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Beer Analysts Opinion: What is Wrong with the Craft Beer Industry?

Amanda Plezz — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:01:46 +0000

A flight of beer at your local brewery

What is Wrong with the Craft Beer Industry?

We asked a beer analyst who has worked in the industry for several years her thoughts on the current craft beer industry and what’s wrong with it. This is what she had to say:

here are many sides to this question as the industry is split in many ways. This is how I see it from a beer analyst of ten years.

You have the breweries who treat beer with passion and love and their customers are typically die hard fans of the art of craft, usually their beer is found just at the tap room and to go cans. But they’re living slim on margins and just being apart of the community and craft is what is driving them ❤️

Then you have the medium to big breweries that depend more on production and having distribution with beers in grocery. They still do experimentation, collaboration, focus on the craft but certainly are following trends to remain relevant all while having their little side loves.

There is probably an in between level between these two but I’m just generalizing of course. Those would be regional breweries that can get some beer in grocery but it’s local. Probably not leaving your home or border states.

Then you also have a step up from that that maybe a few breweries play in but we’re talking big players. Like $$$$$$ that very much depend on the marketing and branding of their products versus the liquid and craft. It’s about chasing the dollars so efficiency and scales of economy are a must. They track data and flavor preferences intensely.

Again, this is all my generalization. There are also breweries that depend more on the on premise / food restaurant side of things and just happen to make beer.

—-

The problem the industry is facing is in the hey day of craft beer, new breweries had a low barrier to entry and remained “successful” because everyone was drinking it! Instead of a Starbucks on every corner, it felt like there was a brewery on every corner! Speaking from a west coast person here…

You had Gen X and Millennials just drinking for the first time and discovering craft beer and god damn did we drink craft beer!

Now that this age group is growing older and Gen Z is entering drinking age, unfortunately they are not drinking as much as their “Predecessors” and the OG craft fans of Gen x and millennials can’t slam a 6pk of IPA every night anymore.

Shit, we are lucky if we can have one without a hangover the next day lol

There in ties the growth of nonalc beer, but I won’t go there for the sake of this post. But it’s just unfortunately not the same as it has been. Overall between the new generation and old, people are drinking less. Less drinkers = less $$

And so those smaller, regional and even medium breweries just can’t play. Retailers are cutting their beer shelves more than ever to make room for the sugary sweet alc beverages, wine, cocktails and nonalc.

And then even more so, those big breweries who can undercut price, follow trends, spend $$ on marketing will be the ones to survive.

It breaks my heart. I love beer and plan to be in it forever but it is tough. It’s not about the money for me and never has been and I feel so much for breweries that have been around forever that have to close doors.

-Amanda Plezz

What Others Think

We then threw out the question to several others, who gave us some of these quotes:

THC seltzers entering the market and people using wearables to track health data, noticing beers effects on their health, I think are some side aspects of this as well. Craft beer has been dicing for a while and only the big breweries that got a “horse” in the race early on are the ones that remain successful, while the smaller ones are seemingly doing it out of love for the craft.

All being said, we are still seeing new breweries open up more than those closing (at least as a 2023 stat) So some folks are figuring out their little niche. Then again, who knows how long those new breweries are open for? 🤷🏼‍♀️

All in all, it’s certainly not as easy as it was before.

We hadn’t really had any closures in my area. But they all started to hit at the same time. We went from zero to six in the past eight months. I suspect the industry will have more closures as five year leases start to end. Folks who started in 2018-2019, went through COVID, and deciding to get out once the lease is up.

This is quite similar to the distilling field as well. The owners and business execs are about the same in distilling as brewing. Passion is sucked dry for whatever profit can be eked out.

Pretty similar with the demographics as well, however I have seen some interest from Gen Z on whiskey & tequila. That said, I’m watching those spirits lose their soul, and be wrung dry like the beer world too.

I don’t know what the answer is here, but I think your assessment is spot on.

Locally speaking, there are some breweries that are their own space with or without food and that don’t do distro. They may sell to go stuff out of the taproom, but other than maybe the occasional self distro stuff you don’t find them in stores.

Those places seem to be busy regularly, and seem to be doing well.

Then you have the rest of them that for whatever reason went real heavy into distro. They brought in bigger vessels, canning lines, sales teams, etc. They no longer rotate their brands or put anything new and exciting, or hell, just different on tap anymore and instead only make the same shit over and over because distribution. They slow down in the taproom because in a world with tons of options people want the excitement of different beers, not the same shit that’s been there for years. And then those places eventually close.

It’s almost as if going head on into full distribution was a stupid financial decision and maybe it’s something that not every single brewery should do, especially if you’re only being sold in the stores local to you when someone could just go down the block to your brewery instead.

And as a side note, in addition to never having new releases a large majority of these local breweries that focus heavily on distribution also suffer serious drops in quality.

Agreed with everything! Except maybe Gen Z’ers being more health conscious…there are stories every generation of that generation drinking less than the previous. To some extent that is true, but I think the big thing with Gen Z is they have different outlooks on “fun” and how they obtain that dopamine hit.

They’re no where near as interested in going out with friends on a Friday night or hitting up the bar after work. To many of them, the internet and social media is all the networking they need/want.

It’s happening in other industries, too. Gen Z is less likely to buy cars, for instance, mainly because getting a license isn’t the milestone to them as it was for past generations. For millennials and others, a car represented freedom. Now it’s an iPhone.

Whats Your Thoughts?

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on the current craft beer industry. We would love to hear it! If you would like to submit your comments to be posted on the blog, use our CONTACT page and let us know. (We can even make a big group post later on with everyone’s thoughts.) As always, you can use our CONTACT page for any reason, let us know your thoughts, opinions, questions, feedback, etc. We are always open to hear and will respond as well. Cheers!

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MAPS OF BREWERIES

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The Low Calorie-Leader in Non Alcohol Craft Beer, Partake Brewing Introduces Pilsner

B. Kline — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:43:22 +0000

The Low Calorie-Leader in Non Alcohol Craft Beer, Partake Brewing Introduces Pilsner

Partake Brewing, an award-winning category leader in the non-alcoholic beer space and a B Corp-certified company, has released a new limited-edition, brew: Pilsner. Only 25 calories, the fewest on the market, and 3g of carbohydrates, the never-released-before Partake Pilsner is a golden brew bursting with crisp hop tang, offering an inviting bright aroma and light, bubbly body.

Evan Cohen, CCO and President of Partake Brewing, expressed, “Pils stands out as a highly sought-after style among craft beer enthusiasts and Partake drinkers alike, and we strive to satisfy.” He continued, “Leveraging our expertise, we’ve crafted a low-calorie, non-alcoholic rendition of this style that remains true to the classic Pilsner style.’

Partake remains committed to crafting distinctive beer styles using a proprietary non-alcoholic method, striving for the lowest calorie count possible. Pilsner now joins the ranks of Partake’s lineup, which includes IPA, Pale Ale, Hazy IPA, Blonde, and Peach Gose, all ranging between 10-30 calories. Consumers consistently seek out Partake for its exceptional taste, unmatched calorie count, and use of all-natural ingredients.

The new Pils is available in specially marked Variety 12-Packs at select retailers across the US and Canada. It can also be purchased online for a limited time at https://drinkpartake.com.

About Partake Brewing

Partake Brewing is the maker of craft non-alcoholic beers brewed for those who make it happen. Serving up the lowest calorie non-alcoholic craft beer on the market, Partake, offers a delicious array of award-winning styles all under 30 calories, so you can enjoy a beer throughout all your pursuits. Founded in 2017, Partake Brewing has become a leader in non-alcoholic beer in North America, with distribution in major retailers across Canada and the United States. As a B Corp certified company, Partake Brewing is praised by drinkers for its unique combination of exceptional flavour, classic styles and game-changing nutritionals. Learn more at drinkpartake.com or follow @partakebrewing on social media.

#DrinkPartake #PartakeBrewing #NAbeer #LowCalBeer #AwardWinningBeer #beerfordoing

Some Non-Alcoholic Beer Related Articles

I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers)
Beer Review: Free Wave Hazy IPA (Non – Alcoholic Beer) (Athletic Brewing Company)
Beer Review: Run Wild IPA (Non – Alcoholic Beer) (Athletic Brewing Company)
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews
Brewery Review: Otto’s Pub and Brewery
How Does Beer Affect Studying? Understanding the Impact of Alcohol on Academic Performance
Breaking Down the Buzz: The Health Benefits of Craft Beer
Best Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2021
Surly Releasing Outlook Good Hoppy Non-Alcoholic
The Low Calorie-Leader in Non Alcohol Craft Beer, Partake Brewing Introduces Pilsner

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.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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 #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) 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!

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.

Flying Dog Deep Fake Non Alcoholic Beer

B. Kline — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:55:10 +0000

Flying Dog’s DeepFake Non-Alcoholic IPA

Flying Dog Brewing: DeepFake Non-Alcoholic IPA

Its Dry January, and you’ve made it to day three. Are you already craving an IPA? Any kind of beer? Even a driplet, a drop, a single hop flavored droplet of beer? Well then, Flying Dog’s DeepFake might just be the answer for you.

Flying Dog’s DeepFake Non-Alcoholic IPA is going to be right up your alley if you are looking for a kick ass hazy IPA but without the alcohol. (Now of course, even non-alcoholic beers do have some level of alcohol – in this case its less than 0.5% ABV, as is most non-alcoholic beers.)

You are also getting a low calorie beer with DeepFake as well – coming in at only 39 calories “per can”. (In this case the cans are 12 oz cans.) Thats certainly a lot lower than most beers on the market, especially the heavy beers like stouts, porters, barleywines, Belgians, etc. And even some of the hazier and adjunct heavy milkshake IPAs as well.

All of this makes this a no brainer for Dry January, oh what, we didn’t even get to the taste yet? Oh well, why didn’t you ask already!

What on the surface might smell and taste like an IPA, is in fact a masterful forgery engineered to trick the senses – a smooth drinking non-alcoholic brew bursting with delicious hop flavor. Only 39 calories per can!
Flying Dog – Deep Fake

Brewed with Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe hops, makes this a perfect “IPA Imposter”. Honestly, it takes a double take and a double sip to realize your not drinking a real Hazy IPA and instead drinking a non-alcoholic beer.

So during Dry January – or any time you’re reaching for a non-alcoholic beer – grab DeepFake and give it a try. You will certainly be surprised that its not a real IPA!

Flying Dog Brewing Company

Recently Flying Dog Brewing Company has been in the news with their being purchased by FX Matt (Saranac Brewing). (FX Matt Brewing Company Acquires Flying Dog Brewery) Which has completely changed the landscape of craft beer in the East Coast area. Read the linked article to learn how the buy out changes Flying Dog’s production and corporate make up.

Flying Dog Brewery Articles

If you are looking for more articles on Flying Dog Brewery, please check out our articles below:

FX Matt Brewing Company Acquires Flying Dog Brewery
Unleashing the History of Flying Dog Brewery: From Fearless Beginnings to Craft Beer Excellence
Beer Review: Gonzo (Flying Dog Brewery)
Flying Dog and Giant Pair Up for Giant Slice Apple Pie-Pa

For More Information on Flying Dog Brewery

The following comes from their Untappd bio. They are a subsidary of Saranac Brewery (F.X. Matt Brewing Co.), and are a regional brewery (now out of Utica, New York rather than Frederick, Maryland). They have 96 unique beers, and have over 2 Million ratings with a global average rating of 3.62 (as of 1.5.24). Their Untappd description reads: We are craft beer crusaders who stand tall and never eat shit.

You can find them on the following social media platforms:

Some Non-Alcoholic Beer Related Articles

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.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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 #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) 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!

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.

Momentum Brewery Proudly Debuts Two Ground-Breaking Near-Beers: Golden and Hazy IPA

B. Kline — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 01:25:00 +0000

Momentum Brewery Proudly Debuts Two Ground-Breaking Near-Beers: Golden and Hazy IPA

Momentum Brewery has recently stomped its footprint in the non-alcoholic beverage category with the debut of two ground-breaking near-beers: Momentum Golden and Momentum Hazy IPA. The New York-based company is seeking to revolutionize the craft beer experience by canning the best tasting non-alcoholic brews that can be savored by anyone at any given moment.

Relying on tried-and-true recipes formulated by renowned German brewmaster Alexander Himburg and crafted at the award-winning Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore, New York, these beers promise to deliver all the flavor and taste one would expect from a great beer without the alcohol content. In addition, their premium “hoppy” beverages contain 50% fewer calories than their competitors.

As individuals opt for healthier and mindful drinking choices, the demand for non-alcoholic beverages has skyrocketed. Consumers are no longer content with lackluster options; instead, they seek flavorful alternatives that can elegantly balance taste and health benefits. Momentum Brewery’s new process caters precisely to this growing market by offering non-alcoholic beers that don’t compromise on flavor or quality.

Himburg, a technical German brewer from the innovative HimburgsBraukunstkeller, is setting the bar for what non-alcoholic beer is supposed to look like and taste like thanks to the use of bold techniques and secret ingredients. These unique recipes draw out the dankest oils from the choicest hops to create flavors and aromas once reserved for medal-worthy ales and lagers. Himburg’s proprietary method ensures each tank is kissed to perfection; quality controlled in every single batch.

Momentum Brewery is strongly backed by industry veterans Lars Dahlhaus and Wolfgang Menzel and their three decades worth of combined expertise in the beverage industry. They are forward-thinking brand ambassadors who share an unrelenting vision for growing Momentum into the country’s largest non-alcoholic beverage producer.

Renowned German Brewmaster Brings Proprietary Method to N/A Beverage Category

Why? Because their product tastes better than anything else on the market. It is brewed to a higher standard. And their insights into consumer preferences and market trends have shaped the brewery’s offerings, ensuring they cater to the evolving needs of non-alcoholic beverage enthusiasts.

“It takes an exceptional brewing talent to create non-alcoholic beers that can rival their alcoholic counterparts,” Dahlhaus said. “Alexander Himburg, a renowned German brewmaster, has meticulously formulated Momentum Brewery’s craft non-alcoholic brews. Produced at the Great South Bay Brewery, the location’s rich brewing history further enhances the quality and character of our beverages.”

Their mission to create non-alcoholic brews that perfectly complement different moments of consumption, whether it be in private as a post-workout treat or in a lively social setting as a suitable substitute for real beer. The brewery’s first release – Non-Alcoholic Golden – is packed with invigorating flavors and an ideal balance, meant to provide a refreshing thirst-quencher after a workout or outdoor adventure. Meanwhile, their second release – Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA – was brewed for socializing with friends at upscale restaurants and bars, thanks to an enticing aroma along with a hop-forward flavor and smooth texture.

With an experienced team in tow, Momentum Brewery is primed for aggressive growth and recognition. The brewery has partnered with expanding distributor ProofNoMore — the largest non-alcoholic marketplace in the country — to guarantee nationwide distribution and accessibility. This strategic move will enable Momentum to reach a broader audience of health-conscious consumers while establishing its presence within the booming non-alcoholic beverage market.

Momentum Brewery is currently crowdfunding on IndieGoGo and is available for pre-order online at ProofNoMore.com. Initial distribution will focus on retailers across the New York metro area, and the Great South Bay Brewery will exclusively feature Momentum N/A Beers at their taprooms.

Some Non-Alcoholic Beer Related Articles

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.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

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

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

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 #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) 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!

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.