A Look at the Craft Beer Trends of 2024
Did you know in Sumeria, beer was so valuable that people often used it as currency or barter?
Although we can’t trade the same in our current era it doesn’t hide the fact how valuable a beer can be, let’s learn about some key aspects of this delicious beverage and what more a person can expect as per trends, as craft beer markets are forecasted to grow by almost 6.5% between 2024 and 2030.
The Craft Beer Scene in 2024
In today’s era, craft beer is more than just a drink, it’s a culture and many regard it as divine water as well. Why? Well, craft beers represent creativity and community with a diverse array of flavors to serve; in fact, they also bring people closer, don’t they?
This year, the craft beer industry is stepping up with amazing trends that please a variety of audiences, from eco-conscious to our adventurers, craft beers are being loved by all.
Sustainability in Craft Brewing
Did you know that climate change is widely affecting consumer choices? Hence to adapt, the craft beer industry is adopting sustainable practices rapidly to reduce its impact on the environment.
At Catalyst Crafted Ales, we strive to use sustainable brewing methods, to align with the values of our eco-conscious beer lovers.
Key sustainable practices:
Water Conservation Techniques: Breweries are implementing methods to reuse water during production, significantly reducing wastage.
Energy-Efficient Processes: From solar-powered equipment to heat recovery systems, breweries are investing in greener technologies.
Upcycling Ingredients: Spent grains are being transformed into baked goods, animal feed, or compost.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Craft Beers
We are all trying to live a healthy lifestyle, aren’t we? Consumers now often tend to avoid alcohol from a health perspective, and we respect that choice but what if there was a way to enjoy your favorite beers without worrying about alcohol?
Absolutely! You read that right, Now you can indulge in delicious craft beers without any concerns about alcohol content. The non-alcoholic craft beer market is booming rapidly, and people are eagerly making the switch to these refreshing choices. Join the trend and discover how satisfying non-alcoholic craft beers can be!
Why are Non-Alcoholic beers a solid hit?
Imagine sipping the same flavors as any beer but without any hangover or buzz, Non Alcoholic beers not only appeal to people who don’t drink alcohol but also to people who drink, why? Let's understand briefly.
Flavor Variety: Non-alcoholic beers offer a variety of flavors ranging from IPAs to Stouts, and that too without any alcohol.
Broader Appeal: The majority of people who are seeking moderation or abstaining from alcohol find these options very lucrative.
Non-alcohol beer sales soared (scan dollars up 30%+ year-over-year from January through October). At our taproom at Catalyst Crafted Ales, we honor every choice and try to serve everyone.
Hyperlocal Ingredients and Regional Flavors
supporting the community. With ingredients like hops, grains, and fruits grown nearby, brewers are whipping up beers that truly represent their region.
At Catalyst Crafted Ales, we proudly boast our Arizona roots, some of our beers also reflect regional flavors and collaborations like:
Ultimo Hombre, Lager - Mexican Catalyst Crafted Ale is our hommage to the old country. It's fermented low and dry hopped lightly with Hallertau Blanc and Saphir.
Paradise Valley, New England IPA can send you to paradise with every sip, with a magnificent soiree of aroma and flavor it is a perfect choice to beat the heat.
Hidden Beaches, Sour Catalyst Crafted Ale is our newest tropical sour that boasts pineapple, coconut, cherry, and lemon, it also gives off lemonade pina colada vibes.
Discover more of our beers on Tap and Catalyst Cans to access a wider range of flavors.
Experimentation with Wild and Mixed Fermentation
We humans are very unpredictable but do you know what else is?
Wild Yeast is equally unpredictable and breweries embrace this property along with mixed fermentation techniques. Why? Because they often help produce complex and exciting flavor profiles, Sour Ales, Barrel-aged-beers, and many more are some other popular examples of experimental styles used in beer making.
Why is Wild Fermentation Different?
Unique Flavors: Due to its unpredictable nature, wild yeast introduced us to tangy and funky elements, and maybe we can discover more flavors in the future.
Aged Perfection: We’ve been using barrel-aging for centuries and it’s an art mastered over time. How can we turn our backs on such an authentic technique?
Explore what mixed fermentation is in detail.
Craft Beer Pairings: A Focus on Food
Craft beer has solidified itself from a mere beverage accompaniment to an essential component when it comes to gourmet dining. Whether it is time for casual meals or a high-end culinary experience, craft beers are now found everywhere.
Pairing them right with different cuisines is an art, when done right it can boost the dining experience exponentially. The aromas and bitterness of craft beers are very distinctive from each other and can significantly enhance the flavors of many cuisines. From complementing to contrasting aspects they excel in all but only if done right.
Some perfect pairing tips include:
Match Lighter beers with delicate dishes, for example, pair a Vesuvio with a Bruschetta, as the beer’s crispiness would cut through the richness of olive oil while complementing the tomatoes and basil.
Utilize the beer as a culinary ingredient for marinades, sauces, or desserts.
Check out our Ultimate Beer Tasting Guide: 10 Must-Know Tips, to know more.
Explore this brief beer and food pairing guide by the Brewers Association.
New Innovations in Beer Styles
even we brewers are pushing boundaries with new beer styles and hybrid creations; from experimental IPAs to Dark lagers, 2024 was all about breakthroughs.
Let’s have a look at some trending styles:
IPA Variations: There’s no limit to how creative brewers can get, look at hazy options to triple IPAs.
Hybrid Beers: Mixing up techniques and ingredients from various brewing traditions is where the fun begins.
Experimental Styles: Imagine coffee stouts spiced up with chili or some fruity sours mixed up with unique spices.
We at Catalyst Crafted Ales constantly try to stay ahead of trends and deliver smoothness with every sip of our drinks.
What the Future of Craft Beer Looks like?
The landscape of craft beer was very dynamic in 2024 and we believe it’s just getting started. From sustainable practices to sensational breakthroughs, one thing remains constant, and that is the fact that there is a craft beer capable of suiting every flavor profile and matching every mood.
We at Catalyst Crafted Ales invite you to join us on this rapidly evolving journey of craft beer and encourage you to explore every new flavor along with us. We are here to support you with every choice you make, from choosing hyperlocal flavors to pairing magical brews with your favorite meals, nothing makes us happier than serving you with full dedication and love.
Check out our complete menu on Untappd.
Visit us at Catalyst Crafted Ales today and experience these trends firsthand. Cheers to a flavorful year ahead!