The Rise of the Sessionable and the Return of the Lager
Ah, the world of craft beer – a never-ending carousel of flavors, styles, and trends that can leave even the most seasoned beer enthusiast’s head spinning. As I settle into my favorite stool at the bar, I can’t help but wonder, “What’s brewing in the taprooms of today?”
Well, my fellow beer aficionados, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of craft beer. From the resurgence of sessionable brews to the comeback of classic lagers, the industry is in a state of flux, and I’m here to guide you through the sudsy terrain.
The Session-able Sensation
Let’s start with the rise of the sessionable beer. In a world where the attention span of the average drinker rivals that of a goldfish, brewers have had to adapt. Gone are the days of Imperial stouts and double IPAs that leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a freight train after just one pint. Nowadays, the thirsty masses crave something a little more, well, drinkable.
As one brewer predicted, “I think that 2023 will continue to see demand for light and easy-drinking session beers like pilsners.” And they’re not alone in this assessment. Across the industry, we’re seeing a shift towards more approachable, lower-ABV offerings that allow you to, you know, actually taste your beer without succumbing to a full-blown buzz.
It’s a trend that makes perfect sense, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we’ve all learned to cherish those quiet moments of respite, the idea of sipping on a crisp, clean lager or a refreshing pale ale just seems to resonate. And let’s not forget the practical benefits – you can enjoy a few rounds without the fear of stumbling home like a newborn giraffe.
The Lager Comeback
But the real showstopper in the craft beer world? The comeback of the humble lager. Yes, my friends, the once-maligned “macro” beer is making a serious play for a spot on the cool kids’ table.
As one brewer put it, “The trend that I’m seeing that isn’t my personal favorite is the smoothie sour transition to smoothie other. I’m going to pass on that orange guava mango lactose cream ale.” Instead, they’re embracing the simplicity and elegance of lager styles like Helles and Pilsners.
And it’s not just a local phenomenon – this lager renaissance is happening across the country. Another brewer noted, “I see a lot more breweries embracing all kinds of lager styles including Helles Pilsners etc.”
What’s driving this sudden surge of interest in the classic lager? Well, my friends, I believe it boils down to a few key factors. First and foremost, there’s a growing appreciation for the nuance and complexity that can be found in a well-crafted lager. These beers may seem straightforward on the surface, but the true artistry lies in the subtle interplay of malt, hops, and yeast.
Moreover, as the craft beer landscape becomes increasingly crowded, brewers are seeking ways to differentiate themselves. And what better way to stand out than by mastering the seemingly simple yet devilishly difficult art of lager brewing?
The Hop Heads’ Dilemma
But don’t worry, my hop-loving friends, the IPA isn’t going anywhere. In fact, one brewer predicted that “IPAs will not only continue to dominate the craft market but also grow its market share in terms of total craft.”
However, the competitive nature of the industry is pushing brewers to get creative. As another brewer noted, “2023 will see some creative beer varieties released and unique new beers tapped.”
Think about it – with so many IPAs out there, how do you stand out from the crowd? The answer, it seems, lies in innovation. Brewers are experimenting with new hop varieties, unique yeast strains, and even unexpected ingredients to keep the hop-heads on their toes.
And let’s not forget the rise of the fruited IPA. While some brewers may turn their noses up at these Technicolor creations, one brewer admitted that “the popularity of the fruited hoppy beers has been quite a surprise the last couple of years and doesn’t show signs of waning yet.”
The Wellness Wave and the RTD Revolution
But the craft beer world isn’t just about hops and malt. Oh no, my friends, we’re also seeing a growing interest in the healthier side of the beverage spectrum.
As one brewer pointed out, “low-no alcohol and healthier beers current market share is small, it will continue to grow.” And it’s not just beer – the rise of the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) market is shaking things up as well.
These spirit-based canned cocktails are giving craft breweries a run for their money, as one brewer noted, “RTDs ready-to-drink spirit-based drinks will continue to grow in popularity. This will be a challenge to craft breweries.”
But rather than seeing it as a threat, some brewers are embracing the challenge. They’re experimenting with low-ABV options, exploring the world of non-alcoholic beers, and even getting in on the RTD game themselves. After all, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right?
The Craft Beer Conundrum: Thriving Amidst the Chaos
As I sip my refreshing lager and gaze around the taproom, I can’t help but marvel at the sheer complexity of the craft beer industry. It’s a world in constant flux, where trends rise and fall like the tide, and brewers must navigate the ever-changing tides of consumer demand.
But amidst the chaos, there’s a sense of excitement and possibility. As one brewer put it, “Quality product and a strong brand will be as important as ever for those looking to grow.”
And that’s the key, isn’t it? In an industry where the landscape is constantly shifting, the brewers who succeed are the ones who can not only keep up with the trends but also stay true to their core values and identity.
So, as I raise my glass to the craft beer revolution, I can’t help but wonder – where will the journey take us next? One thing’s for sure, whatever the future holds, I’ll be right here, perched on my barstool, ready to dive in headfirst. After all, the only thing better than a cold beer is the thrill of discovering the next big thing. Cheers, my fellow beer enthusiasts!
