In recent years, the craft beer industry has experienced a fascinating evolution in beer styles, with a notable shift towards lagers.
Lagers have always represented the flagship of macro beer, so in a way, it's like coming home after that first year of college. You appreciate whee you came from, but have become "refined," and perhaps a bit of a know it all. But isn't that what beer blogging is all about?
While ales have long dominated the craft beer scene, the increasing popularity of lagers signifies a renewed appreciation for their crispness, complexity, and the skill required to craft them flawlessly. In this blog post, we will explore the trending beer styles of recent years, highlighting the gradual emergence of lagers in the craft beer seen and the importance of impeccable craftsmanship in this evolving landscape.
The Rise of Trending Beer Styles:
New England IPA: Over the past few years, New England IPA (NEIPA) has captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts with its hazy appearance, juicy flavors, and tropical hop profiles. This style showcases the popular hopped-up, fruit-forward approach that has defined the craft beer movement.
Sour Beers: Sour beers, including Goses, Berliner Weisses, and American Wild Ales, have gained traction due to their refreshing tartness, fruity undertones, and experimental flavor combinations. These styles showcase the brewing industry's creative and boundary-pushing nature.
Barrel-Aged Beers: Barrel-aged beers, particularly those aged in bourbon, wine, or whiskey barrels, have become a sought-after category. The aging process imparts complex flavors, including vanilla, oak, and hints of spirits, elevating these beers to a level of sophistication.
The Shift towards Lagers:
Crispness and Drinkability: With the recent resurgence of lagers, beer enthusiasts are rediscovering the crisp, clean flavors and exceptional drinkability that these styles offer. The refreshing qualities of a well-crafted lager provide a delightful alternative to the intensity of heavily hopped ales.
Embracing Tradition and Precision: Lagers require precise fermentation control, extended cold conditioning, and meticulous attention to detail. These styles demand craftsmanship, as flaws cannot be easily masked by bold hop flavors or unique yeast characteristics. The artistry lies in creating a perfectly balanced, flawless beer.
Varieties of Lagers: Craft brewers are embracing various lager styles, including Czech Pilsners, Helles, Vienna Lagers, and Märzens. These beers showcase the brewers' ability to create subtle yet intricate flavors, emphasizing the quality of ingredients and the brewing process.
Honoring Flawless Craftsmanship:
Quality Control and Consistency: Producing flawless lagers requires rigorous quality control measures throughout the brewing process. Brewers must meticulously monitor fermentation temperatures, yeast health, and the maturation period to achieve consistent results.
Flavor Profile Refinement: In lagers, the absence of intense hop bitterness or fruity yeast esters allows the malt character and subtle hop flavors to shine. Craftsmanship lies in achieving a delicate balance, where each element harmonizes to create a well-rounded, nuanced beer.
Attention to Detail: Lager brewing demands meticulous attention to every stage, including precise mashing, extended cold fermentation, and sufficient maturation time. It requires patience and adherence to traditional techniques to create a flawlessly executed final product.
As beer styles trend and evolve, the rise of lagers signals a renewed appreciation for their crispness, complexity, and the craftsmanship required to produce them flawlessly. While ales have dominated the craft beer scene, lagers have emerged as a compelling alternative, captivating beer enthusiasts with their subtlety and refined flavors. Craft brewers embracing lagers showcase their commitment to quality, precision, and attention to detail. So, next time you reach for a beer, consider exploring the world of lagers, where flaws cannot be hidden, and each sip celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of a brewer's skillful hands.
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