If you mention the words Missouri and beer to most people, they’re likely to conjure up images of Clydesdale horses and the fizzy, yellow stuff produced in St. Louis – and for good reason. With few exceptions, Missouri has been slow to follow the craft beer trend of the past 20 years. But, quietly, in the past few years that has begun to change.

Missouri now boasts more than 70 breweries. Last year, Thrillist placed Missouri a respectable No. 11 in its list of best states for beer drinkers. That puts Missouri right on the cusp of greatness; it’s close to joining craft brew giants such as Oregon, California and Wisconsin in the top 10.

We talked to Trent Wiegers, sales associate at Brown Derby liquor stores, to find out about some of the Missouri craft breweries that are putting Missouri on the beer-drinking map.

In addition to working in Brown Derby’s beer department, Wiegers is also a Cicerone Certified Beer Server. That qualification makes him roughly equivalent to a sommelier in the wine world. Wiegers is excited about recent growth in the Missouri craft brewing sector. “We’re stepping up our game after the West Coast has controlled it for so long,” he said.

Here are some of Wiegers’ picks for influential and innovative Missouri breweries:

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.

Urban Chestnut is a St. Louis brewery started by German brewmaster Florian Kuplent.

Kuplent has a deep background in both traditional European brewing techniques and modern large-scale operations. Urban Chestnut’s beers reflect a strong respect for tradition while also recognizing the innovation and experimentation of the craft breweries. It has two distinct product lines, Reverence and Revolution, to reflect its dual mission.

In addition to two German-style beerhalls in St. Louis, there have been rumors that Urban Chestnut is considering a facility in Hallertau, Germany, to bring American craft beer directly to the European market.

4 Hands Brewing Co.

4 Hands is another St. Louis brewery fighting the city’s reputation for flavorless corporate beer.

4 Hands has followed a slightly different path, though. Its reputation has been built on innovative beers using unusual ingredients like jasmine flower and passion fruit. It has also gained a strong following for its barrel-aged beers, reflecting a nationwide trend.

With more than 30 beers offered year-round, seasonally, and as special releases, it has plenty of choices.

Public House Brewing Co.

If you thought only big cities were brewing interesting beer, Wiegers suggested that you check out Public House in Rolla.

The son of an award-winning homebrewer, brewmaster Josh Stacy has been involved in brewing beer since before he could legally drink it. Public House’s combination of well-crafted beer and small-town charm has helped it expand from Rolla to a second location in St. James.

And the beer? It’s good enough to have won awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the Best of Craft Beer Awards.

Piney River Brewing Co.

Perhaps even Rolla is just too urban for you? Maybe you should check out Piney River Brewing in Bucyrus.

Although Bucyrus barely qualifies as even a wide spot in the road in rural Texas County, brewers Joleen and Brian Durham have gained a reputation for turning out exceptional beers; their Old Tom Porter has won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

Although they are best known for great examples of established styles, they have recently started experimenting with new ingredients and techniques. The use of direct-fired kettles provides a more layered and complex flavor, according to Wiegers.

Perennial Artisinal Ales

Closing out the list is another St. Louis brewery: Perennial Artisan Ales.

Perennial has built its success by providing a distinctive American take on traditional Belgian styles.

Like 4 Hands, it uses barrel-aging to infuse many of its beers with unusual flavors. Although in business only since 2011, Perennial has earned a fair amount of national press. Accolades include selection of its Abraxas as the best beer in Missouri by Business Insider and RateBeer.com.

And…

We simply didn’t have enough space to talk about all of recommendations Wiegers gave us.

Locally, he touted the new tasting room at White River Brewing Co. Further afield, he mentioned Rock & Run Brewery in Liberty and Torn Label Brewing Co. in Kansas City.