As the calendar year draws to a close, I like to take a look at the past year’s news and events in the world of craft beer. Not only does a recap help me track the progress and issues of the craft, but also the news is usually generally good—which is always an excellent way to celebrate the season.
New Laws
Beer restrictions continued to loosen—mostly—around the country, which is always good for business. In California, a new law passed that would allow beer tastings at farmer’s markets, which will let brewers reach a larger audience and make shopping for vegetables even more fun.
A law that could have a different effect on brewers is the new FDA law that requires nutritional labeling on beers served at chain restaurants, like Applebee’s. The law requires that information like the beers’ calorie count or protein be displayed, which will cost brewers additional money for testing and also delay the release of new beers by several weeks.
Hops reach new heights
Top hops
This year, hop growing reached new ground, with a record-breaking 45,239 acres in the U.S. being cultivated for hops. And not just any hops—aroma hops, those bright floral and piney notes that welcome IPA drinkers with each sip. Aroma hop acreage saw a 26 percent increase, with the most cultivated being Simcoe, Centennial, Citra and Mosaic.
In the breweries, the craft beer classic Cascade headed the list of top used hops, followed by Centennial and Chinook.
Session IPAs make the List
Session IPAs were the top-growing style this year, and were finally recognized as an official style at the Great American Beer Festival. I was surprise they weren’t already on the list, which made me realize how quickly they have increased in popularity. (The other newly ordained styles are Chili Pepper Beer and Mixed Culture Brett Beer.)
Mendocino released their new Session IPA (in its new label) this year, as well. Rock Point Session IPA is the first in the new label series, and also was awarded a gold at the World Beer Awards.
Record Breaking Breweries
More Breweries
This year, U.S. brewery growth set new records by breaking the all-time recorded high from 1873 for the first time. As of November, 2015, there were 4,144 breweries in the country, finally exceeded the former record high of 4,131. According to the Brewer’s Association, new breweries are opening are rate of two per day, with fifteen states now home to more than 100 breweries.
(You can check out a great slideshow lesson on the history of craft beer by the Brewers Association here.)
The End of Craft Beer?
Of course, the biggest news of the year was the impending merger between Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller for about $104 billion. This news is making small brewers nervous, because large corporations are able to buy up supplies like hops and cans, raising the prices and making it harder for smaller breweries to compete. At the time of writing, the proposal has gone before the senate, and a lawsuit has been filed by a small group of beer lovers (made up of 19 Oregonians, 3 Californians, and one Washingtonian) to stop the deal.
What Tops Your List?
What beer news made headlines in your area? Any new local changes to report? Let us know in the comments below!
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