Overview: The craft beer industry is known for its creativity and experimentation. New styles emerge every year, while old ones fade away. But what happens when a style reaches the end of its shelf life? In this article, we’ll explore some of the craft beer styles that have seen their best days.
The Full Story
When it comes to determining which craft beer styles are truly dead, brewers and industry experts weigh in with differing opinions. While some argue that certain styles have reached a point where they’re no longer commercially viable or popular among consumers, others believe that style names may be dying out rather than the actual style itself.
One of the most frequently cited examples is the Brut IPA. This short-lived style gained popularity around 2017-2020 before disappearing from many breweries’ menus. According to JP Houchens, owner-worker and brewer at Simple Brewing Company in New York City, “The brut was a style that was actually near to my heart… I think there’s consensus that some of this [popularity] was marketing.” Despite its demise as a distinct style label, Brut IPAs have influenced the development of other beer styles.
Other craft beer styles mentioned in the article include Red Ale and Black IPA. Alyssa Hoberer and Jacob Kemple, owners at Full Frame Beer in Denver, mention that while red ales may not perform well for them in their downtown location, they remain popular elsewhere. In contrast, Sean McGuire of Future Days Beer Company suggests that black IPAs are underappreciated gems waiting to be rediscovered.
Production & Profile
When evaluating the “deadness” of craft beer styles, several factors come into play. One consideration is drinkability: beers like slushie sours can be overly thick and unrefreshing. Trevor Schlam, Head Brewer at Strange Days Brewing Company in Kansas City, notes that such flavors may have been overhyped during their heyday but are ultimately unsuitable for widespread appeal.
Another aspect of the discussion centers around brewing techniques and ingredients. Garret Conley from UnHitched Brewing highlights how the use of aseptic purées and extracts has become less fashionable in light of shifting consumer preferences, adding cost to production without offering sufficient returns on investment.
Brand & Industry History
The craft beer industry’s history is marked by cycles of innovation and trends. Since its inception, the scene has seen styles come and go. When asked about “dead” styles, Leigh Nelson from Cheluna Brewing Co suggests that style names may be dying out rather than the actual style itself.
What This Means
The discussion around dead craft beer styles offers insights into consumer preferences and market trends. It also underscores the importance of innovation within the brewing world: brewers continually strive to reinvent classic styles or educate consumers about lesser-known options, as seen in Ben Mullet’s approach at Henceforth Brewing.
Consumer Takeaway
The end result is a rich tapestry of craft beer offerings that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. While some styles may be losing favor with brewers and customers alike, the industry remains ever-changing – always pushing boundaries and redefining its classics.
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