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- news
Is Craft Beer Resetting in 2026? What Beer Drinkers Need to Know
The craft beer industry has always evolved, but 2026 feels different. For years, craft beer experienced explosive growth fueled by new brewery openings, limited releases, hazy IPAs, pastry stouts, and an endless stream of innovation. Today, however, many beer drinkers are beginning to notice a shift. Brewery closures continue to make headlines, overall growth has slowed, and consumers are making different purchasing decisions than they did just a few years ago. So, is craft beer declining? Not necessarily. It may simply be resetting. The Era of Unlimited Growth Is Over For much of the last decade, it seemed like every community welcomed another brewery. Consumers eagerly sought out the newest releases, chased limited cans, and traveled to experience unique taprooms. Today's market looks much different. Breweries now face: Higher ingredient costs Increased operating expenses Greater competition than ever before More cautious consumer spending Changing drinking habits Rather than endless
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The Beer Holiday Starts Now: A Midwest Beer Show Holiday Weekend Recap
There are certain weekends when beer becomes more than just something in the refrigerator. The July 4 holiday weekend is one of them. Cookouts, backyard gatherings, fireworks, pool days, vacations, and long afternoons outside all bring beer into the conversation. That made it the perfect time for a special edition of the Midwest Beer Show , where Dave from Beer In Front and I got together to talk beer as the holiday weekend was getting started. The theme for this episode was simple: The beer holiday starts now. And once you start thinking about a major summer holiday through the lens of beer, there is a lot to talk about. What Belongs in the Holiday Weekend Cooler? One of the biggest questions around any holiday gathering is also one of the simplest: What beer are you bringing? The answer can say a lot about how people drink beer today. Some beer drinkers will always reach for the familiar macro lager. There is a reason beers like Miller Lite, Coors Light, Budweiser, Busch Light, and o
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Are Beer Drinkers Moving Away From IPAs?
For years, IPA has been the dominant force in craft beer. Whether it was West Coast IPA, hazy IPA, double IPA, or fruited IPA, the style seemed untouchable. Walk into almost any brewery or bottle shop, and you could count on IPAs taking up a huge share of the tap list and cooler space. But lately, there’s a question starting to pop up more often in beer circles: are beer drinkers moving away from IPAs? That’s the topic I dive into in my latest video, and if you want to watch the full discussion, you can check it out here: Are Beer Drinkers Moving Away From IPAs? IPA Still Matters — But the Beer Landscape Is Changing Let’s be clear right from the start: IPA is not disappearing. It remains one of the most recognizable and best-selling craft beer styles in the market. Hoppy beers still have a loyal following, and there’s no shortage of breweries producing excellent versions across the spectrum. But what is changing is the overall beer conversation. Beer drinkers today have more options th
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Why More Beer Drinkers Want Lighter Beer
The beer industry is constantly evolving, and one of the biggest trends gaining momentum is the growing demand for lighter beers. While bold IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and high-ABV specialty releases continue to have dedicated fans, many beer drinkers are increasingly reaching for beers that offer more balance, drinkability, and sessionability. This shift isn't necessarily about abandoning flavor. Instead, it's about finding beers that fit today's lifestyles while still delivering an enjoyable craft beer experience. If you would rather watch the full discussion, check out the YouTube video here: 📺 Watch the video: Why More Beer Drinkers Want Lighter Beer? The Rise of Sessionable Beer For years, the craft beer industry saw a race toward bigger flavors and higher alcohol content. Double IPAs, Triple IPAs, pastry stouts, and heavily adjuncted beers became staples of many brewery lineups. Today, many consumers are moving in a different direction. Session beers, lagers, pilsners, light ales
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Has Craft Beer Lost Its Edge? A Look at the State of Craft Beer in 2026
For years, craft beer was the driving force behind innovation in the beverage industry. New breweries seemed to open every month, consumers eagerly chased the latest releases, and beer enthusiasts lined up for limited-edition stouts, hazy IPAs, and barrel-aged creations. But as we move through 2026, many beer drinkers are asking an important question: Has craft beer lost its edge? This topic recently became the focus of a discussion on the Rod J BeerVentures YouTube channel, where we explored whether craft beer is still pushing boundaries or if the industry has entered a period of stagnation. Watch the full video here: Has Craft Beer Lost Its Edge? The Craft Beer Boom Years The craft beer revolution changed the way people thought about beer. Consumers moved beyond mass-produced lagers and began exploring styles from around the world. Breweries embraced experimentation, introducing bold hop profiles, pastry stouts, fruited sours, barrel-aging programs, and countless other innovations.
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Midwest Beer Show Recap: Catching Up on the Latest Beer News and Trends
The latest episode of the Midwest Beer Show was another great reminder of why I enjoy doing this series. Beer is always changing, and sometimes the best conversations happen when we slow things down, grab something good to drink, and talk through what is happening across the industry. For this episode, Dave from Beer In Front joined me again as we took a look at the latest beer news and trends making noise around the Midwest and beyond. The Midwest has always had a strong beer identity, but it is also a region where you can really see how the industry continues to shift. Breweries are adjusting, beer drinkers are changing habits, and taprooms are still trying to find the right balance between community, creativity, and business. That is what makes these conversations so interesting. On the surface, beer can seem simple. You pick up a pint, you enjoy the flavor, and you move on. But when you start paying attention to the stories behind the beer, there is always more going on. There are
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Firestone Walker Sunglider Golden Lager Returns—A Crisp Pour with a Purpose
As someone who’s spent years exploring what’s in the glass and the stories behind it, I always appreciate when a brewery delivers more than just great flavor. That’s exactly what Firestone Walker Brewing Company is doing with the return of its Sunglider Golden Lager—a beer that’s just as much about sustainability and innovation as it is about refreshment. And I’ve got to say, getting a chance to review this one firsthand—especially as a complimentary send from Firestone Walker—makes it even more exciting to break it down and share it with you all. A Lager Built for Spring (and Easy Drinking) Sunglider Golden Lager checks in at a very approachable 5% ABV, making it a perfect seasonal sipper as we move into warmer days. This is the kind of beer that’s built for repeat enjoyment—light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing without sacrificing character. From the first sip, you’re met with subtle notes of wildflower honey and water cracker, followed by a clean, dry finish that keeps things snappy.
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Eleventh Annual Ohio Craft Brewers Conference Returns to Dayton
The craft beer industry is constantly evolving, and events like the Ohio Craft Brewers Conference help ensure brewers and industry professionals stay ahead of the curve. This year marks the 11th annual conference , and brewing professionals from across Ohio and around the country will gather March 23–25 at the Dayton Convention Center to share knowledge, network, and explore the future of craft beer. Organized by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association , the conference continues to grow as one of the Midwest’s most important industry events. With more than 30 educational seminars and panel discussions , attendees will dive into a wide range of topics impacting the brewing world today. A Conference Focused on the Future of Craft Beer The Ohio craft beer scene has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade. What started as a niche movement has now become a major part of the state’s beverage landscape. According to the association, Ohio is home to more than 426 independent craft brewer
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Wicked Weed Brewing Debuts Vicious Nectar, a Bold, Fruit-Forward Hard Beverage Launching in the Carolinas
The craft beer world never stops evolving, and sometimes the most interesting developments come when breweries decide to push beyond the traditional boundaries of beer styles. That’s exactly what’s happening with Wicked Weed Brewing , which has just announced the debut of Vicious Nectar , a new fruit-forward beer designed to deliver bold flavor and a refreshing drinking experience. If you’ve followed the craft beer scene for any length of time, you probably already associate Wicked Weed with big hop character and standout beers like Pernicious IPA . But with Vicious Nectar, the brewery is stepping into a new lane that blends the creativity of craft beer with the flavor-driven beverage trends that have been gaining momentum across the industry. And honestly, it’s a move that feels very much in line with where today’s drinkers are heading. A Flavor-Forward Approach The first release in the new line will be Watermelon Vicious Nectar , which is described as delivering a smooth, juicy fruit
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Global Beer Market Expected to Reach $873 Billion by 2034: What the Latest Industry Report Reveals
The global beer industry continues to evolve, and a newly released market research report suggests steady growth ahead for one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages. According to a recent study published by Allied Market Research , the beer market was valued at $650.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $873.0 billion by 2034 , representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7% from 2024 through 2034 . For those of us who follow the beer industry closely—from major global brewers to small craft operations—these numbers help paint a bigger picture of where the market is headed and what trends are shaping the future of beer. A Market Driven by Changing Consumer Preferences One of the biggest takeaways from the report is how much consumer preferences are shaping the beer landscape . The growing interest in premium and craft-style beverages continues to push breweries to innovate with ingredients, brewing techniques, and flavor profiles. Drinkers today are often look
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HEINEKEN® 0.0 UNVEILS FIRST ZERO ALCOHOL, ZERO CALORIE, AND ZERO SUGAR BREW
Over the past several years, the non-alcoholic beer space has grown from a niche curiosity into one of the most talked-about segments in the beer industry. Now, one of the biggest global brewing brands is pushing that movement even further. Heineken has announced the launch of Heineken 0.0 Ultimate , a new alcohol-free beer that takes the concept of NA brewing a step further. Not only does it contain zero alcohol, but it also delivers zero calories and zero sugar , all while aiming to maintain the flavor profile beer drinkers expect from the brand. From my perspective as someone who watches trends across the beer world closely, this release signals another big step in how major brewers are approaching the rapidly expanding non-alcoholic category. A Continued Push into the NA Beer Market Heineken has been heavily invested in alcohol-free beer since launching Heineken 0.0 in the United States in 2019. That beer helped introduce many drinkers to the idea that non-alcoholic beer could actu
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Hurray's GIRL BEER Announces $5M Funding Round and Retail Expansion into Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons
Every so often, I come across a press release that makes me stop for a second and think about where the beer industry is headed. This week, one of those moments came with the announcement that Hurray’s Girl Beer has secured a new round of funding as the brand looks to expand its flavored light beer concept across the United States. If you haven’t heard of Girl Beer yet, the Los Angeles–based brand launched in fall 2024 with a very specific mission: bring new drinkers into the beer aisle by focusing on flavor, fun, and a different kind of marketing voice than we typically see from traditional beer brands. Now, with new investment backing and expansion plans underway, the company is positioning 2026 as a major growth year. Let’s break down what’s happening and why it could matter for the beer industry. New Funding Signals Confidence in the Concept The company recently announced a new funding round led by Lakehouse Ventures , with participation from Spice Capital , several consumer packag
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Beer Girl Expands Nationwide With New Markets, Online Shipping, and Strategic Industry Leadership
The “better-for-you” beer segment has been one of the most interesting areas to watch in the beer industry over the past few years, and a brand making some notable moves in that space is Beer Girl. Based out of Laguna Beach, California, the low-ABV lager brand recently announced several growth milestones that signal a major step forward for the young company. From expanding into new U.S. markets to launching nationwide online shipping and adding an experienced beverage industry veteran to its advisory board, Beer Girl appears to be positioning itself for a much bigger presence in the beer landscape. Expanding Into New Markets Beer Girl’s flagship offering centers around crisp, easy-drinking lagers that clock in at just 3.5% ABV . The beers are also zero sugar, gluten-reduced, and brewed with corn instead of wheat , which positions them squarely within the growing “better-for-you” beverage category that has been attracting increasing consumer interest. Up to this point, the brand has pr
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Guinness Turns St. Patrick’s Day Into a Month-Long Celebration With Bagels, Givebacks, and Festivities
For many beer fans, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Pints are flowing, parades fill the streets, and bars across the country are packed with people raising a toast together. But this year, Guinness is stretching the celebration well beyond just one day . According to a new announcement, Guinness is turning March into a full month of St. Patrick’s Day festivities , complete with a unique food collaboration, charity initiatives supporting bartenders and hospitality workers, and major appearances at iconic celebrations across the United States. As someone who spends a lot of time exploring beer culture, I always enjoy seeing how breweries celebrate big beer holidays—and this one brings together food, community, and tradition in some pretty interesting ways. A Guinness Bagel Collaboration You Probably Didn’t See Coming One of the most unique parts of the celebration is a limited-edition collaboration between Guinness and PopUp Bagels . The two brands have
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Lagunitas Celebrates International Women’s Day with Free Tattoos Inspired by Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’
Craft beer and art have always gone hand-in-hand, but Lagunitas Brewing Company is taking that connection to a whole new level. In celebration of International Women's Day , the brewery is funding free tattoos for fans across the country—turning their iconic beer artwork into permanent pieces of body art. And yes… it’s all inspired by one of Lagunitas’ most recognizable beers. The Return of Millie Inspires a New Creative Collaboration Back in 2009, Lagunitas introduced one of its most beloved beers, Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale . Along with its hoppy yet smooth profile, the beer became instantly recognizable thanks to its playful and iconic “Millie” can artwork. When Lagunitas brought the original Millie artwork back in 2024, fans responded in a big way. The enthusiasm surrounding the return showed just how connected the beer community can be—not only to the beer itself, but also to the art that represents it. Now that connection is inspiring something even more personal. Lagunitas has c
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Ohio Beer Awards Celebrate the Best of Buckeye State Brewing
Ohio’s craft beer scene continues to prove it can stand with the best in the country, and the newly launched Ohio Beer Awards just gave brewers across the state a stage to showcase their talent. The inaugural Ohio Beer Awards , organized by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association , revealed its winners on February 16 during a ceremony held at Seventh Son Brewing Co.. The event celebrated the best beers, ciders, and meads produced across the Buckeye State, with 47 producers taking home medals from a competitive field of nearly 500 entries across 26 categories . For those of us who follow the Ohio beer scene closely, the results highlight just how deep the talent pool runs across the state. Cleveland Breweries Lead the Pack Two Cleveland breweries stood out from the rest in the competition. Masthead Brewing Company and Noble Beast Brewing Co. each earned four medals , tying them for Brewery of the Year honors . Not far behind was Akronym Brewing, which also earned four medals , but narrowly m
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Pacific Magic Goes Portable: North Coast Brewing Company Releases Its West Coast IPA in Cans
If you’re a fan of bright, classic West Coast IPAs, there’s some exciting news coming out of Northern California. North Coast Brewing Company has officially announced that its Pacific Magic West Coast IPA is now available in cans, giving beer lovers another way to enjoy the crisp, hop-forward brew. For fans of the beer—and anyone who appreciates the timeless West Coast IPA profile—this move makes Pacific Magic more accessible and more portable while keeping everything that makes the beer stand out in the first place. A Classic West Coast IPA Profile Pacific Magic is designed to highlight everything beer fans love about the West Coast IPA style. The beer delivers a bright and crisp profile with expressive hop character, balanced by a clean, refreshing finish. Rather than leaning into the softer, hazier profiles that have dominated the IPA scene in recent years, Pacific Magic sticks to the roots of the style: clarity, bitterness, and hop-driven flavor. It’s the kind of IPA that reminds y
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Firestone Walker Brings Back Sunglider Golden Lager – Flavor with a Purpose
There’s something special about a brewery that can balance tradition, innovation, and sustainability—and make it all taste good in the glass. That’s exactly what’s happening with the return of Sunglider Golden Lager from Firestone Walker Brewing Company . *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn-id="request-WEB:f1cf6682-4ae1-4475-83d2-5bc0b4f1ff46-2" data-turn="assistant" dir="auto" tabindex="-1"> This limited spring seasonal isn’t just another easy-drinking lager. Sunglider is part of the brewery’s broader “Brewing for Tomorrow” initiative—a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while supporting West Coast agriculture. And the best part? It does all of that without sacrificing flavor. A Crisp Lager with California Roots Sunglider clocks in at 5% ABV and lands squarely in that sweet spot for a warm-weather crusher. It’s light-bodied and refreshing, delivering not
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Celebrating the 2026 Malt Cup Winners: Elevating the Craft Malt Movement
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn-id="request-WEB:f1cf6682-4ae1-4475-83d2-5bc0b4f1ff46-1" data-turn="assistant" dir="auto" tabindex="-1"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn-id="request-WEB:f1cf6682-4ae1-4475-83d2-5bc0b4f1ff46-1" data-turn="assistant" dir="auto" tabindex="-1"> The foundation of every great beer starts long before the boil kettle. It begins in the field, moves through the malthouse, and only then finds its way into our glass. That’s why the annual Malt Cup, presented by the Craft Maltsters Guild , is such an important event for the beer community. This week, the Guild announced the 2026 Malt Cup award recipients during a virtual ceremony celebrating excellence in craft malting across the globe. And this year’s competition on
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Ska Brewing Brings West Coast IPA Back—With a Modern Hop Twist
Ska Brewing is stepping back into West Coast IPA territory—but they’re not just revisiting the past. They’re modernizing it. Starting this week, Ska West Coast IPA is officially hitting shelves across multiple states, marking the Durango brewery’s bold return to a style that helped define American craft beer. The beer debuted over Super Bowl weekend at Ska’s World Headquarters in Colorado, and now it’s rolling out year-round on draft and in cans across Colorado, Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, and Utah. For those who have followed Ska Brewing over the years, this move feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Ska was home to Colorado’s OG canned IPA, Modus Hoperandi—a beer that embodied the original West Coast IPA vibe: dank aromatics, assertive bitterness, amber color, and a full-bodied backbone. That was the era of palate-wreckers and unapologetic IBUs. But today’s West Coast IPA has evolved—and Ska’s new release reflects that shift. Ska West Coast IPA leans into the modern interpretat
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Voodoo Ranger Turns It Up to Eleven with G-Force
Voodoo Ranger is back at it again, and this time they’re pushing the throttle all the way forward. The brand just announced the launch of G-Force Supercharged Juicy IPA , an 11% ABV triple IPA packaged exclusively in 19.2 oz single cans—and on paper, it sounds like one of their boldest moves yet. While I haven’t experienced the campaign firsthand, the positioning alone makes this one worth paying attention to. G-Force is being billed as a “supersonic” extension of the Voodoo Ranger Force lineup, following the massive success of Juice Force, Fruit Force, and Tropic Force over the last few years. Those beers didn’t just resonate—they dominated, especially in the convenience channel, where Voodoo Ranger reportedly accounts for roughly one-third of all craft singles sold. What stands out most here is that G-Force is Voodoo Ranger’s first singles-only launch , signaling just how confident they are in both the format and the audience. The beer leans heavily into a bold mango-forward profile
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Firestone Walker Returns The One That Started It All
Some beers come and go. Others leave a fingerprint on everything that follows. This week on Rod J BeerVentures , I had the chance to sit down with a very special beer: DBA (Double Barrel Ale) from Firestone Walker Brewing Company . This isn’t just another release—it’s the first beer Firestone Walker ever brewed , brought back in 2026 to celebrate the brewery’s 30th anniversary . And that alone made this one worth slowing down for. DBA represents the foundation of what Firestone Walker would eventually become. Long before the brewery was known for its barrel program, Parabola, or anniversary blends, this beer set the tone—showing how barrel character could enhance, not overpower, a well-built ale. In my review, I approached DBA the way a beer like this deserves to be approached: thoughtfully and without rushing it. I start with the visual appearance , breaking down how it presents in the glass—from color and clarity to head formation. Those details matter, especially when you’re revisit
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Lost in Bruges: How Belgian Beer, Travel, and Storytelling Inspire Bruz Beers
Some beer conversations stick with you long after the glass is empty—and this is one of them. In a recent episode of Rod J BeerVentures , I sat down with Ryan Evans , co-founder of Bruz Beers , and Chris Adams , who works with Bruz on social media, photography, and marketing. Together, they created the mini video documentary “Lost In Bruges,” a visually rich and thoughtful look at Belgium and its deep, lasting influence on beer culture. Belgium has long been a north star for brewers around the world, and Bruz Beers has never been shy about embracing that inspiration. In our conversation, Ryan and Chris shared how their travels through Belgium shaped not only the beers Bruz makes, but also the way they think about storytelling, creativity, and honoring tradition while still pushing forward. We talked about what it means to experience Belgian beer in place —from classic styles and historic breweries to the small moments that don’t always make it into guidebooks. Chris offered insight int
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805 Beer Raises a Cold One to What Lasts
Firestone Walker has officially unveiled a new national campaign for 805 Beer titled “Long Live Cold Beer,” and from the details alone, it feels like a thoughtful nod to what beer has always done best—show up at the right moment. I haven’t seen the campaign yet, but after reading through the announcement, this looks less like a flashy rebrand and more like a statement of values. Long Live Cold Beer positions beer not as something that needs reinvention, but as a reward—earned, shared, and enjoyed without pretense. The focus is on simplicity: cold beer after honest work, meaningful moments, and connection rather than spectacle. The campaign makes its national debut during X Games broadcasts on ABC and ESPN , with a broader rollout across World Surf League platforms , including Pipeline. From there, it expands into out-of-home placements, retail, and live experiences nationwide—very much meeting people where beer culture already exists. One of the most interesting creative choices is the