Top 19+ Lesser Known Beers You Should Try at Least Once

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

Craft beer lovers know—some of the best brews don’t come from the big-name brands. While the giants get shelf space, these under-the-radar gems offer unique flavors, bold styles, and stories worth sipping.

Whether you like hoppy, malty, sour, or smoky, this list brings you something surprising. Each one’s a standout you may never have heard of—but absolutely should.

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co.

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

This Midwest pale ale packs a punch of citrusy hops with just enough bitterness. It’s not exactly mainstream, but it has a cult following.

Bright, aggressive, and smooth—Zombie Dust is one of those beers that hopheads swear by. It’s an IPA without going full blast.

If you love grapefruit-forward aromas and a clean, crisp bite, don’t miss it.

3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

A tart and salty sour that refreshes like no other. It blends lime, black limes, and sea salt in a gose-style ale.

The result is zippy, bright, and super light. Ideal for summer or after a workout (yes, really), SeaQuench is unlike anything else.

Not everyone knows about it—but they should.

4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

A juicy, bitter IPA with Floridian flair. This Tampa brew is bold but balanced. You get tangerine, citrus peel, and caramel malt, all packed into one hoppy can.

It’s tropical yet bitter in a way that feels intentional. Jai Alai may not be everywhere—but if you see it, grab it.

6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co.

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

A farmhouse ale with a wild side. Don’t be fooled by the golden color—Tank 7 has a kick.

It’s peppery, floral, and packs serious alcohol under a smooth surface. Funky but not weird, crisp but complex.

This is saison done right. A must-try for Belgian-style fans.

7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co.

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

A tropical wheat beer that’s bright and beachy. This one’s lighter than air, with real pineapple juice giving it a sweet edge.

It’s refreshing without being too fruity. Ideal for sipping in the sun.

Don’t let the can fool you—this beer is all island vibes and smooth sailing.

9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

An IPA that’s balanced, bold, and beloved. It’s all Centennial hops here—grapefruit, pine, and floral notes dominate, but the malt backbone keeps it smooth.

Widely loved but still underappreciated outside beer circles, Two Hearted Ale delivers consistent flavor without being flashy.

10. Peach County – Ciderboys

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

A beer-cider hybrid that leans sweet and crisp. Okay, it’s not exactly a beer—but close enough.

This fruit-forward cider has a sweet peach taste without being cloying. It’s sparkling, clean, and great for people who prefer less bitterness.

It’s unique, approachable, and deserves a try.

12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co.

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

A Southern spin on a German classic. From Nashville, this unfiltered wheat beer brings banana, clove, and citrus to the party.

It’s easy-drinking but has enough character to keep things interesting. Not well-known nationally, but a local legend for good reason.

13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

Sweet, strong, and loaded with barrel-aged flavor. This ale has caramel, vanilla, and oak, all soaked in bourbon goodness.

It’s a sipper, not a chugger. The high ABV is masked by smooth flavors that make it dangerously easy to enjoy.

If you like whiskey and beer, this one bridges the gap.

15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co.

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

A raspberry ale with bright, juicy punch. Rubaeus is bursting with real raspberry flavor—not syrupy, but tart and vibrant.

It’s perfect for people who don’t think they like fruit beer. Light-bodied and well-balanced, it’s a summer classic waiting to be discovered.

16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

Dark as night, but surprisingly crisp. This is a Schwarzbier—basically a dark lager—and it brings roasted malt flavor without heaviness.

Chocolate, smoke, and toast come through, but the finish is clean. It’s a great gateway beer for stout skeptics.

18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

Weird name, surprisingly tasty beer. This wheat beer is infused with watermelon for a light, crisp, and slightly fruity profile.

It’s not candy-sweet—it’s refreshing, like biting into a cold melon. Great for hot days or grilling out.

Definitely worth a one-time sip.

19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

1. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co., 3. SeaQuench Ale – Dogfish Head, 4. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing, 6. Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., 7. Pineapple Mana Wheat – Maui Brewing Co., 9. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery, 10. Peach County – Ciderboys, 12. Yazoo Hefeweizen – Yazoo Brewing Co., 13. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – Lexington Brewing, 15. Rubaeus – Founders Brewing Co., 16. Baba Black Lager – Uinta Brewing, 18. Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery, 19. Coconut Hiwa Porter – Maui Brewing Co.

Coconut and roasted malt in a smooth island combo. This dark beer brings together coffee, chocolate, and toasted coconut in a silky porter.

It’s sweet but balanced, never too rich. Great for a nightcap or pairing with dessert. It’s a reminder that bold flavor doesn’t have to mean big buzz.

Post Related