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

A can of Bitburger gluten-reduced beer being held by hand

Bitburger Gluten-Reduced Lager Makes U.S. Debut

Bitburger is bringing its new Gluten-Reduced Lager to the U.S., giving more beer drinkers a chance to enjoy its classic German taste. The new lager offers a crisp, balanced flavor at 5.1% ABV – while containing less than 20 parts…

Dad Strength Brewing Enters New York with Its Low-Alcohol Beer Now On Sale at 44 Wegmans Locations

Dad Strength Brewing is expanding its reach with a major move into the New York beer market. The launch introduces the brewery’s IPA, Juicy IPA, and fastest-selling Hazy IPA to a new audience of beer drinkers. The expansion also strengthens…

Craft Malt Month Returns in September 2026 to Celebrate Farmers, Maltsters, Brewers & Distillers

Craft Malt Month returns in September 2026, bringing the craft beer and spirits community together to spotlight the people behind the grains that make them possible. The month-long celebration will feature events, fundraisers, and educational opportunities – hosted by malthouses,…

Mugs and a can of Atlas Brew Works' Festbier

Atlas Brew Works Brings Oktoberfest to Washington, DC & Virginia with Festbier & Events

Atlas Brew Works is bringing its Festbier to taprooms and market partners across Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. The brewery will mark the seasonal release with Oktoberfest events – featuring beer specials, live Oompah music, and limited-edition steins. The Festbier…