Key Takeaways

• Irish red ale is returning because drinkers want balanced, easy-drinking beers.
• Brewers are embracing the style since it fits today’s lighter, lower-ABV habits.
• Competition entries show strong, steady growth for Irish red ale worldwide.
• The style works well for breweries in a mature market that values dependable pints.

So, Irish red ale is having a quiet revival. Not a fad, not a stunt, but a steady return to tap lists, beer weeks, and seasonal lineups. Drinkers who spent years chasing the loudest hops are rediscovering malt flavor, toasted bread notes, and a clean finish that fits weeknight dinners as well as pub sessions. 

Brewers like it too, because a well-made red offers balance at modest strength, which plays well with today’s lighter, lower-ABV habits. This comeback is also timely. Festivals and competitions are showing strong fields, and judges are rewarding classic execution. That attention nudges more brewers to try their hand at the style again, which gives drinkers more chances to taste good examples.

What’s driving the interest now? Part of it is fatigue with extremes. Many beer fans want choices that are flavorful, familiar, and food friendly. Irish red checks those boxes without feeling old. The color looks great in a pint, the aroma is inviting rather than aggressive, and the sip finishes dry enough that you want another. It is also a style that rewards careful fermentation and simple ingredients, which fits how small breweries are sharpening their focus. Put it together and you have a style that feels new again because it never needed to be loud to be good.

The association of beer with Ireland is deeper than you think

Yes, let’s start from here, because some countries are just tied to certain foods and drinks, so much so that they become famous among tourists thanks to those. Now, Irish beer is something that is deeply rooted in pop culture, and we can briefly discuss one example to explain the idea.

As many would say, if you want to examine modern pop culture, just take a look at the gaming industry. Games tell more about our perceptions of the world than we might think, and digital casinos present a huge library of such cases. Their options of themed games allow developers to come up with creative ideas and depict reality in the game. You see where this conversation goes: Ireland is widely associated with beer in various games.

There is a funny slots game found on the Cafe Casino online platform, and it’s called Expanding Wild Leprechaun. The game itself is designed with elements of foods and drinks, as the online slot machine shows images of beer and other symbols, the colors of which are… pretty Irish. Take a look at the image below.

The description of the game is another interesting aspect, where it says “enchanting slots action with intuitive play, and the luck of the Irish in every spin.” Well, now you see the deep association of beer and Ireland in pop culture, and when the Irish Red Ale makes a comeback, there is nothing to be surprised about. As the Irish would probably say, that’s how it was supposed to be.

The measurable signals of a comeback

You can feel a trend in the pub, but it helps to check the numbers. Style guidelines tell you what to expect in the glass, and competition entry counts show how many breweries believe a style is worth brewing at a high level.

Irish red’s key vitals point to why the beer fits modern tastes. The Beer Judge Certification Program lists alcohol broadly in the 4.0 to 6.0 percent range, bitterness around 17 to 28 IBUs, and color at 9 to 18 SRM. That means malt flavor without heaviness, enough bitterness to finish clean, and a deep copper hue that looks great on the bar.

Competitions also show strong interest. Recent entry counts for the “Irish-Style Red Ale” category are solid by any standard, and when you look back a decade, the growth is striking.

A few things stand out. First, the long arc is up. In 2010, GABF had just 23 entries in the category. In recent years the field has hovered in the 75 to near-100 range across major competitions, which shows widespread brewer participation and confidence that judges will reward the style. Second, the World Beer Cup’s 98 entries in 2024 underline global interest. That is a lot of breweries betting that a clean, malt-led beer will catch judges’ attention.

We also see certain types of beer trending depending on the location and people’s eating habits. For instance, if it can pair perfectly with a BBQ, and if that’s a favored food in certain countries, then beer will be the desired pairing drink. And at least social media tells us that influencers love making BBQs (just look at the example below — spoiler alert: it’s juicy), and that’s what beer lovers would adore, right?

FOR THE WEBMASTER — Please embed the Social Media link:

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What brewers say, and how Irish red fits business reality

There is also a practical side to this comeback. Breweries are operating in a tougher market, so adding a pint that sells steadily and is efficient to make has appeal. Industry reporting from early 2025 summarized the prior year like this: U.S. craft brewers produced 23.1 million barrels in 2024, down about 4 percent from 2023, while retail dollar share held roughly steady. That is a sign of a maturing market, not a collapse, and it pushes breweries to focus on dependable beers that regulars will reorder. 

One line from the Brewers Association captures the mood. “In a mature market, not every year is going to be defined by substantial growth,” said Matt Gacioch, staff economist for the BA. He went on to note that progress can show up in operations and beer quality, not just volume.

Irish red aligns neatly with that guidance. It uses a simple grain bill, standard yeast, and does not demand precious dry-hop inventory or tank time for fruiting. It slots into seasonal arcs, especially around March, yet it drinks well year round with roast chicken, grilled sausages, and cheddar. It lets a brewery showcase balance and process control. And it offers a comfortable alternative for guests who want flavor without high bitterness or ABV. In short, it is a small, smart bet that can add steady pints in a year when steady matters.

Heading to a brewfest isn’t just about showing up, it’s about coming prepared. The best beer fans treat festivals like a tactical mission: gear packed, tools ready, and strategy set. Whether you’re hitting a local craft fest or a regional hop showcase, here’s the technical breakdown of what every serious beer lover brings to make the most of the experience.

1. Durable Glassware or Tasting Vessel

Disposable cups are for amateurs. Seasoned attendees bring proper tasting glasses, usually tulip or Teku-shaped. These designs concentrate aromas, improving volatile compound perception like esters and hop oils. Polycarbonate options are safer in crowded venues and resist cracking from thermal stress.

Opt for a lanyard holder. It frees up your hands while keeping your glass secure. Some brewers design limited-edition holders specific to the event, making them collectible as well.

2. Hydration Strategy

Beer festivals demand endurance. Proper hydration is critical to sustain palate sensitivity and cognitive performance. Experts recommend one 8 oz glass of water per 12 oz beer sample consumed to counteract ethanol’s diuretic effect.

Bring a refillable bottle with a flow cap for fast access. Many festivals now include filtered water stations to minimize single-use plastic. Dehydration isn’t just unpleasant, it reduces sensory accuracy and makes hop bitterness taste harsher than intended.

3. Smart Palate Cleansers

Keep your taste buds accurate. Plain crackers or unsalted pretzels reset the palate between styles. They neutralize lingering tannins and malt sweetness, allowing accurate comparison between, say, a triple IPA and a Baltic porter.

Avoid flavored snacks. Oils or spices coat the tongue and distort hop bitterness and yeast ester detection. Some tasters also carry activated charcoal tablets for longer sessions to reduce acetaldehyde absorption.

4. Custom Identification Gear

Brewfests can draw thousands of attendees. Spotting friends in a crowd or identifying group members quickly matters. That’s why serious festival-goers design custom patches for their jackets, hats, or tasting bags.

Technically, embroidered or PVC patches outperform printed ones in outdoor conditions. PVC versions are waterproof, UV-resistant, and easy to sanitize after outdoor use. Many event organizers even encourage club patches for identification and networking. These aren’t just aesthetic, they improve safety by making group members easier to find in dense crowds.

5. Logbook or Digital Tracker

Recording tasting data makes the experience more analytical. Whether you prefer paper notebooks or digital apps like Untappd, consistency matters.

Log details such as:

• ABV and IBU ratings
• Fermentation yeast strain (ale vs. lager)
• Aroma and mouthfeel notes
• Serving temperature

This structured approach enhances recall and calibrates your tasting ability. Data over time helps identify style preferences and brewing trends.

6. Tech Tools: Power and Connectivity

Festivals often drain phones fast — photos, notes, app check-ins, and map access. Bring a compact power bank rated at least 10,000mAh with dual USB outputs.

Signal congestion can be severe. Pre-download festival maps and beer lists to avoid relying on limited mobile data. Some festivals broadcast their schedules via local Wi-Fi or NFC checkpoints, so enabling device scanning beforehand saves time at the gate.

7. Sensory Protection Gear

UV exposure and noise fatigue are real issues at outdoor brewfests. Sunglasses with polarized lenses protect visual acuity, preventing squinting that can lead to dehydration. Earplugs or high-fidelity filters preserve auditory comfort without distorting sound.

Experienced tasters also bring unscented sanitizing wipes — scents interfere with olfactory evaluation, which accounts for over 70% of flavor perception.

8. Proper Footwear and Loadout

Beer festivals mean standing for hours. Choose shoes with cushioned midsoles and moisture-wicking insoles. Avoid foam sandals or heavy boots. They fail in both support and breathability.

Pack light but efficient:

• Foldable rain poncho
• Reusable utensil kit
• Compact microfiber towel
• Insulated tote for souvenir bottles

Each item adds utility without bulk, improving maneuverability through dense crowds.

Responsible Exit Plan

Always pre-plan transportation. Many events now partner with rideshare networks or public transit authorities to streamline departures. Some offer breathalyzer checkpoints on exit routes — a welcome trend in festival safety.

According to the Brewers Association, more than 62% of large beer festivals now implement designated-driver programs or discounted rideshare incentives. Responsible travel ensures festivals stay enjoyable and legal for everyone.

Attitude and Awareness

Finally, bring situational awareness. Respect pour limits, communicate with brewers, and pace your tasting schedule. Overloading sensory input early in the event dulls aroma perception later — a measurable effect supported by sensory research from the Journal of Food Science.

Smart attendees treat brewfests like field labs: controlled experimentation, clear documentation, and professional courtesy toward fellow tasters.

Conclusion

Brewfests reward preparation. With the right tools — proper glassware, hydration, tracking methods, and custom patches for identification — beer lovers turn casual sampling into a refined, technical craft. The best experiences come not from how many beers you try, but how intentionally you experience each one.

Home bars are no longer an afterthought. They have evolved into key functional and aesthetic zones in modern homes. For 2026, design and functionality converge with technology, materials science, and entertaining psychology in ways we haven’t seen before. If you’re planning a project this year, these trends will give you a technical edge and ensure your bar stays relevant and enjoyable for years to come.

Integrated Indoor–Outdoor Flow

One of the biggest shifts in home bar design is fluid integration between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sliding glass walls and pocket doors are now engineered to create a seamless transition from living rooms or kitchens to patios and decks. This is more than aesthetics. It’s about airflow, sightlines, and maximizing usable square footage. Designers use flush thresholds and coordinated floor materials to avoid visual breaks between zones, creating a bar that functions equally well with indoor entertaining or alfresco gatherings.

Hidden Bars and Concealed Functionality

Concealed or “pop-open” bars are a sophisticated alternative to traditional exposed layouts. These integrate wet bar components — sink, mini-fridge, and cocktail station — behind paneling or cabinetry that matches the surrounding interior finish. Hydraulic lift doors, dovetail drawer systems, and soft-close hardware are common. Choosing this route requires precise millwork tolerances so that doors align perfectly and moisture doesn’t damage adjoining surfaces.

Smart Hardware and Lighting Systems

Tech integration is now standard. Expect motion-activated under-cabinet lighting, app-controlled refrigeration zones that can adjust to beer, wine, or spirits, and smart glass that tints on demand. Multizone LED lighting systems can be synchronized with music or voice commands. Integrating electrical, data, and lighting conduits in concealed chaseways ensures these systems feel built-in rather than add-ons. Controlled via apps or panels, they elevate both visibility and ambiance.

Personal Expression Through Decor

Trend data shows people want personalization over generic designs. Bold color accents, sculptural materials, and curated collections of glassware or spirits are driving design decisions. In fact, Zillow’s analysis forecasts color drenching and expressive personalization as defining interior trends for 2026.

On the decorative side, functional signage and art are rising. Customized visuals both brand the space and act as UV-protected accents. For example, neon beer signs add vibrant, durable lighting that doubles as branding without distracting glare.

Material Science Meets Durability

Resilient surfaces are becoming essential. Quartz and engineered stone are standard for bar tops because they resist staining, abrasion, and impact. Flooring around bars often switches to slip-resistant porcelain or sealed concrete to handle splashes without long-term damage. Durable hardware finishes like PVD-coated brass or anodized aluminum are replacing plated metals, which wear faster in high-use zones.

Ergonomic Design for Functionality

Ergonomics matter. Height calibration for countertops now varies depending on function. Standard bar counters are 42 inches high, but beverage prep zones may sit at 38–40 inches for optimal reach and comfort. Spacing between seating and counters must allow at least 24 inches per person at stools, plus 14–18 inches of knee clearance beneath the counter. Storage systems are increasingly pull-out solutions with soft-close slides and adjustable dividers to maximize accessibility.

Specialty Zones and Temperature Control

In 2026, dedicated zones are common. Two-temperature wine storage, draft beer systems with insulated kegs and glycol-cooled lines, and dedicated cocktail prep stations are no longer exclusive to commercial spaces. For beer lovers, integrated draft systems can include dual regulators and nitrogen options. Maintain keg lines at consistent temperatures (ideally 36–38°F) with glycol recirculation to avoid foam issues during peak use.

Lighting as a Structural Element

Ambient and task lighting has become structural, not decorative. Recessed fixtures with high CRI (Color Rendering Index) illuminate glassware and bottle displays accurately. Backlit shelving with diffusion panels hides LED points and prevents glare. Accent lighting can be configured with customizable profiles so that areas like tasting spaces or game zones shift brightness instantly.

Sustainability and Material Sourcing

Eco-conscious design isn’t superficial. Reclaimed woods, low-VOC finishes, and sustainably sourced metals are increasingly specified. These choices affect acoustics, air quality, and long-term durability. Even cabinetry adhesives and sealants are selected based on low-emission profiles to meet evolving code standards in green building certifications.

Nearly 74% of homeowners say technology integration and energy efficiency are top priorities in remodeling projects especially in entertainment spaces such as bars and kitchens, according to the Houzz 2025–26 renovation report.

Designing a home bar today means balancing visual impact with engineering rigor. From ergonomic planning to smart systems and material performance, these technical trends will shape the way we build and enjoy home bars well into the decade.

Different beer glass shapes affect the flavor, appearance, and drinking experience of various beers. Some glasses are made to keep beer cold longer. Others are shaped to capture aromas or create the perfect foam head.

Choosing the proper glass for your beer is fun and easy (especially with this set of six Libbey Craft Brews Assorted Beer Glasses). With a little knowledge, you can pick the best glass to bring out the unique qualities of each beer you drink. Let’s explore some common beer glass types and what makes them special.

The Importance of Shape

Beer glass shapes affect how we experience different brews. The right glass can bring out a beer’s best qualities.

Enhancing Aromas

A glass’s shape traps and concentrates aromas. Wider openings let smells escape quickly. Narrower tops keep scents in longer.

Tulip glasses have a bulb shape. This design captures aromas at the top. It works well for strong-smelling beers like IPAs.

Wheat beer glasses are tall with a slight curve. This shape holds the beer’s fruity smells. It makes wheat beers smell even better.

Improving Tastes

Glass shape changes how beer hits your tongue. This affects what flavors you notice first.

Pilsner glasses are tall and slim. They keep the beer cold and bubbly. This works great for light lagers.

Goblet glasses have a wide bowl. They let you take big sips. This helps you taste all the flavors in strong beers like stouts.

Visual Appeal

The right glass can make beer look better. This adds to the drinking experience.

Pint glasses show off a beer’s color. Their simple shape lets you see the whole drink clearly.

Snifter glasses have a wide bottom and narrow top. This shape creates a nice head of foam. It makes the beer look fancy.

Some glasses have special features. Nucleation points are tiny etchings at the bottom. They create a steady stream of bubbles. This keeps the beer looking fresh and lively.

Classic Beer Glass Types

Beer glasses come in many shapes and sizes. Each type serves a purpose in enhancing the drinking experience. The glass can affect a beer’s aroma, head retention, and temperature.

Pint Glasses

Pint glasses are a common sight in bars and pubs. They hold 16 ounces of beer and have a wide mouth. This shape lets drinkers take big sips and enjoy the beer’s full flavor.

The classic pint glass is slightly tapered, wider at the top than the bottom. This design helps maintain the beer’s head and trap its aroma.

Some pint glasses have a bulge near the top. This feature makes them easier to grip and stack. Pint glasses work well for many beer styles, like ales, lagers, and stouts.

Snifters

Snifters are short glasses with a wide bottom and a narrow top. They’re often used for brandy but work great for strong beers too.

The shape of a snifter traps aromas at the top of the glass. This makes it perfect for aromatic beers like Belgian ales and barleywines.

Snifters are smaller than pint glasses, usually holding 6 to 8 ounces. Their size is ideal for sipping high-alcohol beers slowly.

The wide bottom allows drinkers to swirl the beer. This action releases more of the beer’s scent and flavors.

Steins

Steins are large, sturdy mugs with a hinged lid. They’re a German tradition dating back centuries.

The lid on a stein was originally designed to keep flies out of the beer. Today, it’s mostly for show and tradition.

Steins can be made from various materials:

• Ceramic
• Pewter
• Silver
• Glass

Many steins have decorative designs. They often feature scenes from German history or folklore.

Steins typically hold 12 to 16 ounces of beer. Their thick walls help keep beer cool for longer periods.

Goblets & Chalices

Goblets and chalices are similar glasses with a few key differences. Both have a wide, round bowl and a stem.

Goblets have thinner walls and a more delicate appearance. Chalices are heavier with thick glass walls.

These glasses are great for:

• Belgian ales
• German bocks
• Other complex beers

The wide mouth of these glasses lets drinkers experience the full aroma of the beer. It also helps maintain a foamy head.

The stem keeps hands away from the bowl. This prevents the beer from warming up too quickly.

Weizen Glasses

Weizen glasses are tall and slender with a slight curve at the top. They’re designed specifically for wheat beers.

The tall shape shows off the beer’s color and carbonation. It also helps maintain the foamy head that wheat beers are known for.

Weizen glasses typically hold 16 to 20 ounces of beer. They’re larger to accommodate the thick, fluffy head of wheat beers.

The curved top helps trap the banana and clove aromas common in wheat beers. This enhances the overall drinking experience.

These glasses have a narrow base that widens towards the top. This design helps mix the yeast as you drink, which is important for unfiltered wheat beers.

Specialty Beer Glasses

Some beers need special glasses to bring out their best flavors and aromas. These glasses are made to highlight certain types of beer.

IPA Glasses

IPA glasses have a tall, narrow shape. The design helps keep the beer’s hoppy scent strong. The glass often has ridges at the bottom. These ridges create bubbles that push the beer’s smell up.

IPA glasses usually have a wide mouth. This lets more of the beer touch your tongue when you drink. It makes the flavor pop more. The stem on these glasses keeps your hand from warming the beer too much.

Stout Glasses

Stout glasses are short and wide. They have a slight curve that narrows at the top. This shape traps the rich smell of the stout. The wide bottom lets the beer’s thick foam form a nice head.

Some stout glasses have a bump in the base. This bump makes tiny bubbles rise through the beer. It keeps the foam thick and creamy. Stout glasses often have no stem. This lets you warm the beer slightly with your hands.

Sour Beer Glasses

Sour beer glasses look a bit like wine glasses. They have a tulip shape with a stem. The round bottom helps swirl the beer. Swirling releases more of the beer’s tart scents.

The glass gets narrow at the top. This keeps the smell from escaping too fast. Sour beer glasses are often smaller than other beer glasses. This is because sour beers tend to have stronger flavors. The stem keeps your hands from warming the beer.

Beyond glassware, small details can also enhance the beer-drinking experience, and using custom drink mats adds both practicality and personality to any home bar or tasting setup. 

Beer Glass Care and Maintenance

Proper care of beer glasses is key to enjoying tasty brews. Clean glasses help beer look and taste its best. Here are some tips to keep your glasses in top shape:

Wash glasses by hand with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using dish soap, as it can leave residue that affects taste and head retention.

Rinse glasses thoroughly to remove all soap. Any leftover soap can ruin the beer’s flavor and appearance.

Air dry glasses upside down on a clean, lint-free towel. This prevents water spots and keeps glasses sparkling.

Store glasses in a cool, dry place away from strong odors. Glasses can absorb smells, which may alter the beer’s aroma.

Inspect glasses before use. Look for cracks, chips, or scratches that could affect the beer or harm drinkers.

Polish glasses with a microfiber cloth before serving. This removes any dust and makes them shine.

Consider using a bottle brush for hard-to-reach spots in tall or narrow glasses.

Replace glasses that are heavily scratched or damaged. These can affect the beer’s taste and appearance.

By following these simple steps, your beer glasses will stay clean and ready for the next pour.

Today, craft beer is no longer a nascent, niche market. Craft beer is mainstream. And while the growth of American craft beer seems to have cooled, the shift it has created in the minds of beer drinkers worldwide is indelible. America is home to some great beers and fantastically talented brewers. Look no further to this list if you require a reminder. These are the best American beers.

Best Overall: Bud Light | Anheuser Busch InBev

Various Brewing Locations (HQ’d in Belgium) | ABV: 4.3% | Calories: 110

Hey, don’t shoot the messenger, but Bud Light is a pretty tasty beer. Plus, it perfectly represents the United States of America, the good and not-so-good. It’s a well-balanced light lager perfect for playing a ball game or sharing time with friends. Its knack for innovation kept up its dominance in sales for decades, edging out Coors Light and Miller Lite until it was ultimately replaced by Mexico’s Modelo last year. It is as ingrained in American culture as any beer and even its marketing gaffes perfectly reflect a society that struggles to find the same balance as the beer they drink.

Best Lager: Coors Banquet | Molson Coors

Illinois| ABV: 5% | Calories: 147

Long before craft beer drinkers waited in line for hyped-up imperial stout beers, beer lovers were driving West to Golden, Colorado, to buy cases of Coors Banquet. This American lager is said to have been served to miners at their end-of-the-year banquets when Coors was a small brewery catering to the gold rush. Unlike Budweiser, Coors remained a regional brewery, and this special beer was much sought after. Today, you can get Coors Banquet just about everywhere – plus, the company is now HQ’d in Chicago – but Banquet is only brewed in Golden, just as it always has been.

Best IPA: The Alchemist Heady Topper

Vermont | ABV: 8%| Calories: 320

There isn’t a more popular beer style in today’s beer landscape than the India Pale Ale (IPA). Over the course of a few decades, the style trends have changed quite a bit, explicitly moving away from the West Coast hop bomb bursting with bitter hops to a softer, unfiltered version that places an emphasis on hop flavor.

How did we get here?

Many point to Heady Topper for bringing on an era of hazy IPAs that flex loads of tropical fruit flavors, hop aroma, and flavor. Ironically, if you taste Heady Topper next to the hazy beers of today, you will find that Heady Topper is more like a traditional English IPA with American bitterness. Most beer enthusiasts wouldn’t group it with the modern American IPA, but it is still great.

Best Pale Ale: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

California | ABV: 5.6% | Calories: 175

Sierra Nevada pale ale easily could have beat out Bud Light for the overall spot in this list. It perfectly exemplifies American style and innovation. When it was created, many American drinkers found it too bitter from the citrus and pine flavor of cascade hops. Today, this classic American pale ale is likely not bitter enough by other beer connoisseurs’ standards. Still, this beer helped spark a new chapter in the American beer history books and is just as delicious!

Best Stout: Goose Island Bourbon County Stout

Chicago | ABV: varies | Calories: varies

Every fall, beer enthusiasts scramble for the latest installment of Bourbon County Stout variants—the flavored versions of Goose Island’s famous imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels. The beer and its derivatives helped spawn the flavored imperial stout craze and showed other breweries just how much people love a beer release, inspiring releases like that of 3 Floyds’ Dark Lord Day.

Though the brewery was one of the first craft brewers to be bought up by Anheuser Busch, the popularity of these stout has kept it in the craft beer spotlight. Other beers and other breweries may have lost their craft beer street cred, but at least around Thanksgiving, the die-hard craft beer fans choose to look the other way.

Best Porter: Black Butte Porter | Deschutes Brewing Co.

Oregon | ABV: 5.5% | Calories: 192

Porter has a long, storied history in Europe and the United States, but the softer cousin to stout has lost popularity in recent decades. I hope that Porter will make a comeback so that more options are available. In the meantime, be glad you can still find Deschutes’ Black Butte Porter on the shelves. This smooth, chocolatey stout is balanced with bitter hops for a classic flavor.

Best Brown Ale: Face Down Brown | Telluride Brewing

Colorado | ABV: 5.7 | Calories: 180

Like Porter, Brown Ale’s popularity has waned. Dogfish Head no longer lists Indian Brown Ale on their site, and many great examples have also been discontinued. Still, if you can make it to Colorado, you’ll surely find an excellent example of an American Browns Ale in Tellurides Face Down Brown. When the beer was first released, it took home gold at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup in the same year.

Best Cream Ale: New Glarus Brewing Co. | Spotted Cow

Wisconsin | ABV: 4.8%| Calories: 150

Like Facedown Brown, You’ll have to travel for Spotted Cow. Despite New Glarus being one of the largest brewing companies in the US, they only distribute in their home state of Wisconsin. Spotted Cow is a no-nonsense beer that beer lovers and cheeseheads alike celebrate, and the limited availability hearkens back to when Midwesterners would drive to Colorado for Coors Banquet. I can attest that I’ve gone to Wisconsin for Spotted Cow!

Best Pilsner: Pivo Pils | Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

California | ABV: 5.3% | Calories: 150

Pilsner style beer is the most popular beer type in the world. Originating in Europe, every country has developed their own take on it. Unsurprisingly, American pilsners have a heavy dose of bitter hops and aroma to balance out pale pilsner malt in the brewing process. Firestone Walkers’ Pivo Pils is an excellent example of this. The California brewery has bagged several medals from the Great American Beer Festival for Pivo.

Best Wheat: Blue Moon | Molson Coors

Chicago | ABV: 5.4% | Calories: 171

Belgian beer had quite a run back in the early 2000s. The fascination with this diverse group of beers helped spur the second boom in US craft beer. Like many other beer styles, Belgian beer takes a back seat to all things IPA, but Blue Moon – an American interpretation of the Belgian wheat beer – continues to be a favorite. Plus, with all the lore of being invented in a baseball stadium, who wouldn’t be curious about this fruit-forward beer?

Despite the differences from the classic witbier, Blue Moon has proven to be as compatible with food as the traditional style. The Blue Moon website suggests a variety of different food options that they believe beer experts will appreciate. Check it out!

Best Saison: Tank 7 | Boulevard Brewing Company

Missouri | ABV: 8.5% | Calories: 225

Like Blue Moon, Tank 7 adds an American twist on the classic farmhouse ale from Belgium. Tank 7 is bone dry and peppery from the Belgian yeast but accentuated with aggressive hopping. The result is a unique take on a delicious beer style perfect alongside food or simply to sip on a hot summer day.

I like a saison to be highly attenuated, making for a crisp, dry beer. When saison was really popular, it spawned a bunch of interpretations that drove it away from this composition. Frankly, I think people got sick of what American saison became. The good news is that Tank 7 remains bone-dry and deliciously drinkable.

Best Sour: Temptation | Russian River Brewing Co.

California | ABV: 7.5% | Calories: 204

Sour beer has a long brewing history, but the interest and innovation of the brewing process and techniques by brewers like Russian River’s Vinnie Cilurzo helped introduce the styles to craft beer lovers in the US. Temptation is genuinely one to seek out. The long-aged beer greets you with layers of complexity from the careful selection of barrels and the patience of the brewer to allow the unique blend of yeast and bacteria to transform ordinary wort into a work of art.

Besides Temptation, Russian River’s barrel program boasts plenty of other incredible beers, such as Consecration and Beatification. As if the sour beers weren’t enough, this craft beer legend also brews some of the best IPAs in Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder. You don’t have to be a beer expert to appreciate the beers they make, either!

Best Light Beer: Michelob Ultra | Anheuser Busch InBev

Various | ABV: 4.2% | Calories: 95

Light beer is not usually appreciated by beer experts. In fact, the dominance of beers like Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Busch Light is one reason for America’s poor reputation for beer in the 80’s. Michelob Ultra isn’t like other light beers. The beer is marketed to athletic beer lovers who have grown up with the flavor associated with craft beer. If you’re asking yourself, aren’t all light beers the same? Well, not if you’ve tried Michelob Ultra.

Best Non-Alcoholic: Run Wild IPA | Athletic Brewing Company

California | ABV: Less than .5% | Calories: 65

One type of beer that American brewing companies have been slow to adopt has been Non-alcoholic beer. Elsewhere in the world, the prevalence of NA beer has quite a history, but the trend has been slow to reach the states until now. Athletic Brewing Company is fully dedicated to beer without the buzz and caters to health-conscious beer lovers. Their Run Wild IPA is loaded with hops and flavor, not alcohol or calories.

As the interest in non-alcoholic drinks continues, it will be interesting to see where the US market goes from here. Well-funded companies can innovate, and cram hops into new products, but I personally believe that all NA IPAs are lacking without alcohol. But that’s just me.

Right?

It’s always been that way, and anything to the contrary is wrong.

Right?

I salute you, the beer purist, but the use of other ingredients for making beer dates back far before the Germany Purity Law of 1516. And while everything from herbs and spices to an entire chicken has been used in making beer, fruit has got to be one of the most popular ingredients to wind up in a brew.

Fruit beers have been a considerable part of the craft beer movement, and different fruits have come and gone as the en vogue flavor to accent the base beer styles.

When I first started drinking beer, I remember Pyramid Apricot Ale fondly. Later, Raspberry Wheats were all the rage. Today, grapefruit has become a go-to flavor – especially for IPAs. Plus, the popularity of sour ales has made for a terrific canvas to introduce almost any fruit that can enhance a beer’s bright acidity.

Pretty much any fruit you can imagine has made it into a beer, but what are your favorites? We share some of our below. Please give it a look, and get out and find them!

1. Hell or High Watermelon | 21st Amendment

Type: Wheat Beer | ABV: 4.9% | Calories: 134

Most people love the flavor of watermelon. Getting my kiddo to brush his teeth was always a struggle until I discovered a particular brand of watermelon toothpaste. Now, he happily hops up on the bathroom stool. Watermelon’s flavor works perfectly as a foil to the fruity flavors of beer yeast, but hops and malt often run over the subtle flavor. So, 21A’s legendary Watermelon Wheat beer is a genuine fruit beer gem as the beer is perfectly balanced to allow the juicy watermelon to shine.

The brewery reports that this beer pairs well with fresh-shucked oysters, veggie or fruit salads, seafood, and sunny summer days, and don’t forget to garnish your beer glass with a watermelon wedge!

2. Blood Orange Kolsch | Crystal Springs Brewing

Type: Kolsch | ABV: 4.9% | Calories: 134

You may not have ever heard of Crystal Springs Brewing, nestled in the foothills of Colorado near Boulder. A local school teacher started the unassuming brewery with a passion for German Kolsch. Unlike many stateside versions, the Kolsch is incredible, but it’s tough because everyone can’t get enough of the Blood Orange version. The one-time summer seasonal now is this brewery’s top seller.

3. Strawberry Ale | Cascade Brewing

Type: Sour Ale/ American Wild Ale | ABV: 7.5% | Calories: 225

Like melon flavors, the supple flavor of strawberry can be challenging to capture in a beer, especially a sour ale. Still, Oregon’s Cascade Brewing has perfectly blended its strawberry offering to play nicely with the other flavors. After all, a fruit beer shouldn’t just taste like fruit salads – it needs to pass the taste test of beer drinkers.

4. Blushing Monk | Founders Brewing

Type: Imperial Fruit Ale | ABV: 9.2% | Calories: 280

The sweet aroma of raspberry is a common experience when enjoying craft beer. Brewers love to add fruity flavors to all types of beer styles, but raspberry is a fave for beer drinkers. Founders brew a variety of fruit beers, and more than one includes raspberry in the brewing process. Blushing Monk, however, brings with it the complexity of alcohol to intertwine on the taste buds. At more than none percent alcohol, this is no ordinary beer.

5. Michelob Ultra® Infusions Lime & Prickly Pear Cactus Light Beer

Type: Light Lager with Fruit | ABV: 4.6% | Calories: 95

I’ve gushed about Michelob Ultra before. As a lifelong craft beer fan, I was really surprised by how tasty this light lager could be. So, I was skeptical (though not surprised) when the AB overlords chose to mess with it. Even more surprising is that they decided to add an unorthodox fruit flavor. Prickly pear is the fruit of a cactus. It tastes a bit like unripe strawberries but can yield delicious results when included in beverages.

6. Grapefruit Sculpin | Ballast Point Brewing Co

Type: IPA | ABV: 7% | Calories: 210

Sculpin IPA had long been a favorite of beer drinkers. The beer had earned multiple medals at beer competitions, but when the brewery added a Grapefruit version to its line-up, Ballast Point blew up. The widespread success was parlayed into the record sale of the brewery of One Billion Dollars! Today, everyone and their brother have a grapefruit IPA, but Grapefruit Sculpin is what sets the standard.

7. Banana Bread Beer | Eagle Brewery

Type: Fruit Beer | ABV: 5.2% | Calories: 160

Who said American brewers can have all the wacky beer fun? Eagle Brewery in the UK has long combined bananas into a rich and fruity dessert beer. Anyone who enjoys the warm flavors associated with freshly baked banana bread will appreciate this beer that ditches the bitter taste for a decent amount of malt sweetness that envelopes the use of perfectly ripe, free-trade bananas.

8. Blood Orange Wheat | Jack’s Abbey

Type: Wheat Ale | ABV: 4% | Calories: 120

Like raspberries and grapefruit, blood orange has undoubtedly had a moment in the minds of brewers. Blood orange has a more intense sweet orange flavor than other oranges that lend more pronounced citrus notes. Brewers like Jack Abbey prefer the sweeter blood orange to complement citrusy hops and earthy wheat notes.

“What started as a popular summer option in our beer hall quickly became a lager phenomenon that showcases the versatility of lager. Blood orange oils spark bright, fruity flavors complemented by wheat to make this a refreshing beer.”

9. Pineapple Mana Wheat | Maui Brewing

Type: Wheat Ale | ABV: 5.5% | Calories: 164

Like the sweetness of Blood Orange, Pineapple offers an additional richness that tends to contrast well with bright acidity. This makes the spikey fruit a perfect addition to the slight acidity of wheat beers. This union is displayed with Maui’s Mana Wheat, transporting any beer drinker to a tropical island oasis. With just a sip!

10. Wisconsin Belgian Red | New Glarus Brewing Company

Type: Wheat Beer brewed with Sour Cherry | ABV: 4% | Calories: 120

With over a pound of tart fruit per barrel, Wisconsin Belgian Red is bursting with the cheery flavor you’d expect from this brilliantly red ale. Served in a champagne flute, this legendary beer is flavorful and has light acidity from the fresh fruit used – not bacteria. This is simply a delicious beer to revel in the fruity flavor.

11. Passion Fruit Gose | Two Roads

Type: Fruit Gose | ABV: 4.8% | Calories: 130

Tropical fruit combined with tart, salty flavors makes for the ultimate summer fruit sipper. Two Roads has masterfully combined passionfruit into a unique type of beer to offer one of the best fruit beers out there. After a hot day on the beach or in the office, nothing quenches your thirst like a gose.

“We’re proud to introduce Lushee – a slightly tart, fruit-forward ale brewed with passion fruit. Sourness takes a backseat in this brew, letting 100% real fruit shine through. Take the Road Less Traveled for a bright, fruity, refreshing ale that perfectly balances tart and sweet.”

12. Fresh Squeezed IPA | Deschutes Brewery

Type: Fruit IPA | ABV: 6% | Calories: 180

It’s hard to believe that Fresh Squeezed is one of just the latest legendary beers from Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery. The brewery is known for such epic beers as Mirror Pond, Black Butte Porter, and now a grapefruit IPA that has helped to launch them into another decade of brewing. The beer is a dangerously drinkable IPA with plenty of fruity flavors, including grapefruit and orange citrus fruit flavors from a hearty helping of hops.

Today, many IPAs need no help from fruit additions to taste fruity. New World hops are prized for notes of tropical fruit, melon, stone fruits, and citrus. Modern IPAs are practically fruit beers sans the fruit. Fresh Squeezed is almost a throwback beer, a West Coast IPA with actual fruit.

13. BBA Teddy Bear Kisses | Upland Brewing Co

Type: Stout | ABV: 10% | Calories: 300

When most beer drinkers think of many fruit beers, the beer that comes to mind is a beer with a light body and just a hint of fruity taste. A barrel-aged stout with roasted malts and flavors of chocolate and vanilla beans is not as common, but this unique beer from Upland is a fruit beer no different than the other beers listed. After all, cacao is a fruit, and vanilla is the only edible fruit in the orchid family. These two ingredients aren’t typical, but they have a fantastic effect on a beer’s flavor.

14. Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen

Type: 50/50 Wheat Ale Grapefruit Drink | ABV: 2.5% | Calories: 80

Who says grapefruit can only be added to an IPA? Plenty of beer styles can handle this uniquely sweet, citrusy, and bitter fruit. A traditional hefeweizen already flexes fruit flavors from the yeast and chosen brewing process. A hefe just isn’t hefe if you can’t smell a ripe banana character, but the folks at Schöfferhofer have added another fruit to the situation with grapefruit which plays wonderfully of the banana and spice base. The result is a wheat beer with a refreshing taste and plenty of fruit flavor.

15. Stiegl Radler

Type: Beer Blend | ABV: varies | Calories: varies

Blending beer with fruit juice has a long history. In many beer brewing countries, pub owners would create beer cocktails with fruit juices and sodas. The result is a refreshing experience after a hot summer day. Stiegl balances its Radler with various citrus fruits, offering that refreshing taste that beer drinkers love.

The best fruit beers don’t adhere to finite definitions or standards. They can be bold, with aggressive, sour cherries on display like that of New Glarus’ Belgian Red, or subtle and balanced with a sweet citrus character like that of Crystal Springs’s Blood Orange Kolsch. What makes these IPAs, wheat beers, and lagers the best fruit beers is that they have found a unique and remarkable way to showcase the essence of a particular fruit with a well-made beer type, the combination of which creates a beer drinking experience that is greater than the sum of the separate parts. Fruit beers will continue to entice the beer curious, but it is the one that shows reverence to both the beer and fruit that can vie for the title of World’s Best Fruit Beers. 

Additionally, anyone who has ever drank an IPA outside in the sun has discovered that a primary beer ingredient, hops, is highly susceptible to the sun’s UV light. So it is ironic that despite warnings from beer geeks to avoid green bottled beer, some of the world’s best and most iconic beer brands are packaged with just that: green glass bottles.

Let’s look at why green glass is harmful to beer’s flavor and some of the beers that wouldn’t be the same if it were for their distinctive green glass bottles.

How Does Green Glass Affect the Beer’s Taste?

Beer is affected by the UV rays of light. “Only recently (in 2001) did we figure out how light causes skunkiness. Chemists at the University of North Carolina and Ghent University in Belgium found that when exposed to light, the alpha acids in hops break down into free radicals that then react with sulfur-containing proteins to make a chemical called 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, which is virtually identical to the principal constituent of skunk juice.”

Beer bottles primarily come in brown, green, and clear. Clear bottles provide no protection from ultraviolet light. Brown beer bottles offer the most. The fact that all glass bottles allow some level of UV light to react with the beer chemically is one of the reasons why many brewers (and beer drinkers) prefer cans.

Notably, clear glass bottles like those used by Corona or Miller High Life are commonly used for beers brewed with a type of hop product that has been treated so as not to be affected by light. These hops are called Tetra hops, simply Tetra.

Why are Green Bottles Used If They Affect a Beer’s Flavor?

Historically, green and brown beer bottles were the easiest to produce, thus making them the best choice for price-conscious beer companies simply by virtue of supply. Perhaps if quality were at the forefront of these brewery’s mines, metal bottles would be the standard today.

Additionally, in a world full of brown beer bottles, a pop of green color certainly would help stand out on a crowded beer store shelf. Though this, again, favored other priorities over offering a higher-quality beer, I can see how the lure of revenue might have affected this decision.

Finally, despite the result of light-struck beer creating a skunky taste, that taste isn’t necessarily despised by every consumer. As imported beers became popular in the United States, many green bottle beers arrived light-struck due to poor storage while shipping beer from overseas. 

Without a strong domestic reference, these off-flavors became recognized as part of these highly sought-after beers’ character. In fact, many say that some beer companies even chose to treat their beers with UV light to keep that character as they changed the packaging to satisfy the American consumer.

On a personal note, I don’t mind a beer that has a bit of light-struck character. I associate it with being outdoors and having fun. That said, not all beers benefit from a touch of skunkiness. Specifically, the highly hopped IPAs prevalent in the US market are far too susceptible to UV light. If I order a beer like this on a restaurant patio, I often find myself constructing impromptu sunshades for my beer. What I really should do is opt for ordering a less hopped beer or a pale lager beer that has a light floral hop character that seems to be complemented by a little DMS. Sorry, not sorry.

Green Bottle Beer Brands: Our Top 10

1. Saison Dupont | Brasserie Dupont

Type: Belgian Saison | ABV: 6.5% | Calories: xxx

Saison had a moment back in the mid-aughts, but too much interpretation of the style was its downfall. The original is still a banger in Saison Dupont. The beer is a crisp, bone-dry, lemon-peppery blond ale with plenty of effervescence. Most examples outside of Belgium are very skunky and taste strikingly different from the source.

2. Spon Series | Jester King

Type: Method Traditionelle | ABV: varies | Calories: varies

Jester King near Austin, Texas, masters wildly fermented, envelope-pushing beers. They are also very practical thinkers who choose to package their beers in green bottles at various times. Their Spon series beers do not use many hops. Thus, there is little for UV light to interact with. This gives their beers an elegant form of packaging without risking how the brewer wants the beer to taste.

3. Saison Athene | St. Somewhere

Type: Saison | ABV: 7.5% | Calories: 225

Florida’s St. Somewhere is no stranger to green bottle beer. Their beers are not highly hopped and can hold up well in any packaging. While their use of green bottles seems to have changed, beer sleuths may be able to find vintage examples with green glass.

4. Våronna | Fox Farm Beer

Type: Norwegian Style Farmhouse Ale | ABV: 5.5% | Calories: 160

“Made with locally grown and malted grains, bog myrtle from our land and foraged spruce tips Våronna is co-fermented with our farmhouse mixed culture and Voss Kveik yeast (a Norwegian farmhouse strain).”

Using spruce tips instead of some of the hops in beer allows brewers to select a green bottle for packaging without risking beer quality. Fox Farm’s craft beers are highly differentiated and a great addition to the beer scene.

5. Grolsch Premium Pilsner | Grolsch Brewery (Asahi/ SAB Miller)

Type: International Pale Lager | ABV: 5% | Calories: 145

A green beer bottle isn’t the only unique attribute of Grolsch. Grolsch is one of the few commercial beer brands with ceramic swing top closure. The beer is a standard lager that is refreshing and shows that beer quality doesn’t follow one set of guidelines.

6. Stella Artois (AB Inbev)

Type: Belgian Lager | ABV: 5% | Calories: 150

Stella Artois is one of the world’s most popular commercial beer brands. It is a well-balanced pale lager that is similar to other international lagers. Stella Artois is also available in cans and on draft, which may taste fresher than if stored too long in direct light.

7. Pilsner Urquell (Asahi)

Type: Bohemian Pilsner | ABV: 4.4% | Calories: 139

UV rays easily damage a highly hopped style like a pilsner. Pilsner Urquell lovers may have become accustomed to skunked beer at some point, prompting brewers to decide how to package and market the beer. Fresh, the beer is a true classic that you should strive to protect the beer inside after purchase.

8. Heineken

Type: International Pale Lager | ABV: 5% | Calories: 142

Heineken is a classic beer from a beer company that takes storing beer and serving seriously. Heineken is best served on draft to ensure beer freshness and the perfect refreshing taste of pale malts and floral hops.

9. Dos Equis Especial (Heineken)

Type: International Pale Lager | ABV: 4.2% | Calories: 130

Lowing hopping rates allow Dos Equis to come in green bottles. Like its parent company, Heineken, Dos Equis has experience navigating a successful beer brand and marketing how it tastes. One can expect harmful UV rays to play some part in the beer experience and beer lovers should check born on dating for fresher beers.

10. Yuengling Traditional Lager

Type: American Lager | ABV: 4.5 | Calories: 140

Travel anywhere in the Eastern United States, and you are bound to see Yuengling Lager. The brewery is the oldest in the United States and one of the largest beer brands despite remaining fiercely independent. Their adherence to tradition is closely aligned with the presentation of their traditional green bottles.

Beer in Green Bottles

Green beer bottles have a place in the beer scene despite their risk to beer quality. Light will affect how a beer may taste, and it is essential for beer lovers to store beer properly and recognize when a beer is not a great example of the beer. Keep this in mind when selecting beer at beer stores and reviewing beers online.

Source: 

• https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/food/2007/02/28/when-light-meets-beer/dc5d7dcc-8ad1-4327-b1da-c9fdd6a4352f/
• https://www.yakimachief.com/media/documents/Tetra_Product_Data_Sheet.pdf

There’s no denying that hazy beers are the biggest thing in beer. Colloquially known by such names in the craft beer scene as the New England Style IPA, Juicy Hazy Double IPA, or simply Juice Bomb, these beers are as flavorful as they are Instagrammable with their milky, glowing appearance. Their look seems to subliminally elicit your taste buds to expect tropical fruit, citrus flavors, and stone fruit served up on a full bodied creamy mouthfeel with a smooth finish.

These beers are in stark contrast to the OG bad boys of the beer world, the West Coast IPAs, more known for their crisp finish and aggressive bitterness. These beers are more resinous IPAs than the orange creamsicle flavors that are on trend today, the finest examples of which we will look at today.

1. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA

Type: Juicy IPA | ABV: 6.7% | Calories: 214

One of Sierra Nevada’s concerns, when they got into the hazy IPA biz, was the shelf stability. When New England breweries started garnering attention for these beers with high haze and low bitterness, the QA team at Sierra wondered if any would survive distribution across the country, let alone the world. Luckily for Sierra and us, a solution was found because Hazy Little Thing is one of the most widely available New England Style IPAs. This beer gets its soft body from rolled oats and is hopped up with Citra, Magnum, Mosaic, El Dorado, and Simcoe hops.

2. Rogue Batsquatch Hazy IPA

Type: Hazy IPA Style | ABV: 6.7% | Calories: 214

Feast your senses on this beer’s tropical fruit flavors, courtesy of a healthy dose of Belma, Mosaic, and El Dorado hops. Rogue Ales Batsquatch Hazy IPA is sure to be a favorite hazy IPA the next time you’re out searching for a legendary India pale ale with a well balanced hop profile and pleasant bitterness.

3. Juicy Bits | Weldwerks

Type: New England Style IPA | ABV: 6.7% | Calories: 214

Juicy Bits is crammed full of tropical fruit flavors from the use of Mosaic, El Dorado, and Citra hops. The brewery has developed a massive following from their interpretation of New England IPAs, even garnering the interest of NBA Champion coach Mike Malone, who has gone on record as being fond of this literal juice bomb.

4. Julius | Tree House Brewing

Type: New England IPA | ABV: 6.8% | Calories: 220

The creamy mouthfeel, combined with tropical flavors, reminds us of a trip to the Orange Julius stand at the mall. The hazy IPA is hopped to express notable flavors of passion fruit, mango, and citrus. It is truly an iconic example of the style and one we love to get our hands on.

5. M-43 | Old Nation Brewing

Type: American IPA | ABV: 6.8 | Calories: 220

Look for a complex display of tropical fruits in this IPA for non-IPA lovers. The beer is brewed with Calypso, Amarillo, Simcoe, and Citra hops to complement the pillowy soft body from oats. Old Nation makes a point to say that the haze you see in your glass is not from the yeast but rather the combination of said oats, proteins, and heavy-handed dry hopping.

6. Just the Haze | Samuel Adams

Type: N/A India Pale Ale | ABV: < 0.05% | Calories: 10

Leave it to Samuel Adams, makers of Boston Lager, to combine on-trend beer categories. The brewery has capitalized on a growing interest in non-alcoholic beer with hazy IPA to offer Just the Haze. It has all the flavor you could want from hops like Sabro, Mosaic, Citra, and Cascade without the alcohol.

7. Mind Haze | Firestone Walker Brewing

Type: Hazy IPA | ABV: 6.2% | Calories: 186

Is your mind a little hazy from this list yet? Are the options a little overwhelming? Well, trust in Firestone Walker. The West Coast brewing powerhouse created Mind Haze as an addition to its solid IPA portfolio. Mind Haze and its double IPA extensions, Cosmic Crusher and Brain Melter, focus on the tropical aspects of the style. The standard is brewed with nine different hops, including Mandarina Bavaria hops, which lend an orange fruit character to the brew.

8. Hazy Rays | Lawson’s Finest

Type: Hazy IPA | ABV: 5.3% | Calories: 159

Lawson’s Finest makes excellent beers of all kinds—full Stop. Their classic Sips of Sunshine was discussed as an early influence even before the haze craze. Still, it wasn’t until Hazy Rays that the brewery truly leaned into its regionally famous beer. The result was nothing short of spectacular—and quite frankly, not surprising. Hazy Rays clocks in at only 5.3% ABV, which is on the low end for an IPA. This hazy IPA is hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and Citra.

9. Fairy Nectar DDH | Kros Strain

Type: New England / Hazy | ABV: 6.2 | Calories: 186

Kros Strain Fairy Nectar creates a well balanced example of the style with increased levels of tropical flavors and aroma with a lower, yet more supportive, amount of bitterness. The folks at Kros Strain have nailed the hazy equaltion and that’s why they’re consistently discussed as having some of the best hazy IPAs in the US.

10. Single By Choice | New Image Brewing

Type: Single Hop Hazy IPA | ABV: 5% | Calories: 150

Who said this list was going to be hazy IPAs? Hazy craft beer can be hefeweizens, lagers, or even pale ales, which is what we have here from Colorado’s New Image. New Image brews a variety of hazy IPAs, but their Single by Choice series is notable because it highlights just one hop each time it’s brewed. Any hazy IPA fan will love exploring the world of single-hop beers to experience what the individual varieties truly lend to a brew.

11. Ghost in the Machine | Parish Brewing

Type: Juicy Double IPA | ABV: 8% | Calories: 240

There’s just something about walking around the French Quarter with a can of Ghost in the Machine. The dank, tropical fruit flavors are the perfect foil to the smells of Cajun and Creole cooking or freshly made beignets. I suggest you experience it once in your life, but if you can get your hands on this beer, you’re going to enjoy it whether or not you’re in the Big Easy.

Hazy IPA FAQs

What Makes a Beer Hazy?

Beers will appear hazy due to residual proteins, suspended yeast, or excessive hops. For beers that are meant to be cloudy, the brewer will choose not to filter their beer. Instead, hazy beers are left unfiltered, allowing the remaining haze-causing particles to affect the beer’s clarity.

In the case of hazy IPAs, the haze is derived from high levels of proteins that remain in the beer from the brewing process, as well as copious amounts of organic material that is left from aggressive dry-hopping.

Any sort of colloidal suspension will contribute to the beer’s overall mouthfeel, specifically a smooth mouthfeel in the case of hazy IPA and pale ale, which are becoming a hallmark of the style trend. While the haze itself does not contribute a flavor of its own, the mouthfeel has become the perfect canvas to offer intense flavors with less hop bitterness. These flavors favor New World hops that exhibit tropical fruits, like passion fruit, which many perceive as tropical sweetness in their taste buds.

Are All Hazy Beers IPAs?

While Hazy IPA gets much of the attention of haze fans, IPAs are not the only beer styles that have appropriate levels of haze. In fact, most beers will allow some level of haze for one reason or another despite the goal of many brewers to produce a clear beer.

The most notable hazy beer style, besides IPA, has got to be Hefeweizen. Hefeweizen is an unfiltered German Wheat beer. It is known for its unique yeast and fermentation characteristics, which, besides being hazy, offers the beer drinker a lovely fruit and spice experience. The weizen yeast that is used produces high levels of isoamyl acetate, which can be expressed in a variety of fruity flavors, but in a hefeweizen, it is expected to be the flavor of banana.

Hefeweizens are characteristically hazy. I once listened to homebrew legend Charlie Papazian recount an experience he had at a German beer garden, where the server used a ballpark-style condiment dispenser to pump extra yeast into the house hefeweizen. He surmised that the patrons expected a hefeweizen to be hazy—and a slight yeast haze just would not do.

While haze is an important visual characteristic of some styles, it is not the end goal in others. Most Pilsner fans would be put off by a turbid Pilsner or lagers in general. In fact, haze in beer can be seen as a flaw in the brewing process or poor-quality malt.

Haze can be temporary, like in the case of chill haze. Chill haze occurs when large proteins break out of solution at cold temperatures. If you have a beer that is not ordinarily hazy, served to you cold, with a haze that clears up when it warms, your beer may be experiencing chill haze. Brewers can remedy chill haze in their beer in a variety of ways. This includes testing and only selecting high-quality malt for their recipes, adding a protein rest to their mash schedule, and filtering the beer after extended lagering.

Hazy IPAs are some of the most popular styles of beer, but it is worth mentioning that their appearance gets an outsized proportion of the hype. The excitement should be in the innovative ways brewers have boosted the beer-drinking experiences with hops. Hops shine in this style, and rightfully so. As brewers continue to create new experiences, it will be interesting to see how they continue to use that hop innovation to satisfy that demand. Until then, an increasingly saturated market will jockey for hazy beer supremacy, but perhaps a new style will emerge as the next big thing and finally dethrone the hazy IPA. Given the post-pandemic struggles of craft beer, let’s hope these breweries resist resting on their laurels and continue to push the envelope. In the meantime, we can all appreciate brews like Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing, Rogue Batsquatch Hazy IPA, or any of the others listed in this best beer rundown.

The phrase transports me back to the early 90s, when, in first grade, Vanilla Ice was the hottest cassette tape in the deck. Sure, New Kids on the Block and MC Hammer also were heavy in the rotation, but to me, Vanilla Ice “rocked the mic like a vandal.”

But, I. I. Digress. 

Since I was only six, I was generally unaware of the other ice trend: ice beer, a stronger, smoother, budget-friendly beer offering. I assume adults debated the superiority of Molson Ice and Bud Ice, just as we kids defended our choice of “To The Extreme” against the 1990 meteoric album “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em.”

Like Rob Van Winkle (and Stanley Burrell), ice beer doesn’t get the attention it did back in 1990. Trends come and go, and today, beer drinkers have far too many options to focus on the ice beer niche, but in a pinch, the category could come in handy for a fishing trip, impromptu BBQ, or a throwback 90’s dance party. In any case, we tasted the ice beer that has stood the test of time to decide ONCE AND FOR ALL THE BEST ice beers.

So slip on your parachute pants, empty that can of AquaNet, and YO, VIP, let’s kick it!

1. Natural Ice

ABV: 5.9% | Calories: 177

Part of the sub-premium line of beers owned by AB InBev made famous with Natty Light. Natty Ice is one of the more widely available ice beers in the United States. It promotes a “smooth, clean taste” with a mild malt sweetness and subtle bitterness.

2. Milwaukee’s Best Ice

ABV: 5.9% | Calories: 177

Like all ice beers, Milwaukee’s Best Ice is made by an unorthodox brewing process where beer is frozen, and a portion of the water is removed. This process is said to create a smooth drinking experience, but it also concentrates the alcohol content and flavor.

In the United States, this process is considered a form of distillation, which may be one reason why you don’t hear about many craft breweries making this style of beer. Homebrewers and some European brewers, not restrained by US government oversite, do produce ice beers either on occasion or as a novelty to push the boundaries of alcohol content possible in a beer.

The majority of the beers in the world with the highest alcohol by volume utilize ice distillation to achieve such strength. The strongest beer in the world currently is called Brewmeister Snake Venom and clocks in at 67.5% ABV. The beer is described as “using smoked peat malt, two yeast strains (one for beer and one for champagne), and undergoes a special freezing process to concentrate the alcohol content.”

3. Molson Ice

ABV: 5.4% | Calories: 162

Crispness is critical with Molson Ice and all of these ice beers. For this, you’ll find Molson Ice to be a straightforward American Adjunct Lager with light grain-like malts and little to no hop character. It’s priced to sell and is available throughout the US and Canada.

4. Genesee Ice

ABV: 5.5% | Calories: 165

From the makers of Genesee Cream Ale, Genny Ice is produced by removing ice crystals. This increases the strength of the beer and gives the ice beer’s smoothness. The beer was introduced in 1993 (by that time, I was listening to Tag Team’s Whoop There It Is) and is still a year-round favorite in Upstate New York. It’s a cheap beer from what I believe to be a craft brewer now (don’t quote me), but a fine corn lager with a bit of flavor, nonetheless.

5. Bud Ice

ABV: 5.5% | Calories: 165

Bud Ice is a highly drinkable ice lager, like all Bud brand extensions. AB might have the ultra and premium beer categories on lock, but they need to own the cheap beer categories, too, and Bud Ice fits the profile. A six-pack of Bud Ice can come in handy, especially when you’re in the mood for cheap beers. The beer has a subtle malty flavor and low bitterness. Of course, it comes in 30 packs and 32-ounce bottles for all your low-cost consumption needs.

6. Keystone Ice

ABV: 5.9% | Calories: 177

Fast forward from 1st grade to college, and I finally experienced the ice beer trend. Four years (+) in college was spent playing epic rounds of beer pong with Keystone Light, but Keystone Ice was a worthy fill-in in a pinch. It is unbelievable that college students shared those disgusting cups playing that game, but maybe we felt like the added alcohol from Keystone Light would somehow defend against germs.

What were we thinking?!

7. Busch Ice

ABV: 5.9% | Calories: 177

Busch is another sub-premium American lager brand from AB-InBev. I’ve written of my appreciation of Busch Light. It’s a guilty pleasure for this old craft beer dork, and Busch Light is right up there in that category. It’s a cold one for a trip to a lake or hunting trip, simple as that. The target market is indeed focused on Midwest hunters and fishermen. The cans and packages are commonly adorned with camouflage or classic white-tail deer imagery. So the next time you’re in Wisconsin or Iowa for deer season, be sure to stock up on a few sixers of this golden beast when you hit the stores for supplies.

8. Labatt Ice

ABV: 5.6% | Calories: 168

Labatt Ice is the first of two ice brews from the Labatt brand in this list. It’s a reminder that somewhere, at this very moment, some kid is just pressing play on Vanilla Ice; they’re in for a treat! Ice beer seems to have retained more of an interest with our friends to the North. I wonder if the popularity of ice beer in Canada explains something about why some Canadians believe the beer is stronger up North. Well, yeah, it’s easier to freeze stuff up there.

9. Carling Ice

ABV: 5.5% | Calories: 165

Carling Ice is another inexpensive beer that is pretty rare in the US but more available in Canada and elsewhere. Carling Ice is an extension of the Carling brand and is produced by freezing the beer. When the batches form ice crystals, the remaining liquid is separated. The result is a smooth, slightly more robust taste.

Today, this American style specialty lager with corn is brewed under contract at Molson-Coors. Look for it in boldly black packaging at a sub-premium price point.

10. Labatt Maximum Ice

ABV: 8% | Calories: 240

Removing ice crystals from fermented wort concentrates flavors and increases alcohol content in ice brews. Judging by the ABV of Labatt’s Maximum Ice, the brewers took some liberties with how much water was removed. Clocking in at eight percent alcohol by volume, Max Ice is sure to pack a punch at an economical price. In fact, this beer is commonly sold as a 24-ounce can or 40-ounce bottle at about three dollars each. I hope there isn’t anybody who’d need a whole case, anyway.

Yo man, let’s get out of here

Word to your mother

Ice ice baby (too cold)

Ice ice baby (too cold, too cold)

Ice ice baby (too cold, too cold)

Ice ice baby (too cold, too cold)

Today, pilsner-type beers dominate the beer market. They represent some of the most valuable brands from the most extensive beer makers in the history of our planet. And yet, pilsner remains a mystery to many who drink it, and its composition is a challenge to those who brew it.

Brewed correctly, pilsner is the mark of brewing greatness and the ultimate beer experience. Don’t be fooled by any ol’ beer claiming to be a pilsner, there are many variations, but this list is the definitely offering of classic pilsner.

1. Pilsner Urquell

State/ Country: Czech Republic | Type: Czech Style Pilsner | ABV: 4.4% | Calories: 132

Brewed only in Pilsen, the birthplace of Pilsener, Pilsner Urquell reigns as the original classic pilsner. Before this beer, most beers in Bohemia and, frankly, the rest of the world were dark beers. The creation of this pale lager has changed that forever. Brewed with floral Saaz hops, the beer is characteristically golden and clear with a lovely crispness all pilsner beers should have. The Czech style for which this beer is the muse has a more soft mouthfeel than German or American variations due to the lack of minerals in the local water. If you can enjoy this, be unfiltered – take it!

2. Slow Pour Pils | Bierstadt Lagerhaus

State/ Country: Colorado | Type: German Style Pilsner | ABV: 5.1% | Calories: 153

How long would you wait for a beer? If you’ve ordered the exceptional German-style pilsner from Denver, Colorado’s Bierstadt, you’ll be glad to wait the 5 minutes just to pour the glass. Bartenders know to build the head of this pilsner beer into the ornately decorated footed glass designed for the beer. By pouring down the middle of the glass and giving the beer time to settle, the foam on the beer is strengthened, providing a lovely cap of foam that protects the beer and adds to the amazingly unique beer experience.

3. Pivo Pils | Firestone Walker

State/ Country: California | Type: Hoppy Pilsner | ABV: 5.3% | Calories: 159

Firestone Walker is no stranger to brewing excellence, and the brewers there never shy away from a challenge, especially one as important as brewing pilsner. When they released Pivo on the craft beer scene, it represented a shift in how craft beer fans saw lager. Pivo pils is a dry hopped pilsner, a technique more akin to IPA than classic pilsner, and yet the additional burst of floral hops from Pivo was as timeless to pilsner as the process of decoction mashed grains.

4. Prima Pils | Victory Brewing

State/ Country: Pennsylvania | Type: German Pilsner | ABV: 5.3 | Calories: 159

While Prima Pils claims to be a German pilsner, I will always think of this beer as an original craft pilsner. The beer has a special place in my memory of formative beer education. I have less access to it than I did before. However, Prima Pils and Victory Brewing are still worthy of a beer lesson whenever you’re in the mood for the crisp flavor of a hoppy pilsner

5. Pfriem Pilsner | Pfriem Family Brewers

State/ Country: Oregon | Type: Czech Style Pilsner | ABV: 4.9% | Calories: 147

Pfriem is one of the most respected craft brewers in the country, known for brewing greatness and placing a deep emphasis on adherence to old-world lagers, particularly classic pilsner. Hopped with various German varietals, Pfriem aims to express their prized lager’s beautiful grassy aromas and flavors. Pour this beer into a clean glass to fully appreciate the striking golden color and fluffy foam top.

6. Tipopils | Birrificio Italiano

State/ Country: Italy | Type: Italian Pilsner | ABV: 5.2% | Calories: 156

Though Firestone Walker may have popularized dry hopped pilsner in the US. They weren’t the first. The origin of the dry hopped pilsners comes not from a craft beer stronghold – but rather from the wine-rich country of Italy.

“Born in 1996, the first-ever dry-hopped Pilsener, Tipopils is a milestone on the international craft beer scene and the one beer that started our long history. It may seem the most “normal” among our beers, but it is exactly the one to leave the most decisive and long-lasting marks.”

Tipopils remains an elusive find in the US but occasionally make their way stateside for special events. If you happen to find a tasting, make an effort to give this revolutionary pilsner beer variation a try.

7. STS Pils | Russian River Brewing

State/ Country: California | Type: Keller Pils | ABV: 5.35% | Calories: 160

Named after the local airport code, STS Pils had me flying high when I came across a six-pack of it in cans. Traditionally, the beer makes it my way in single-pint glass bottles like the other legendary beers from the Russian River, like Blind Pig and Pliny, the Elder. STS is a crisp, masterful lager with a slight hazed when poured into a glass. This haze is due to the natural carbonation of the bottles and cans. The flavor is of crisp crackers and floral hops. The bitterness of STS is medium but evident, as a beer like this can hide nothing.

8. Nooner Pilsner | Sierra Nevada Brewing

State/ Country: California | Type: German Style Pilsner | ABV: 5.2% | Calories: 156

Sierra Nevada is an incredibly significant brewery in the history of craft beer, but they are still aware of the history of brewing that preceded it. The brewery often shows incredible reverence for breweries, beers, and beer legends who have inspired them. “Nooner is our take on the classic German-style pilsner,” writes the brewery, “filled with bright and zesty whole-cone hop flavor with a crisp, dry finish — the perfect pick for wherever the day may take you.”

9. Rick’s Original Pils | Rick’s Near Beer

State/ Country: Texas | Type: Non-Alcoholic | ABV: 0.5% | Calories: 55

Pilsners are all about that crisp finish. Austin’s Rick’s Near Beer knows that and delivers without the addition of alcohol. The growth in sober-curious drinking has spurred a non-alcoholic beer renaissance. Rick’s leads the way with a refreshing pilsner offering sans the booze.

Despite being listed as non-alcohol, Rick’s Original does list one-half of a percent of alcohol. This is a negligible amount that many N/A beers have. If you’re looking to enjoy the great taste of pilsner but limit your consumption of alcohol, give Rick’s Original a try. You won’t regret it!

10. Scrimshaw Pilsner | North Coast Brewing

State/ Country: California | Type: German Style Pilsner | ABV: 4.5% | Calories: 135

North Coast has given birth to countless craft beers that consistently appear in “best of” lists. Unsurprisingly, we end our list of best pilsener beers with a banger from their portfolio. The California brewer proves time and again that they know what they’re doing in the brewhouse.

Scrimshaw is a German style pilsner brewed “in the finest European tradition using Munich malt, and Tettnang and Hallertau hops. Scrimshaw has a subtle hop character, a crisp, clean palate, and a dry finish.”

Pilsner FAQs

What Defines a Pilsner Beer?

While pilsner may seem like an extensive family of pale lager that includes some of the largest beer brands in the world, the Pilsner style is a bit more focused. Just because the lager is straw-colored or is brewed with pilsner malt does not automatically mean the beer is a pilsner.

Is a German Pilsner Different?

There are three primary styles within the pilsner family. First, the Bohemian or Czech style pilsner was the original pilsner style developed by Josef Groll in the 19th century. Groll was a German brewer contracted by the Bohemian city of Pilsen to improve the local beer quality. The result was the legendary Pilsner Urquell, which is still enjoyed today. The Czech pils is brewed with pilsner malt, Saaz hops, and Bohemian water, which is very low in minerals. This is notable as, despite the Czech pils possessing more bitterness units than the German style pilsner, the beer is perceived to be less bitter but with a spicy hops character.

The German pilsner is a lighter, dryer version of Groll’s Pilsner Urquell. This is primarily due to a much harder water makeup. German pilsners are brewed with German Noble hops and are more sharply bitter than their Bohemian counterparts.

Both American pilsner and Italian pilsner are more closely compared to the German Pilsner, though the latter styles utilize dry-hopping while the former, classic pilsner options do not.

Is Pilsner Beer Also Spelled Pilsener?

Pilsner, Pilsener, and pils all are used interchangeably; however, Czech styles are more appropriately spelled with the extra ‘e’ as a nod to the Bohemian city of Pilsen for which it was developed. German styles are likelier to drop the ‘e’ and spell it as pilsner.

What is Pilsner Malt?

Pilsner malt is a two-row barley malt used to brew all types of beers. It is the primary malt variety in pilsner-style beers. The Oxford Dictionary of Beer describes the flavor of pilsner malt in finished beer” as soft, round, direct, and sweetly malty, where pale ale malts will give more color along with toasty, biscuity notes.”

Oxford goes on to say of pilsner malted barley, “during malting and is kilned to an exceptionally blonde color value of no more than 2.5 to 4 European Brewery Convention. Pale ale malts, by comparison, tend to have a color rating of about 5 to 7 EBC (approximately 2° to 3° Lovibond). Pilsner malt is named after the world’s first blonde lager, the pilsner, developed in the Bohemian city of Pilsen in 1842.”