Now that hazy IPA is ubiquitous, brewers are working harder than ever to make novel examples that stand out in the crowd. From hopping to yeast selection, here’s how a few of the pros are leaving their unique thumbprints on the style.
Barleywines and wheatwines explore the boldest flavor frontiers of their respective grains. Now, daring brewers are applying that maximalist approach to wine-strength beers brewed with millet, rye-wheat hybrids, smoked malts, and more.
Whether they’re working in farmhouses or warehouses, today’s saison brewers are united in their pursuit of rustic character. While that goal is abstract, they achieve it via concrete choices about ingredients and process—and the ways to get there are as varied as the brewers and beers themselves.
Here are the high points of the year in beer from our contributing editor, one of the most prolific and astute journalists covering the industry today.
From our Love Handles files on the world’s great watering holes: Locals rule at this warm, comfortable, and family-friendly bar in Deer Lodge, Montana.
Hop-forward lagers are nothing new, but a new thread is emerging that more intentionally marries the great drinkability of a pilsner with the expressive hopping of a West Coast IPA. Could it be the best of both worlds?
From our Love Handles files on the world’s great beer bars: Bar Volo in Toronto brings together locally brewed cask ales, quality Italian cooking, and cozy vibes.
Modified yeast strains and products such as Phantasm have unlocked the massive aromatic and flavor potential of thiols. Now, brewers are learning how best to tame that power in service of balance and nuance.
From our Love Handles files on the world’s great beer bars: Seward Alehouse is a local dive like only Alaska can do it—it just happens to have great beer, too.
Cider isn’t the only fermented fruit messing around with craft beer’s most cherished ingredient. In California, Field Recordings’ dry-hopped pét nat marries the best of wine and beer.