A survey by BeerAdvocate, compiled by VinePair, has identified the top-rated beer in each US state based on user reviews. In Ohio, Bourbon Barrel Oro Negro from Jackie O’s Taproom & Brewery leads the list, while Kentucky's top spot goes to 70K from Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse. The rankings highlight the popularity of barrel-aged stouts among enthusiasts.
BeerAdvocate, a prominent online community for beer enthusiasts, collected user ratings to determine the highest-rated beer in every US state. VinePair used these findings to create a nationwide map of top brews, considering only those with more than 100 reviews.
In Ohio, Bourbon Barrel Oro Negro from Athens-based Jackie O’s Taproom & Brewery earned the highest average rating of 4.48 out of 5, based on 647 reviews. This imperial stout is aged for 17 months in bourbon barrels and then conditioned with cacao nibs, vanilla beans, habaneros, and cinnamon sticks. It is available as a limited release on tap at the brewery's taproom. Other notable Ohio beers in the rankings include Dragonsaddle from Hoof Hearted Brewing, Bourbon Barrel Champion Ground from Jackie O’s, and Bodhi from Columbus Brewing Company.
Jackie O’s Brewpub opened in Athens in 2005, named after owner Andrew Arthur Oestrike’s late mother, Jackie Oestrike. The brewery has since expanded to four locations across Ohio, with the newest, On Fourth, opening in Columbus in 2023. Ohio's craft beer industry generated $1.29 billion in 2024 and ranks sixth nationwide, producing 1.15 million barrels, according to the American Craft Beer association.
For Kentucky, the 70K imperial stout from Louisville's Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse topped the list. This bourbon barrel-aged beer, at 13% ABV, features intensified roast, chocolate, and creamy flavors compared to the brewery's 35K recipe. It is infused with bourbon and oak notes and released annually in the fall.
The full list spans all 50 states, showcasing diverse styles from imperial stouts to IPAs. Examples include Pliny the Younger from Russian River Brewing Company in California and Heady Topper from The Alchemist in Vermont.
