Craft beer enthusiasts, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we delve into the exciting world of craft beer trends for 2024. The beer landscape is ever-evolving, and this year promises to bring a burst of creativity to your tastebuds. Let’s kick off our hoppy adventure with a closer look at some emerging craft beer styles that are set to make waves in the brewing scene.
Fruited Infusions: A Symphony of Flavors
Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a comfy chair, and a pint of refreshing fruited craft beer. In 2024, brewers are experimenting with a myriad of fruits, from tropical mangoes to zesty passion fruits, to add a burst of natural sweetness to their brews. We have have taken it a step further by blending tropical mango sweetness against habanero pepper heat in our Mango Habanero Nay-Power Sour. Such fruited infusions aren’t just about enhancing flavor; they’re a celebration of the various and vibrant world of fruits, making each sip a fruity fiesta for your taste buds. Get ready for a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip.
Low-ABV Delights: Sip, Don’t Guzzle
Craft beer lovers, rejoice! There’s a rising trend in the world of low-alcohol by volume (ABV) brews that allow you to savor your favorite beverage without the fear of a heavy buzz. These low-ABV delights are perfect for a casual hangout, a mid-week treat, or any time you want to enjoy the taste of craft beer without the full punch. At Planted Flag Brewing, we have crafted a New American Lager at 4.5% ABV that delivers bold but refreshing flavor without the bloat or buzz of higher ABV beers. Additionally, classic styles like a Munich Helles (German light lager) or Schwarzbier (German black lager) that offer refreshment and flavor without stretching your waistline. We want to ensure that you can enjoy your beer and sip, not guzzle, your way through the craft beer scene.
Hybrid Blends: When Styles Collide
Brace yourself for an exciting collision of beer styles! Craft brewers are pushing boundaries and merging different beer styles to create unique hybrid blends that defy traditional categorization. It is no different at Planted Flag Brewing as our creative juices have produced a West Coast Pilsner. Imagine all the tropical fruit, citrus, & pine flavors and aroma of a BIG IPA with the drinkability and refreshment of a German Pils. This boundary-breaking concoction is not only a testament to the creativity of our brewers but also a treat for adventurous beer lovers looking to experience the best of both worlds. Get ready to have your taste buds embark on a rollercoaster ride of flavors!
Craft beer enthusiasts, get ready to explore the heart and soul of craft brewing in the next section: Craft Beer and Local Ingredients – a celebration of regional malt and hops that add a unique flair to your favorite brews. So, let’s embark on a journey through the fields of local ingredients and discover how they elevate the craft beer experience.
Homegrown Heroes: The Role of Local Malt in Craft Beer Styles
Imagine sipping on a craft beer that not only tickles your taste buds but also tells a story of the region. That’s the magic of local malt. Planted Flag Brewing has sourced Ohio malt from nearby malt houses, fostering a sense of community and sustainability since our opening. Our friends at Rustic Brew Farm in Marysville Ohio provide a solid foundation for all of our beers that we brew. You’ll taste the difference as local malt brings depth, character and most importantly freshness to your beer, making each sip a homage to the terroir of the region. Check out our current beer menu by clicking here. From light lagers with cracker and honey notes to full flavored and rich Amber lagers and Porters, local malt is the unsung hero of craft beer.
Hoppy Harvest: Exploring Local Hop Varieties
When it comes to craft beer, hops are the rockstars, and many local hop varieties are stealing the spotlight. Breweries across the country are embracing the variety in regional hops, infusing their creations with distinct flavors and aromas. One of our favorite farms producing remarkable hops is Top Hops Farm in Goodrich, Michigan. They have won the prestigious Michigan Chinook Cup three out of the last four years for a hop that boast big grapefruit and tropical pineapple aroma & flavor.
Another new openly grown variety hitting the scene this year is Vista. Michigan grown Vista has flavors of ripe honeydew, papaya, tropical melange with white peach and fleshy pear. This locally grown variety will be finding its way into fruity Hazy IPAs and expressive yet easy drinking lagers and ales.
These hoppy delights not only celebrate the local landscape but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of craft beer. Local grown varieties are like a botanical journey in every glass!
Farm-to-Glass Philosophy: Connecting with Local Producers
Craft beer isn’t just a drink; it’s a connection to the community. Local ingredients bring people together, creating a symbiotic relationship between brewers and producers. Breweries collaborating with local farmers and maltsters not only support the regional economy but also foster a sense of pride in the craft beer community. When you savor that pint brewed with local ingredients, you’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re part of a farm-to-glass movement, where each sip is a nod to the dedication of local producers.
Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into the impact of these local ingredients on the craft beer scene.
The Flavor Chronicles: How Local Ingredients Shape Craft Beer Styles
Craft brewers aren’t just using local ingredients for the sake of it – they’re crafting flavor narratives that reflect the essence of their surroundings. The terroir of the region influences the taste profile of the beer, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving menu of flavors that differentiates local beer from national brands. Styles of beer become a canvas rather than rigid rules. A master brewer can paint a familiar landscape but with a regional color of ingredients. From the fruity strawberry tones of Nugget hops grown in northern Michigan to the nuanced sweetness and almond flavor of Ohio malted barley, each ingredient adds a layer to the flavor chronicles of craft beer. So, the next time you take a sip, remember – you’re tasting the essence of the local landscape.
Crafting Community: The Social Aspect of Local Ingredients
Craft beer has always been about more than just what’s in the glass; it’s about the people who make it and the community that enjoys it. Local ingredients amplify this sense of community. When breweries source their malt and hops locally, they’re not just supporting businesses; they’re creating connections with the people who grow and produce these ingredients. It’s a shared journey where brewers and consumers alike become stewards of their local flavorscape.
The marriage of craft beer and local ingredients is a celebration of community and the rich tapestry of flavors that define the region we call the Midwest. So, the next time you raise your glass, know that you’re not just toasting to a craft beer; you’re raising a cheer for the local farmers, maltsters, and hop growers who make it all possible. Cheers to craft beer and the local ingredients that make it a truly unique and flavorful experience!
