Beer Industry

Beer Trends

Same but Different: Non-Alcoholic Beer Consumption Continues to Grow

From Japanese Style Dry to IPA, Americans have the ability to choose from a wide range of options when it comes to non-alcoholic beer consumption. Lagers are among the most common non-alcoholic beer styles, reflecting the broader popularity of lager in the U.S. Yet brewers are always considering what new flavors to develop to retain existing customers and attract new ones. The non-alcoholic beer category saw 23 percent growth in 2025. Growth remains in the double digits, though at a…

Are Brewery Taprooms Hurting America’s Great Beer Bars?

In recent years, sweeping legislative changes have enabled American breweries to sell beer directly to consumers through their own taprooms—a shift that has dramatically altered the landscape for both brewers and the retail beer bars that have long partnered with them. Once allies in the campaign to popularize craft beer, these two groups now find themselves navigating an increasingly competitive and sometimes contentious marketplace. The Brewers Association (BA), a national trade organization representing America’s small and independent brewers, has argued…

Are Craft Beer Ratings Ruining the Experience?

Or are we letting scores keep us from finding our soulmate beer?

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Beer Education

A Hidden Strain on Brewery Facilities: How Venn Brewing Solved Its High-Temperature Drainage Challenges

Drainage systems may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about brewery operations, but they play a major role in keeping production spaces safe, efficient, and reliable. For breweries handling high-temperature fluids, the wrong drainage materials can lead to costly wear, maintenance issues, and operational headaches. When Venn Brewing built its new manufacturing facility in St. Paul, Minnesota, the team needed a system built to withstand the demands of modern beer production. A Hidden Challenge Behind…

Sensory Analysis for Everyday Use: Finding What You Like to Drink

When people hear the phrase “sensory analysis,” they often think of quality control panels, scoresheets, and identifying flaws in beer; in other words, “judging.” That’s understandable: sensory training is often a professional or technical matter…but not always. The most valuable application of sensory analysis for most beer drinkers isn’t determining whether a beer deserves a 38 or a 42. It’s figuring out what you like, why you like it, and how to use that information to make better decisions as…

Non-Alcoholic vs. Alcohol-Free Beer: What’s the Difference?

The world of beer is getting a makeover. Shelf space once dominated by lagers and IPAs is now shared with 0.00% stouts, dealcoholized pilsners, and craft “no-and-low” offerings. However, not all “no-alc” beers mean the same thing”no-alc” can mean different things for different beers, and that distinction matters to consumers, brewers, and regulators. So, what is the difference between “non-alcoholic” beer and “alcohol-free” beer in the U.S.? To answer this, the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau…

Venn Brewing collection of cans being cradled by a brewery worker.

Breweries

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Beer Travel

A Journey to Einbeck and Bock

When one thinks of Bock beer today, Bavaria, and Munich in particular, often come to mind. Yet the style’s roots lead north to Einbeck, Germany, where strong beer was documented as early as 1378. The medieval Bock beer in Einbeck was not identical to the bottom-fermented Bock lagers we know today, but its brewing tradition and name helped shape the style that later developed in Bavaria. Einbecker Brauhaus still draws on that history, producing what are, in my opinion, some…

Trout, Water, and Taprooms: Exploring Eastern Idaho Beer Country

Fly Fishing in Eastern Idaho, One Cold Local Beer at a Time

How Pinthouse Brewing’s Electric Jellyfish Captured America’s Palate Without Leaving Central Texas

Austin, Texas is famous for many things – its freewheeling honky-tonk culture, world-class barbecue, stunning Hill Country vistas and penchant for Western-wear among them. But for beer-loving locals and visitors, there’s one highlight of Austin life that stands out so notably it’s achieved national recognition despite, or even because of its limited geographic footprint: Pinthouse Brewing’s Electric Jellyfish. The proud recipient of Craft Beer & Brewing’s Reader’s Choice Best Beer of the Year 2025, the ‘Jellyfish’ – as it’s known…

Einbecker Brauhaus historic beer in museum exhibit.

Brewery Tours

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Beer Industry News

Abjuration Brewing Teams Up with a Bakery and Malt Maker for a Bread-Inspired Brew

Abjuration Brewing, 5 Generations Bakers and Allegheny Mountain Malt are bringing a local twist to the craft beer scene with a new Jenny Lee Swirl Brew. The collaboration turns Jenny Lee Apple Swirl Bread into a cinnamon-spiced sour apple ale…

10 barrel brewing 20th anniversary admat

10 Barrel Brewing Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Beer, Live Music and Throwback Favorites

10 Barrel Brewing is celebrating two decades of craft beer, community and good times with a special anniversary party in Bend. The event will feature throwback beers and live music and food trucks – as well as activities for guests…

Shock Top Candy Corn Wheat Ale bottle, glass and six-pack packaging

Shock Top and Spirit Halloween Launch Candy Corn Wheat Ale and Wedgehead Costume

Shock Top is leaning into Halloween this year with a seasonal beer and a costume collab with Spirit Halloween. The new Candy Corn Wheat Ale takes the brand’s usual wheat beer in a sweeter, candy-inspired direction, while there’s also a…

A glass and a can of Chill Rasputin beer

North Coast Brewing Introduces Chill Rasputin, a Lighter Take on Old Rasputin

North Coast Brewing Company continues to expand its celebrated portfolio with a lighter version of its iconic Old Rasputin. Drawing on decades of craftsmanship, the brewery has created a lower-alcohol stout that keeps the signature roasty profile – while making…