Beer Glossary – Trends: Hipster Lingo for Hoppy Happiness
Ready to dive into the sudsy world of beer trends? Grab a cold one and let’s explore the ever-changing landscape of brewing. From hazy IPAs to sour ales, craft beer is constantly evolving, with new styles and flavors popping up faster than you can say “cheers!”
Beer geeks and casual drinkers alike are riding the wave of creativity in the brewing world. You’ll find everything from fruity sours to barrel-aged stouts on tap these days. And let’s not forget about the low-ABV session beers.
For those who want to enjoy a few pints without falling off their barstool.
So what’s brewing currently? Get ready for some wild ingredients, funky fermentation techniques, and beers that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re a hophead or a malt maniac…
…there’s something new and exciting waiting for you at your local taproom.
Key Takeaways
- Craft beer trends are constantly changing, offering new flavors and styles for every palate
- Brewers are experimenting with unique ingredients and techniques to create innovative beers
- The beer scene now caters to all preferences, from high-alcohol brews to sessionable options
The Alchemy of Ales and Lagers
Beer magic happens when grain, yeast, and hops come together. Let’s dive into the beer-making process and uncover some tasty trends!
The Grain Game & Malt Marvels
You know that beer starts with grain, right? Barley’s the star, but wheat and rye love to crash the party too. Maltsters work their magic, turning raw grains into sweet, toasty malt. Brewers are getting wild these days, experimenting with smoked malts and even ancient grains.
Want a trendy twist? Look for beers with quinoa or spelt.
They’re not just for hipster toast anymore!
The mashing process is where things get steamy. Literally. Hot water turns those malts into a sugar-rich wort. It’s like making the world’s best cereal.
Yeast Beasts and Fermentation Follies
Here’s where the real fun begins. Yeast is the life of the party, turning sugar into alcohol and bubbles. Ale yeasts are the extroverts, working fast and warm. Lager yeasts? They’re the chill ones, taking their sweet time at cooler temps.
But wait, there’s more! Brewers are playing with wild yeasts like Brettanomyces for funky flavors. And don’t forget about bacteria like Lactobacillus – they’re bringing the sour power.
Trend alert: Keep an eye out for “mixed fermentation” beers.
They’re like a microbial mosh pit in your glass!
Hop to It! Bitterness and Aromas
Hops are the spice of beer life. They bring bitterness to balance out all that malty sweetness. But that’s not all – hops are aroma superstars too.
You’ve probably heard of IPAs, right? They’re all about showcasing hop flavors. But now, brewers are pushing the envelope with techniques like dry-hopping and hop bursting.
Want to sound like a pro? Drop terms like “alpha acids” and “IBUs” (that’s International Bitterness Units). Just don’t be a snob about it.
Trendy hop varieties to watch: Galaxy, Mosaic, and Citra.
They’re bringing tropical fruit vibes to your pint glass.
The Chemistry of Creating a Classic
Brewing is part art, part science. Brewers obsess over numbers like original gravity (OG) and alcohol by volume (ABV). It’s like math class, but with better rewards.
Ever wonder why some beers knock you off your barstool faster than others? It’s all about attenuation – how much sugar the yeast eats up.
Trend to impress your friends: Session beers. They’re lower in alcohol but big on flavor. Perfect for when you want to chat all night without face-planting.
Remember, behind every great beer is a brewer playing mad scientist.
So raise a glass to the alchemists turning water into liquid gold!
Trendy Brews: From Hazy to Hip
Buckle up, beer buddy! We’re diving into the wild world of trendy brews. From cloudy concoctions to funky ferments, there’s a whole universe of flavors waiting for you.
Craft Beer Crusades & IPA Invasions
Remember when IPAs were just bitter bombs? Those days are long gone! Now you’ve got hazy IPAs that look like orange juice and taste like a tropical fruit party in your mouth. Juicy hops, low bitterness, and a pillowy mouthfeel – what’s not to love?
And West Coast IPAs are making a comeback.
Crisp, piney, and unapologetically bitter and flavorsome, they’re like a refreshing slap in the face. And don’t forget about milkshake IPAs – creamy, sweet, and loaded with fruit. It’s like dessert in a glass!
Weird and Wonderful: Funky Ferments
Ready to get funky? Sour beers are all the rage, and they’re not for the faint of heart. Pucker up for kettle sours, or dive deep into the world of wild fermentation with lambics and gueuzes.
But the real wild child? Brettanomyces.
This funky yeast is turning beers into flavor bombs. Think barnyard, leather, and tropical fruit all rolled into one. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s definitely not your grandpa’s lager.
Barrel-aging is still going strong too. Bourbon barrels, wine barrels, even tequila barrels – if it’s wood, brewers are shoving beer in it.
Serving it Right: Nitro to Bottles
Now, how you drink your beer is just as trendy as what you’re drinking. Nitro beers are still cool, with their creamy texture and cascading bubbles. It’s like a lava lamp you can drink!
But bottles are making a comeback. Bottle conditioning is giving beers extra complexity and that satisfying “pop” when you open them. Plus, they’re perfect for aging those big, bold brews.
Draft beer is still king though. Nothing beats a fresh pint straight from the tap.
Just remember, a proper pour is an art form. Respect the foam, my friend!
Damian
A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.
Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com