Southbound has already gained a huge following of beer fans in its first two years. Their production process alone sets it apart from other brewers.

"We're experimenting with a bunch of really awesome beers; we have a barrel aging program going on," says Smith Mathews, brewmaster and managing partner.

"I'd say that's different from anyone else," chimes in Carly Wiggins, marketing/sales director and co-founder. "We have eighty barrels. They're wine barrels from Napa that he's putting different beers in and souring and doing different things to them."

But Smith, Carly and the rest of the Southbound crew aren't just sitting back and making beer all day long. They're holding tours, nonprofit fundraisers and concerts.

"We essentially do our own thing," says Smith. "We have a different style. We bring a lot else to the table other than beer—we're pushing the music scene, things like that."

In fact, Southbound's second anniversary of the sale of their first beer was May 15, and they've got a blowout anniversary party with the Heavy Pets planned for May 22.

"I think that in general, people should try to know their brewers and to know where their beer is coming from," says Carly. "Drink local, eat local. That's so important. And having the ability to come in here and see the place, take a tour and do tastings and get to know all of us — I think that's a lot of fun and a great opportunity to have a good time and to understand what we're about." —

Rachael Flora

Runner-up: Service Brewing