Food Republic: Who's Who In Craft Beer

Thirty years ago, the concept of a craft-beer power ranking system was inconceivable. Back then, there were only a handful of breweries pumping out suds that deviated from the watery-lager norm.

Related: How To Drink Craft Beer Smarter ?

Fast-forward to 2012, and there are more than 2,000 breweries in the country -- with another 600 or 700 on the way. The scope of innovative beers is nothing short of stunning, with sour ales, bitter IPAs, barrel-aged stouts now the norm. Who's leading the sudsy charge? Here's our list of the most influential craft breweries today, taking into account new products, news and overall industry buzz.

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10. Stillwater Artisanal Ales

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Once upon a time, Brian Strumke was a DJ, playing at clubs and parties across America and Europe. Though he's since hung up his headphones, Strumke continues his itinerant ways as a Baltimore-based gypsy brewer. He drops in at breweries across Belgium and the U.S., devising complex saisons, farmhouse-style ales and delicious curiosities like the resinous, campfire-like Rauchstar smoked ale. Related: Warming Up To The Joys Of Cask Ale ? Once upon a time, Brian Strumke was a DJ, playing at clubs and parties across America and Europe. Though he's since hung up his headphones, Strumke continues his itinerant ways as a Baltimore-based gypsy brewer. He drops in at breweries across Belgium and the U.S., devising complex saisons, farmhouse-style ales and delicious curiosities like the resinous, campfire-like Rauchstar smoked ale.

Related: Warming Up To The Joys Of Cask Ale ?

10. Stillwater Artisanal Ales

Once upon a time, Brian Strumke was a DJ, playing at clubs and parties across America and Europe. Though he's since hung up his headphones, Strumke continues his itinerant ways as a Baltimore-based gypsy brewer. He drops in at breweries across Belgium and the U.S., devising complex saisons, farmhouse-style ales and delicious curiosities like the resinous, campfire-like Rauchstar smoked ale. Related: Warming Up To The Joys Of Cask Ale ?

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