Our best American Pale Ales

In popular culture, the Fourth of July connotes hot dogs, hamburgers and cold beer. But the country has changed, and while burgers and hot dogs are still a distinct possibility, so are mofongo and arroz con pollo, or kimchi and kalbi. Cold beer, though, remains universal, and for that we might consider taking a moment to thank the founding fathers of the craft-beer revolution.

The NY Times panel tasted 20 American pale ales. Click on each name in the list below to see its label, rating and more information.

1. Flying Dog Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale, Frederick, Md., *** ½, $2.50

2. Long Trail Pale Ale, Bridgewater Corners, Vt., ***, $2.25

3. Stoudt’s American Pale Ale, Adamstown, Pa., ***, $2.70

4. Sly Fox Phoenix Pale Ale, Phoenixville, Pa., ***, $2.50

5. Otter Creek Wolaver’s Organic Pale Ale, Middlebury, Vt., ** ½, $2.50

6. Two Brothers The Bitter End Pale Ale, Warrenville, Ill., ** ½, $2.75

7. Samuel Adams Pale Ale, Boston, ** ½, $2.40

8. Dogfish Head Shelter Pale Ale, Milton, Del., ** ½, $2.25

9. Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale, Longmont, Colo., ** ½, $2.10

10. Lagunitas New Dogtown Pale Ale, Petaluma, Calif., ** ½, $2.50

Read more about each of these and the ratings at The NY Times