, but an experience to savor.
L'Apaisée – Geneva, Switzerland
The brainchild of Xavier and Laetitia Righetti, L'Apaisée is a brewery born from a deep passion for craft beer. They are renowned for their exceptional dry, hoppy IPAs, but their mixed fermentation sours have made them an even more popular choice among beer geeks around the world. One standout is Peche Maracuja, a mixed-fermentation beer that beautifully combines the tartness of passion fruit with a smooth, easy-drinking body. It offers a refreshing and unique interpretation of a style that is truly unforgettable. If you're in search of these remarkable beers, a visit to "La Jonquille" in Geneva could be a great way to experience them.
Inkhorn Brewing – Tokyo, Japan
Tucked away just a ten-minute walk from Mejiro Station in Tokyo, Inkhorn Brewing is a family-run brewery with a taproom that offers both a great atmosphere and exceptional beer. We loved their Baby Raptor Hazy IPA, a juicy, tropical brew with the perfect balance of bitterness and fruitiness. It’s the kind of IPA that you sip on a sunny day, letting the flavors transport you to another world. And if you are lucky enough to visit their taproom, you might even be met by some incredibly cute dogs (Disclaimer: Zurich Beer Tour cannot guarantee the dogs will be available at all times)
Overtone Brewing Co. – Glasgow, Scotland
Overtone Brewing is rapidly becoming a staple in the Scottish craft beer scene, known for its juicy NEIPAs that consistently impress. All of the beers we tried this year were amazing, but we have to pick an example for this article. Playing Robots DIPA is a super typical Overtone beer—a smooth, drinkable double IPA with strong notes of pineapple, lime zest, and passion fruit. With hops like Galaxy and Mosaic, it’s a tropical, punchy brew that hits all the right notes.
West Coast Brewing – Shizuoka, Japan
West Coast Brewing from Shizuoka, Japan, has earned a reputation as one of the country’s top craft beer producers. Their Triple Barrel BA Fire Blend Barleywine is an absolute powerhouse of a beer. It’s a rich, full-bodied brew with a deep malty sweetness and complex barrel-aged notes that make it a real treat for fans of big, bold beers. Additionally, be sure to try their kettle sours and West Coast IPAs. Although Simona never enjoyed this style elsewhere, their version was fantastic—it must be the name! If Shizuoka is not on your travel route in Japan, they have a really cool taproom in Osaka called WCB DarkLab, you should absolutely check this one out.
Want to try amazing beers like these yourself?
Book a Zurich Beer Tour or a beer tasting with us to explore some of these incredible breweries and beers firsthand. From hop-forward IPAs to complex wild ales, we’ve got something for every beer lover. Plus, you can check out our YouTube channel Original TravelZ where we visited some of these breweries during our travels.
Cheers, Sandro & the Zurich Beer Tour team
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