The craft beer industry, long celebrated for its creativity and community-driven ethos, is facing a new challenge in 2025: President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. These sweeping trade measures, including a universal 10% tariff on imports and targeted levies of up to 25% on steel, aluminum, and goods from Canada and Mexico, have sent shockwaves through the brewing world. For an industry already grappling with shifting consumer preferences and post-pandemic recovery, the tariffs could reshape the landscape of American craft beer. (See our previous article – Trump’s Tariffs, posted November 2024.)

Trump’s Tariffs and How They Might Impact Craft Brewing

The Tariffs Explained

President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs aim to protect domestic industries by imposing broad import taxes. However, their impact on craft brewing is particularly severe due to the industry’s reliance on imported materials:

• Aluminum Cans: A 25% tariff on imported aluminum directly affects breweries that use cans for packaging. Nearly all cans used by U.S. brewers are sourced internationally, making this tariff a major cost driver

• Steel Kegs: Most steel kegs used in American breweries are manufactured in Germany. The 25% tariff on finished steel products raises keg prices significantly

• Key Ingredients: Canadian barley and malt—essential for many craft beer recipes—are now subject to tariffs. Similarly, fruits like raspberries sourced from Mexico face increased costs

These tariffs come at a time when imports of beer and brewing materials are substantial. In 2024 alone, beer imports to the U.S. totaled $7.5 billion, with Mexico accounting for $6.3 billion of that figure. The ripple effects of these measures are being felt across the supply chain.

Economic Impact on Craft Brewers

The financial strain imposed by these tariffs is already apparent:

1. Rising Costs:

   • Breweries like Port City Brewing in Virginia report that their pilsner malt from Canada—essential to their recipes—is subject to a 25% tariff. Founder Bill Butcher estimates this could raise the price of a six-pack from $12.99 to $18.99

   • Monument City Brewing in Baltimore predicts similar price hikes for their beers due to increased costs for aluminum cans and imported barley

• Profit Margins Under Pressure:

  • Small breweries often operate with tight margins, leaving little room to absorb cost increases. Decisions such as passing costs onto consumers or cutting profitability are becoming unavoidable

  • Some brewers are stockpiling cans or switching packaging methods (e.g., painted cans instead of shrink-wrapped sleeves) to mitigate immediate impacts

• Export Challenges:

  • Canada, the largest foreign market for U.S. craft beer (accounting for 38% of exports), has retaliated with its own tariffs on American goods. Canadian consumers are boycotting U.S. beers, leading importers to cancel order.

  • 

    An Instagram post by Pints and Panels about Tariffs and Alcohol (courtesy of Em Sauter, of Pints and Panels)

Pennsylvania’s Brewing Scene: A Case Study

Pennsylvania has one of the largest craft brewing industries in the U.S., with over 400 breweries contributing significantly to local economies and communities. The state’s brewers are uniquely vulnerable to these tariffs due to their reliance on imported materials.

1. Material Costs:

   • Breweries in Pennsylvania often use imported aluminum cans and Canadian malt, both subject to tariffs. These cost increases could force smaller brewers to raise prices or reduce offerings.

2. Competitive Pressure:

   • Larger breweries like Molson Coors, which source materials domestically, may weather the tariffs better than smaller operations reliant on international supply chain.  Pennsylvania’s independent brewers must innovate or risk losing market share.

• Community Impact:

  • With higher beer prices looming, consumers may opt for cheaper alternatives like hard seltzers or cocktails—a trend already encroaching on craft beer sales. This could hurt local breweries that rely heavily on loyal customer bases.

Broader Industry Challenges

The Liberation Day tariffs exacerbate existing issues within the craft beer sector:

• Changing Consumer Preferences: Millennials and Gen Z are drinking less beer overall, favoring hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails instead

• Post-Pandemic Recovery: Many brewpubs are still struggling to rebound from COVID-19 closures and reduced foot traffic

• Market Saturation: The number of breweries in the U.S. has grown rapidly over the past decade, leading to fierce competition for shelf space and consumer attention

A fun meme about Trump’s Liberation Day Tariffs and IPAs

What Lies Ahead?

Craft brewers are exploring strategies to adapt:

• Localization: Emphasizing local ingredients and branding could help breweries differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

• Innovation: Experimenting with new packaging methods or alternative ingredients may mitigate some tariff-related costs.

• Advocacy: Industry groups like the Brewers Association are lobbying for clarity on tariff rules and potential exemptions for critical brewing materials

For Pennsylvania’s brewers—and craft beer makers nationwide—the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether they can weather this storm or whether these tariffs will fundamentally alter the industry.

Conclusion

Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs have introduced unprecedented challenges for America’s craft beer industry, threatening its affordability and accessibility while squeezing small businesses already operating on razor-thin margins. As brewers grapple with rising costs and shifting consumer dynamics, their resilience will be tested like never before.

For beer lovers across the country—and especially in Pennsylvania—the question remains: How much are we willing to pay for our favorite pint?

There is definitely a lot more to all of this, and it will be unfolding. The Brewer’s Association covered much of this here: Trump Administration Slapping 25% Tariffs on Canned Beer Imports and Empty Can Imports from Across the Globe.

From Perplexity

The “Liberation Day” tariffs announced by President Trump, which include a universal 10% tariff on all imports and additional targeted tariffs on specific goods and countries, are expected to have significant implications for the U.S. craft brewing industry, particularly in states like Pennsylvania.

Impact on Craft Brewing Industry

• Increased Material Costs:

  • The tariffs include a 25% levy on imported steel and aluminum, which are critical for the production of cans and kegs used by breweries. Many craft brewers rely on aluminum cans and steel kegs imported from countries like Germany, meaning these tariffs will raise production costs significantly

• • Breweries that source ingredients such as barley, malt, or fruits from countries subject to reciprocal tariffs (e.g., Mexico) will face higher expenses, further straining their budgets

• Market Challenges:

  • With rising costs, some breweries may reduce their product offerings or shift packaging strategies, such as moving away from aluminum cans altogether. This could limit consumer choices and hurt smaller breweries that lack the resources to adapt quickly

  • Export markets for U.S. beer may also shrink due to retaliatory tariffs from other nations, particularly Canada, which is a major importer of American craft beer. Losing access to this market could be devastating for breweries in Pennsylvania that rely on exports

• Consumer Sentiment:

  • Economic uncertainty stemming from these tariffs may lead to reduced consumer spending on discretionary items like craft beer. This is especially concerning as the industry is already facing challenges from shifting consumer preferences toward hard seltzers and cocktails.

Final Thoughts

The brewing industry is already in trouble, I don’t want to say ‘dire straits’, but it is getting there. Breweries are closing somewhat regularly (some recent examples: Butler Brew Works, IMBib, Bucket Brigade, Gateway, and Little Mutants). The ever growing costs of doing business, let alone a business with so many different and varying costs – such as restaurant costs, brewing costs, distribution costs, etc, etc, etc. The brewing business is also heavily regulated in all aspects, which also have costs. All of these are major factors. Add this to a declining market, and as we’ve been saying “the bubble has definitely burst” on the craft brewing industry. This almost feels like a death knell to many. And I think is why we saw an increase of closures in the past months, in anticipation of it all. With the next generation of drinkers not completely on board with the craft beer industry, the older and tiring out generation settling for hop water, non alcoholics, and other form of alcohols, the industry is certainly shrinking.

One hopes this won’t be a final nail, the coffin being closed. But unfortunately we can’t do anything but ride it out, and find out, and see what time shows us.

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of April 2025.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Most Popular Breweries by State as per Perplexity

Taking a look at the most popular brewery in each state can be a bit difficult. But thankfully with AI, we can quick pin down things a bit more succinctly. So I fired up the old Perplexity AI machine, and threw it the commands of “what is the most popular brewery in each state” and then gave it the caveats of using Untappd data, sales data, online mentions, and variables such as website recommendations and such.

And here’s what it gave us:

Most Popular Brewery in Each State as of February 2025

Notes: A few notes I’d like to point out. Wicked Weed Brewing is listed twice – North and South Carolina. Yuengling Brewery is listed for Texas; where they do technically have a brewery production center. And 3 Floyds is also listed twice – Indiana and Virginia.

Sources

• Perplexity AI for creating the list
• Untappd for data purposes
• Reddit: Untappd Most Popular Breweries By State
• Statista: Number of craft beer breweries in the United States, by state 
• Brewer’s Association: State Craft Beer Sales & Production Statistics
• Beer Connoisseur: All 50 States Ranked for Beer
• Alcohol.org: Largest Craft Brewery in Each State
• Brewers Association: Brewers Association Releases Annual Craft Brewing Industry Production Report and Top 50 Producing Craft Brewing Companies
• Business Insider: The best brewery in every state, according to Yelp (and Yelp)
• Beer Advocate: MAP of All 50 States and Breweries Ranked

Our Related Articles

• The Top Ten Breweries with the Most Five Star Ratings of 2022
• The Top Ten Craft Breweries That Brewed the Most New Beers in the Year 2022
• The Top Ten Craft Beers with the Most Five Star Ratings of 2022
• Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies in the United States (2023)
• The Top 10 Craft Breweries With the Most 5 Star Check-Ins On Untappd (2023)
• The Top 10 Most Checked-In Countries Outside the U.S. in 2023 via Untappd
• Untappd: Top 10 Breweries in Pennsylvania for 2023
• Pouring Excellence: Pennsylvania’s Top Craft Breweries of 2023
• Pennsylvania’s Top Picks: The Most Accessible and Universally Loved Beers
• Top 10 Breweries in The United States – Halfway Through 2024 (as per Untappd)
• Top Popular Beer Brands
• Top 10 Craft Beers in New England: A Guide to the Must-Try Brews
• Best Cities for Beer Lovers: Top Spots for Drinkers and Breweries in the U.S.
• Sipping on the Edge: Exploring the Top 5 Highest ABV Beers
• List of Pennsylvania Breweries
• Brewery ARS Named in The 30 Best Breweries In The Country Right Now List
• Von C Brewing Has Been Named To Men’s Journal List of Best Breweries You Haven’t Heard Of
• The Battle of the Breweries: 2025 – Competitor’s List

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2025.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Craft beer enthusiasts, rejoice! As we dive into the exciting world of beer in 2025, it’s time to elevate your tasting experience and discover new flavor horizons. This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the art of beer tasting, helping you appreciate the nuances of your favorite brews like never before.

An IPA with hops at a craft brewery’s bar

Understanding Beer Styles

Before we delve into tasting techniques, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with various beer styles. From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, each style offers a unique flavor profile. In 2025, we’re seeing a resurgence of traditional styles alongside innovative hybrid creations.

The Five Steps of Beer Tasting

1. Appearance

Examine the beer’s color, clarity, and head retention. Is it golden, amber, or pitch black? Is the foam thick and creamy or thin and dissipating?

2. Aroma

Swirl the beer gently and take a deep sniff. Identify notes of hops, malt, yeast, and any additional ingredients like fruit or spices.

3. Taste

Take a sip and let it coat your entire palate. Notice the initial flavors, how they evolve, and the aftertaste.

4. Mouthfeel

Pay attention to the beer’s body. Is it light and crisp or full and creamy? Does it have high carbonation or a smooth, velvety texture?

5. Overall Impression

Reflect on how all these elements come together. Does the beer meet your expectations for its style? Is it balanced and enjoyable?

Enhancing Your Tasting Skills

To truly master the art of beer tasting, consider these tips:

• Use proper glassware: Different glass shapes can enhance specific beer styles.

• Serve at the right temperature: Too cold can mute flavors, while too warm can overemphasize certain notes.

• Cleanse your palate: Use water or crackers between tastings to reset your taste buds.

• Take notes: Keep a tasting journal to track your experiences and preferences.

Exploring Beer and Food Pairings

In 2025, the art of pairing beer with food has reached new heights. Experiment with these classic combinations:

• IPA with spicy cuisine

• Stout with chocolate desserts

• Wheat beer with light salads and seafood

• Belgian ales with rich, creamy cheeses

The Future of Craft Beer

As we look ahead, the craft beer scene continues to evolve. Keep an eye out for these trends:

• Sustainable brewing practices

• Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic craft options

• Locally-sourced ingredients and terroir-driven beers

• Innovative aging techniques and barrel programs

By honing your tasting skills and staying informed about the latest trends, you’ll be well-equipped to fully appreciate the diverse and exciting world of craft beer in 2025 and beyond. Cheers to your tasting adventures!

Back in 2023 we covered the rise of Non-Alcoholic beers (The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews) and in the time since then, the non-alcoholic craft beer (and beer and other drinks as well) market has only boomed. So I felt like it was time to expand the original article and show how the trends have changed (or mostly in this case just exploded) and just how popular this market has become.

Non-alcoholic beer has continued its meteoric rise, with the market expected to expand by 4% volume CAGR through 2028. This growth is driven by increasing health consciousness, changing social norms, and significant improvements in taste and variety. Let’s explore the latest trends and top picks for non-alcoholic beers in 2025.

A non-alcoholic soda that Amy got while we were at Forbes Trail Brewing Company

Market Trends

Expanding Availability

Non-alcoholic beer is becoming increasingly accessible. In the UK, 86% of pubs now offer a no-or-low beer option, with draught options expected to grow significantly. Major airlines have also started carrying NA beer, expanding its reach to new consumers.

Non Alcoholic Beer Growth in the Market (graph courtesy of The Business Research Company)

The trend of expanding availability is particularly evident in the airline industry, with multiple carriers introducing non-alcoholic beer options. JetBlue became the first major U.S. airline to offer non-alcoholic beer on domestic flights, partnering with Athletic Brewing to serve their Upside Dawn Golden ale. Similarly, Alaska Airlines has introduced Best Day Brewing’s Kölsch as a complimentary option in premium classes. The growth extends beyond airlines and pubs, with retail sales showing significant momentum. According to recent data, dollar sales for non-alcoholic beer increased by 29.2%, reaching nearly $368.7 million, while case sales were up 20.3%. This expansion is driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier beverage alternatives and more inclusive drinking options, signaling a broader cultural shift towards non-alcoholic alternatives.

Non Alcoholic Projections (graph courtesy of 360iReport)

Technological Advancements

Brewing technology has made significant strides, addressing previous issues with bland or off-flavors. Innovations in yeast strains, vacuum distillation, and membrane filtration have allowed brewers to create non-alcoholic beers that closely mimic their alcoholic counterparts.

Mainstream Acceptance

Amy enjoying a non-alcoholic Saison while I got the flight at RAR

Non-alcoholic beer is no longer viewed as a niche product. Large breweries and craft players alike are expanding their non-alcoholic offerings, with some even creating zero-proof versions of their flagship beers. Social acceptance has grown, with surveys indicating that consumers increasingly view non-alcoholic beer as “cool” or “respectable”.

Top Non-Alcoholic Beer Brands to Try in 2025

1. Go Brewing’s New School Sour
2. Sober Carpenter’s IPA lineup
3. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
4. Heineken 0.0
5. Leffe 0.0 (AB InBev)
6. Coors Edge (Molson Coors)
7. Guinness 0.0
8. Brooklyn Special Effects
9. Clausthaler Classic
10. Erdinger Alkoholfrei

(See our beer review: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA)

If you would like to see Let Us Drink Beer’s List of Top 2021 Non-Alcoholic Beers, you can go here:

• Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021

Craft Breweries Embracing Non-Alcoholic Beer

Craft breweries have finally embraced the non-alcoholic trend, leveraging new brewing and de-alcoholizing technologies to create flavorful options. This shift has expanded the variety and quality of non-alcoholic craft beers available to consumers.

Health and Wellness Focus

The non-alcoholic beer market is benefiting from the growing focus on fitness and wellness. These beers offer a way for health-conscious individuals to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol. Many brands are also developing lower-calorie and “better-for-you” options to cater to this demographic.

Sustainability in Non-Alcoholic Brewing

Sustainability has become a crucial aspect of the beer industry, including non-alcoholic options. Consumers increasingly favor brands that demonstrate responsible brewing practices, such as using solar power, adopting local sourcing, or implementing “farm-to-glass” ingredient strategies.

The Future of Non-Alcoholic Beer

As we move through 2025, the non-alcoholic beer market is poised for continued growth and innovation. With improving taste profiles, expanding distribution, and changing consumer preferences, non-alcoholic beer is cementing its place as a mainstream beverage option. Whether you’re participating in Dry January, looking for healthier alternatives, or simply enjoy the taste without the alcohol, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of non-alcoholic beer.

Non-alcoholic beer is a great option for those who are looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption or simply want to try something new. With a wide variety of flavors and brands available, there’s a non-alcoholic beer out there for everyone. Consider trying one of our top picks to experience the flavor and refreshment of beer without the alcohol. Cheers to healthier drinking habits!

See our previous article written in 2023 – The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews (2023).

Take a look at non-alcoholic beers and craft sodas from Amy’s perspective from her nearly year long hiatus from drinking (due to being pregnant with Scarlet) here: I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers).

You can also read back on Let Us Drink Beer‘s guest post where he details The Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021 by going here: Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021.

More Articles on Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews
• Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021
• Surly Releasing Outlook Good Hoppy Non-Alcoholic
• Sierra Nevada’s Trail Pass Non-Alcoholic Beer

Some Popular Articles

• Human Robot – Milk Tube – What is the Milko Pour?
• What is Craft Beer?
• Beer Review: Broken Skull (Stone Cold IPA) (El Segundo Brewing Company)
• Beer Review: Out of Order: Blue Milk (RAR Brewing)
• The Trip to Indianapolis: Day One: 1000 Steps Trail, Juniata Brewing Company, Ghost Town Trail, Hoodlebug, Levity Brewing
• Hike: Hawk Rock (Duncannon, Pennsylvania)
• LoveDraft’s Brewery Sabotaged
• Beer Review: Hershey’s Chocolate Porter (Yuengling Brewery)

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

The beer market remains one of the most dynamic and culturally rich industries in the global beverage sector. As one of humanity’s oldest and most cherished beverages, beer has evolved over centuries, adapting to shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and economic conditions. In this article, we explore the current state of the beer market, its growth drivers, and emerging trends shaping its future.

Two pints and barley

Market Overview

The global beer market size was valued at USD 821.39 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 851.15 billion in 2024 to USD 1,167.47 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.03% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the beer market with a market share of 33.77% in 2023. Moreover, the beer market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 149.12 billion by 2032, driven by increasing demand for hard drinks among millennials and working population.

Key Drivers of Growth

1. Rising Demand for Craft Beer Craft beer has become a global phenomenon, with consumers seeking unique flavors, local ingredients, and artisanal brewing methods. The segment now accounts for nearly 25% of the total beer market in developed regions like North America and Europe.
2. Health-Conscious Trends As health awareness grows, so does the demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer options. These alternatives cater to consumers who want to enjoy the social aspect of beer without the high calorie or alcohol content.
3. Emerging Markets Developing countries in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America are witnessing significant growth in beer consumption due to increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and a youthful demographic.
4. Sustainability Initiatives Breweries are focusing on sustainable production methods, including water conservation, renewable energy, and recyclable packaging, to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Notable Trends in the Beer Industry

1. Premiumization Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for premium and super-premium beer brands that offer superior quality, taste, and packaging. This trend has led to a surge in limited-edition brews and collaborations with renowned chefs and mixologists.
2. Tech-Driven Innovation From AI-powered brewing systems to blockchain-enabled supply chains, technology is revolutionizing how beer is produced, distributed, and marketed.
3. Flavored and Infused Beers Beer infused with fruits, spices, and other unique flavors is capturing the attention of adventurous drinkers. This trend is particularly popular among younger consumers.
4. Rise of E-commerce Online beer sales have grown exponentially, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Breweries and distributors are leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience and offer direct-to-consumer options.

Challenges in the Beer Market

Despite its growth, the beer market faces several challenges:

• Regulatory Hurdles: Stricter alcohol regulations in various countries can limit market expansion.
• Competition from Other Beverages: The growing popularity of hard seltzers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages is creating a competitive landscape.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Fluctuations in raw material availability and rising costs can impact production and pricing.

Future Outlook

The future of the beer market looks promising, with continued innovation and adaptation to consumer preferences. Sustainability will remain a core focus, along with personalization and the use of technology to enhance the consumer experience. Emerging markets will likely play a pivotal role in driving the industry's growth over the next decade.

Contributor Article

This was a contributor article written by David Parekar and submitted to The Beer Thrillers. All information is gathered, written, and edited by David Parekar. (This was not a paid contribution or article.)

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

With all the recent ‘talk’ and news of President Elect Donald Trump talking about buying Greenland; why not take a look at the breweries on the big island?

In the frigid expanse of Greenland, a burgeoning craft beer scene is brewing, offering a unique taste of Arctic ingenuity. This remote island, known for its vast ice sheets and stunning landscapes, is also home to a small but vibrant brewing community that’s capturing the attention of beer enthusiasts and, surprisingly, political figures alike.

Obviously on a large ice like island there isn’t going to be many breweries. As of January 2025, there are four currently active breweries in Greenland.

Greenland Breweries on Google Maps

Greenland’s Craft Beer Landscape

There are four total breweries on the large island (as of January 2025), but two notable ‘craft’ microbreweries. The four known breweries on the island are:

• Brewery Immiaq
• Godthaab Bryghus
• Grønland Ice Cap Beer
• Qajaq Brewery

Greenland boasts two notable microbreweries, each contributing to the island’s growing reputation for distinctive, locally-inspired brews.

Godthaab Bryghus

The bar at Godthaab Bryghus brewery. (photo courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Located in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, Godthaab Bryghus stands as the largest brewery on the island. This establishment offers beer enthusiasts a chance to tour its facilities, providing insight into the unique challenges and innovations of brewing in such a remote location. The brewery’s commitment to quality is evident in its meticulous processes, including a tax calculation mechanism attached to the filtering system.

Brewery Immiaq

Exterior of Brewery Immiaq (photo courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Situated in Ilulissat, Brewery Immiaq represents the essence of micro-brewing in Greenland. Connected to local establishments like Murphy’s Diskotek and Cafe Iluliaq, Immiaq forms an integral part of Ilulissat’s social fabric. The brewery’s dedication to crafting unique, Greenlandic-inspired beers is evident in their product line.

Unique Flavors of the Arctic

Greenlandic breweries excel in incorporating local ingredients and flavors into their beers, creating truly distinctive brews:

• Taseq: A crisp, refreshing beer infused with Arctic thyme.
• Ullorissat: A beer made with black crowberry, capturing the essence of Greenland’s night sky.
• Qaqqaq: A Greenlandic herb beer that evokes the experience of a mountain hike.

These breweries face unique challenges, such as limited access to ingredients and the need for creative problem-solving. For instance, Immiaq Brewery once attempted to use iceberg water in their beers, a logistically complex process that was eventually abandoned in favor of fresh local water.

Political Intrigue Brewing – Donald Trump’s Interest in Greenland

(Wouldn’t Political Intrigue Brewing be a great name for a brewery in Washington D.C.?)

Interestingly, Greenland’s burgeoning craft beer scene has become an unexpected backdrop to recent political developments. President-elect Donald Trump has reignited his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security reasons. This renewed focus has led to his son, Donald Trump Jr., visiting the island, ostensibly as a private individual.

While Trump’s interest primarily stems from geopolitical and mineral resource considerations, one can’t help but wonder if Greenland’s unique brewing culture might add an unexpected flavor to the island’s appeal. The president-elect’s “MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN” slogan could take on a new meaning if applied to the island’s craft beer industry.

The Future of Greenlandic Brewing

Despite the political spotlight, Greenland’s brewers continue to focus on their craft. Immiaq Brewery, for instance, aims to produce about 20,000 liters of beer this year and has plans to expand distribution to other parts of Greenland.

As climate change opens up new possibilities in the Arctic, Greenland’s brewing industry may find new opportunities for growth and innovation. Whether under Danish or potential American influence, one thing is certain: the spirit of Greenlandic brewing, much like the island itself, remains resilient and distinctly unique. For beer enthusiasts and political observers alike, Greenland’s brewing scene offers a fascinating blend of Arctic tradition, innovative craftsmanship, and unexpected geopolitical significance. It’s a reminder that even in the world’s most remote corners, the art of brewing can flourish, creating connections and sparking interests that extend far beyond the bottom of a glass.

Notes

I’ve never visited Greenland before (but would absolutely love to, it looks beautiful there). Seeing all the news about President Elect Donald Trump wanting to acquire Greenland made me want to look into the country and see what all actual breweries are present on it. So I did a bit of researching. For this article, you can see my sources here:

• Why Does Donald Trump Want Greenland?
• What to Know About Trump’s Interests in Greenland
• Visit Greenland – a Look at Breweries on Greenland
• Taste Greenlandic nature with Immiaq Beer
• Greenlandic Beer Tasting at Godthaab Bryghus
• Drinking Craft Beer in Greenland
• Trump Won’t Rule Out Military Action to Take over Greenland as Son Lands in Greenland

A Google Maps search for Greenland breweries.

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

In recent years, the craft beer industry has transformed from a niche market into a significant economic powerhouse. The year 2024 marked a milestone for this burgeoning sector, with craft breweries contributing an impressive $77.1 billion to the US economy. This figure not only represents the direct output of breweries but also encompasses the ripple effects felt across various related industries. Let’s dive deeper into the numbers and explore the far-reaching impact of craft beer on the American economic landscape.

The beer industry provided 77.1$ Billion to the US Economy in 2024

Breaking Down the Numbers

The $77.1 billion economic contribution is a testament to the craft beer industry’s robust growth and widespread influence. This figure includes:

1. Direct brewery output

2. Wholesale and retail sales

3. Induced economic activity in related sectors

It’s important to note that this number represents more than just the sale of beer. It accounts for the entire ecosystem that the craft beer industry supports and stimulates.

Job Creation: More Than Just Brewers

One of the most significant impacts of the craft beer industry is its role in job creation. In 2024, the sector supported approximately 460,000 jobs across the nation. These jobs span a wide range of fields, including:

• Brewing and production

• Distribution and logistics

• Retail and hospitality

• Agriculture (hops and grain farming)

• Packaging and equipment manufacturing

This diverse job market demonstrates how the craft beer industry’s influence extends far beyond the walls of breweries themselves.

Jobs at breweries

The Multiplier Effect: Supporting Local Economies

Craft breweries have become anchors in many local economies, particularly in small towns and rural areas. The “multiplier effect” of craft breweries is substantial:

• For every job created in a brewery, an estimated 30 additional jobs are supported in related industries.

• Local farmers benefit from increased demand for hops, barley, and other brewing ingredients.

• Tourism often flourishes in areas with thriving craft beer scenes, boosting local hospitality and retail sectors.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The craft beer industry is known for its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2024, this trend continued with:

• New brewing techniques and styles being developed

• Increased focus on sustainable practices and locally-sourced ingredients

• Collaborations between breweries and other local businesses

This culture of innovation not only drives economic growth but also fosters a sense of community and local pride.

The economics of beer

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its impressive growth, the craft beer industry faced challenges in 2024:

• Increased competition in a saturated market

• Rising costs of raw materials

• Regulatory hurdles in some states

However, the industry’s resilience and adaptability suggest a positive outlook for the future. Many breweries have diversified their offerings, expanded into new markets, and embraced e-commerce to stay competitive.

The Broader Impact on American Culture

Beyond the numbers, craft beer has had a profound impact on American culture:

• It has revitalized interest in traditional brewing methods and styles

• Craft beer festivals and tasting events have become popular social gatherings

• The industry has sparked a renewed appreciation for artisanal and locally-produced goods

Beer and taxes and information on the economics of beer

Craft Beer Industry: A Two-Year Comparison (2023-2024)

The craft beer industry has experienced significant changes over the past three years. Let’s examine the key metrics and trends from 2022 to 2024:

Production Volume

• 2023: The industry produced 23.4 million barrels of beer, a 1% decline from 2022.

• 2024: Estimated 2% decline in production volume compared to 2023.

This data shows a continuing downward trend in production volume, with the decline accelerating slightly in 2024.

Number of Breweries

• 2023: 9,339 active craft breweries as of June 2023.

• 2024: 9,358 active craft breweries as of June 2024.

Despite challenges, the number of craft breweries has slightly increased year-over-year.

Economic Contribution

• 2023: The craft beer industry contributed $77.1 billion to the U.S. economy.

• 2024: The industry’s economic contribution reached $77.1 billion.

The economic impact remained stable from 2023 to 2024, demonstrating the industry’s resilience despite production challenges.

Market Share

• 2023: Craft beer increased its market share to 13.3% of the overall beer market.

• 2024: Specific market share not provided, but the slight decline in production suggests a potential small decrease in market share.

Employment

• 2023: The industry supported nearly 460,000 jobs nationwide.

• 2024: The industry continued to support nearly 460,000 jobs.

Employment in the craft beer industry has remained stable over the past two years.

Industry Challenges

• 2023: Recovery from pandemic impacts, but faced with new hurdles in costs and competition.

• 2024: Continued challenges with inflation, pricing concerns, and competition from other beverage categories like RTD cocktails.

The comparison reveals that while the craft beer industry has faced consistent challenges over the past three years, it has shown resilience in maintaining its economic impact and employment levels. However, the declining production volumes suggest that the industry is still navigating a complex and competitive market landscape.

Conclusion: A Frothy Future for Craft Beer

The $77.1 billion contribution to the US economy in 2024 is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of the craft beer industry’s integral role in American economic and cultural life. From job creation to community building, the impact of craft breweries extends far beyond the bottom of a glass. As we look to the future, the craft beer industry’s continued innovation and adaptability suggest that its economic influence will only continue to grow, providing a refreshing boost to the US economy for years to come.

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, an economist, or simply someone interested in American industry trends, the story of craft beer’s economic impact is one worth raising a glass to. Cheers to the brewers, farmers, distributors, and countless others who make this industry not just a economic force, but a beloved part of American culture.

(See also: Trump and Tariffs)

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2025.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Pour Man’s Brewing Company has become a notable player in the Pennsylvania craft beer scene since its inception in 2018. Founded by business partners Sam Son and Ryan Foltz, the brewery emerged from their shared passion for homebrewing, which eventually led them to take the leap into commercial beer production.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company’s logo

Humble Beginnings

Pour Man’s opened its doors in August 2018 at 284 S Reading Road in Ephrata, PA. The original location, a former butcher shop, became the birthplace of their brewing operations and taproom. From the start, Pour Man’s focused on creating a diverse range of beer styles, with a particular emphasis on producing high-quality lagers.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company’s beer at their original location. (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

Growth and Recognition

The brewery quickly gained a following for its commitment to quality and innovation. In 2022, Pour Man’s achieved a significant milestone by winning the Breweries In PA 2022 PA Beer Bracket Championship, solidifying its position as a fan favorite in the state. They also won in 2023 under the new “Malt Madness” tournament.

Expansion and Relocation

As Pour Man’s popularity grew, so did the need for more space. In late 2022, the brewery announced plans for a major expansion. This expansion included moving the taproom to a new location at 24 E Main Street in downtown Ephrata, while retaining the original building to expand brewing operations. The new taproom, which opened in 2023, is housed in a historic building dating back to 1912. Formerly home to Sprecher’s Hardware for 88 years, the 8,000 square foot space has been transformed into a modern craft beer destination. The new location features:

• Two bars on the first floor
• Seating for over 100 guests
• A beer garden in the back
• A second-floor event space with a sky-view bar overlooking downtown Ephrata
• 20 house-made beers on tap
• An expanded cocktail, wine, and cider list
• A redesigned food menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients

Pour Man’s Brewery (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

Brewing Philosophy

Pour Man’s has built its reputation on a lager-focused brewing approach while still offering a wide range of styles to cater to various tastes. Their commitment to quality and innovation has helped them cultivate a passionate following of craft beer enthusiasts.

Community Involvement

The brewery has shown a strong commitment to community engagement. They always have a charity tap available, demonstrating their dedication to giving back to the local community. Additionally, Pour Man’s has been one of the main driving forces behind the creation of the Lancaster County Brewers Guild, further cementing their role in the local brewing scene.

Pour Man’s Brewing Company (photo courtesy of Pour Man’s Brewing Company)

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company’s logo.

Recent Developments

In a significant turn of events, Pour Man’s Brewing Company purchased St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. in 2024. Since then, they have continued to produce Boniface beers and operate the Ephrata taproom, expanding their influence in the local craft beer market. As of 2025, Pour Man’s Brewing Company continues to thrive in its new location, offering a welcoming atmosphere for craft beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

(See: Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company)

With its rich history, commitment to quality, and strong community ties, Pour Man’s has established itself as a cornerstone of the Ephrata and broader Pennsylvania craft beer scene.

See Also

• A History of St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company
• A History of Pour Man’s Brewing Company
• History of Brewing and Breweries in Harrisburg
• Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company

Articles on the History of Beer

• The Rich History of Beer in Pennsylvania: From Colonial Times to the Craft Beer Revolution
• Hops, History, and Innovation: The Fascinating Tale of the IPA
• The Rise of Craft Lagers in Pennsylvania Brewing
• What is a Lager? Exploring the World’s Most Popular Beer Style
• East Meets West – The Duel of the IPAs: West Coast vs. New England Styles
• Exploring the Bock Beer Style – From Einbeck to Munich
• Unraveling the Brews – The Distinctive Styles and Differences of Lagers and Bocks
• The Lifespan of your IPA – Freshness Counts with Craft Beer
• Unleashing the History of Flying Dog Brewery
• Beer and Philosophy 101 – A Crash Course in Beer and Philosophy (A Confluence of Thought and Taste)
• Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2025.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co., located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, has been a staple of the local craft beer scene since its inception in 2010. The brewery’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved establishment in Lancaster County is a testament to its commitment to quality and community.

The St. Boniface Craft Brewery

The Early Days

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. opened its doors on February 2, 2011, in the Donecker Artworks building on North State Street in Ephrata. Despite initially offering only one beer, Hegemony Stout, the brewery quickly gained popularity among craft beer enthusiasts as Lancaster County’s first production nano brewery.

St. Boniface quickly gained popularity among craft beer enthusiasts despite initially offering only one beer, Hegemony Stout.

The brewery’s humble beginnings can be traced back to 2010 when the business plan was first conceived. Within months, the founders had navigated through planning, construction, and regulatory hurdles to bring their vision to life.

In these early days, St. Boniface operated on a small scale, offering samples and growler fills to eager customers. The Hegemony Stout, which remains a staple of their lineup, was described as an imperial stout with a chocolatey sweetness balanced by roasty notes from dark malts and a slight bitterness from centennial hops.

Despite the limited offerings, craft beer fans flocked to the new establishment, setting the stage for St. Boniface’s future growth and expansion in the vibrant Pennsylvania craft beer scene.

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company’s logo.

Expansion and Growth

In January 2013, St. Boniface took a significant step forward by moving to its current location on West Main Street in Ephrata1. The new space allowed for growler fills, and by June 2013, the brewery began selling its first pints on-site. This expansion marked the beginning of a new era for St. Boniface, as it could now offer a full taproom experience to its patrons.

Milestones and Innovations

As the brewery grew, so did its offerings and capabilities:

• June 2014: Inaugural Bonifest, celebrating St. Boniface’s feast day with beer, food trucks, and music.
• Fall 2014: Upgraded from a 3-barrel system to a 15-barrel Premier Stainless Brew system and commissioned their first canning line.
• October 2016: Added a kitchen to provide food service alongside their beers.

Political Controversies

In June 2022, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. found itself at the center of a heated political debate that significantly impacted its public image and business operations:

• The brewery’s Tied House location in Lititz planned to host an event titled “Should We Want An Explicitly Christian State” organized by The Mid Atlantic Reformation Society1.
• This decision sparked outrage among community members who accused the organization of being tied to white nationalist and hate speech, particularly concerning their derogatory language towards the LGBTQI+ community1.
• Initially, St. Boniface defended their decision, citing Pennsylvania’s Christian roots and arguing for inclusivity of all groups, including Christians.
• The brewery later deleted their social media post defending the event, but maintained their stance on hosting it.
• This controversy had lasting effects on the business:
  • The Tied House location in Lititz closed permanently in July 2024, with some attributing its failure partly to the political backlash.
  • Local residents reported avoiding the establishment due to its political associations.
• The incident highlighted the challenges businesses face when navigating political issues in a polarized social climate.

This controversy marked a significant turning point for St. Boniface, affecting its reputation and potentially contributing to the eventual sale of the brewery to Pour Man’s Brewing Company in April 2024.

(See: Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company)

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Logo Etched Into a Barrel

Award-Winning Brews

St. Boniface’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, their Hegemony Anniversary Reserve won 3rd Place in the Barrel-Aged category at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Beer Competition.

Recent Developments

In a significant turn of events, St. Boniface was acquired by Pour Man’s Brewing Company in May 2024. This acquisition aimed to continue providing the beloved Boniface beers while expanding distribution and establishing the brands deeper in the central PA area. May of 2024 we covered the purchase with the article – Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company.

The Legacy Continues

Today, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co. remains a cornerstone of the Ephrata community, offering a range of year-round, seasonal, and limited edition beers crafted and served on site5. The brewery continues to honor its namesake, Saint Boniface, the patron saint of brewers, by “laying the axe at the root of the tree of bland beer”. St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co.’s journey from a small storefront to a well-established brewery showcases the power of passion, quality, and community in the craft beer industry. As it moves forward under new ownership, the brewery remains committed to its roots while embracing opportunities for growth and innovation in the vibrant world of craft beer.

See Also

• A History of St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company
• A History of Pour Man’s Brewing Company
• History of Brewing and Breweries in Harrisburg
• Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company

Articles on the History of Beer

• The Rich History of Beer in Pennsylvania: From Colonial Times to the Craft Beer Revolution
• Hops, History, and Innovation: The Fascinating Tale of the IPA
• The Rise of Craft Lagers in Pennsylvania Brewing
• What is a Lager? Exploring the World’s Most Popular Beer Style
• East Meets West – The Duel of the IPAs: West Coast vs. New England Styles
• Exploring the Bock Beer Style – From Einbeck to Munich
• Unraveling the Brews – The Distinctive Styles and Differences of Lagers and Bocks
• The Lifespan of your IPA – Freshness Counts with Craft Beer
• Unleashing the History of Flying Dog Brewery
• Beer and Philosophy 101 – A Crash Course in Beer and Philosophy (A Confluence of Thought and Taste)
• Unearthing the History of Harrisburg Brewing: From Barnitz to Troegs

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2025.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)