Craft Beer Trends to Expect in 2025

What's Here to Stay & What's New on the Horizon?

The craft beer scene is more vibrant than ever, and I’m so excited to see what this year has in store. With innovative trends pushing the boundaries of brewing, what do you think beer lovers can expect this year? Personally, I think we’ll see some wild, funky brews, but also a resurgence of traditional styles. When I’m out and about, seeing what Gen-Z is wearing now, it feels like we’re back in 2010—so maybe we’ll see some throwback brews, more classic West Coast IPAs, Imperial/Doubles Ales, Berliners, and Lambics. You never know! Here’s a look at the craft beer trends I’m expecting to see this year.

Beer Styles to Watch;

1. Hop-forward IPAs and Session IPAs

2. More Lager Hybrids

3. Low and Non-Alcoholic Lagers / Hybrids

4. Even more bold and Complex Barrel-aged Beers & Wild Ones

5. Creamy and Smooth Milkshake IPAs, Stouts, and Sours

6. More Traditional Styles in a modern twist

   
   

   

   Pien shop & bar in Helsinki, Finland

   
   

   Wild Fermentation & Experimental Yeast Strains

   We saw a lot of wild fermentation experiments in 2024, and I think 2025 is going to take it to a whole new level. I'm expecting even funkier, more unpredictable flavors from non-traditional yeast strains. It’s an exciting trend that pushes the boundaries of beer, creating complex, tangy, and sour brews that keep you coming back for more.

   
   

   Barrel-Aged Brews

   This category is growing fast, and breweries are experimenting with different barrels to create unique versions of the same brew. A few years ago, I wasn’t the biggest fan of barrel-aged beers, but now they’ve become one of my favorites. Is it an age thing? Who knows! But they’re definitely worth trying if you haven’t yet. I expect more creative uses of different barrels and more wild combinations, making these beers even more intriguing.

   
   

   Alternative Grains and New Ingredients

   Barley’s not going anywhere, but in 2025, we’ll definitely see a lot more diverse and sustainable grains & ingredients making their way into the brewing process. For example grains & ingredients like oats, millet, buckwheat, and even different types of beans are showing up more, bringing fresh flavors and textures into the mix. It’s exciting to see the possibilities!

   
   

   Artificial Intelligence in Brewing

   Tech and tradition are coming together in the brewing world. AI is definitely making its mark, and it’s actually an amazing tool for breweries. AI can analyze data but It’s not here to replace brewers’ passion and creativity, rather to help refine the brewing process, making it even more innovative and consistent.

   
   

   Sustainability Slowly Becomes the Norm

   Sustainability — it’s slowly becoming a movement within the brewing world. Breweries are getting serious about reducing carbon footprints, using eco-friendly packaging, and incorporating renewable energy. One thing that’s really growing is the focus on local ingredients and supporting other local manufacturers and farmers. It’s amazing to see how much craft beer is making an impact on local communities.

   
   

   Last but not least - The Continued Rise of Low-Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Beers

   Yeah, I know I’ve been talking about this a lot lately, but it’s something that’s definitely sticking around. Health-conscious drinking isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming part of the culture. Breweries are continuing to respond with exciting options for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers. There are already lots of IPAs, Sours, and Goses in the mix, so I’m really hoping to see creative low-ABV stouts, darker ales, and lagers popping up this year. Fingers crossed!

Once in Budapest enjoying some brews!

Breweries, Beer Events & Craft Pub Trends: Focus on Community and Experiences.

Craft breweries and pubs are becoming true community hubs. They’re not just places to grab a pint—they’re gathering spots where people want an experience. This could be anything from a tasting to a tap takeover, a beer travel event, or just hanging out with friends. It’s about more than just drinking beer; it’s about sharing knowledge, having fun, and connecting.

It looks like 2025 is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting year for craft beer. With so many new styles and innovations on the horizon, there's a lot to look forward to. Cheers to the new brewventures ahead! 🍻✨

What trends are you most excited about? Drop a comment below or reach out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!