Craft beer has exploded in popularity over the past few decades, with small and independent breweries popping up all over the world. The craft beer industry has been driven by a desire for unique, high-quality, and flavorful beers, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
So what's the next trend for craft beer? One possibility is the continued rise of sour beers. Sour beers have been around for centuries, but they have recently gained a lot of traction in the craft beer world. These beers are made by intentionally introducing wild yeasts or bacteria into the brewing process, resulting in a sour and tart flavor profile. Sour beers can range from mildly tart to mouth-puckeringly sour, and they come in a variety of styles including goses, lambics, and Berliner weisses.
Another trend in craft beer is the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many breweries are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and use environmentally-friendly practices in their brewing process. This can include using renewable energy sources, recycling spent grains, and partnering with local farmers to source ingredients.
Another trend that we might see in the craft beer industry is the continued growth of hazy IPAs. Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs or juicy IPAs, are characterized by their hazy appearance and juicy, fruity flavor profile. These beers have become incredibly popular in recent years, and it's likely that we'll see more breweries experimenting with this style.
Finally, we might see a trend towards more experimental and unconventional ingredients in craft beer. Breweries are always looking for ways to stand out and offer unique experiences to their customers, and using unusual ingredients is one way to do that. This could include using ingredients like herbs, spices, fruit, or even unusual grains like spelt or oats.
Overall, the craft beer industry is constantly evolving, and it's difficult to predict exactly what the next trend will be. However, it's clear that consumers are looking for unique, high-quality, and sustainable options, and breweries will continue to innovate to meet those demands.