Craft beers have always been about breaking away from traditional commercial beer trends and focusing on creative, delicious, and innovative brews. Thanks to this, the craft beer industry is booming and doesn’t show signs of slowing any time soon. As the business matures, you’ll find that new trends will start popping up within the craft beer industry itself. While many of us still prefer to stick to our favorite IPA, there are several new trends that promise to bring exciting changes to the world of craft beer in 2019 and beyond.
New England IPAs have been dominating the beer scene with their juicy and hazy characteristics, but it seems that this style has reached its peak. As a result, brewers are now revisiting the classic West Coast IPA, focusing on its clarity, head retention, and bitterness.
With the legalization of cannabis, there has been a significant increase in CBD-infused products, ranging from coffees to edibles and even dog treats. As expected, beers are also jumping on this trend, leading to a rise in CBD-infused beers across the nation. While the benefits of adding CBD to beer remain uncertain, some advocates suggest that CBD-infused beers may not result in hangovers, which may sound too good to be true. To explore further, it could be worth trying out some of these CBD-infused beers to see if the claims hold true.
Numerous breweries are now adopting an innovative strategy to differentiate themselves in a market that is becoming increasingly saturated. Barrel-aged beers take advantage of the fact that some beers can benefit from the flavors of oak casks, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the brew.It can be a complex process, as certain beers may not complement specific casks, but the end result can be truly delightful. Be sure to be on the lookout for bourbon barrel-aged beers in your local area.
Health and wellness are thriving industries, and breweries are capitalizing on this by introducing low-calorie beers. These appeal to health-conscious individuals watching their calorie intake and also cater to those looking for flavorful craft beers with lower alcohol content, making them ideal for those who want to enjoy a tasty brew without the buzz of their younger days.
Barrel-aged beers are carefully stored in barrels that have previously aged various spirits. As the beer rests in the barrel, it absorbs unique chemical compounds from the wood, resulting in delightful hints of vanilla, caramel, and even floral notes in its flavors and aromas. The longer the beer matures in the cask, the more intricate and complex its taste and scent become.
One key aspect of the barrel-aging process is that the beer absorbs all the flavors and nuances from the barrel, rendering it unusable for future batches. This uniqueness makes barrel-aged beers a rare and exclusive product, often released as limited-edition, high-end brews that are highly sought after.
Barrel-aging can introduce a diverse range of flavors to beer, such as robust caramel and vanilla notes. In addition, skilled brewers have the ability to draw out unique flavors from barrels, such as hints of plum, sweetness, and even chocolate. This process appeals to beer enthusiasts seeking to explore new horizons in flavor profiles, moving beyond the confines of traditional IPAs.
Brewers must have a thorough understanding of their beer and the barrels they use for aging. The process can be complex, as some beers may not age well in barrels, so it's crucial for brewers to be at the top of their game. They see barrel-aged beer production as a new challenge and a way to showcase their unique style. This makes barrel-aged beer an exciting option for customers looking to explore beyond traditional craft beer trends.
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