Meta Description:August 2025 craft beer update: market slowdown, brewery closures, and the debut of Vera hops bringing tropical flavor and new hope to brewers. Market Slowdown Signals Trouble for Craft Beer The craft beer industry is facing a challenging summer. According to the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI), July scored 42—well below…
The Ultimate DIY Guide to Converting a Chest Freezer into a Draft Beer Dispenser For homebrewing enthusiasts, there’s nothing like pouring your own brew from a tap at home. That’s where the keezer comes in—a chest freezer converted into a multi-tap kegerator. It’s affordable, customizable, and a fun DIY project that’ll take your home bar…
A Complete Guide to Winning Beer Contests Homebrew competitions are a cornerstone of craft beer culture, providing invaluable feedback and recognition for amateur brewers. With a typical competition hosting around 200 entries, these events offer a structured environment to hone your skills and benchmark your brews against established standards. Whether you’re a novice or a…
The world of craft beer is constantly evolving, with brewers pushing boundaries to create unique and flavorful experiences. Among the most sought-after ingredients in modern brewing are distinctive hop varieties, and Nelson Sauvin stands out as a true star. Known for its bold characteristics, reminiscent of white wine and tropical fruit, Nelson Sauvin hops can…
The world of homebrewed beer never stops evolving, and 2025 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for adventurous brewers. With brand-new hop varieties, groundbreaking yeast strains, and game-changing brewing techniques hitting the scene, there’s never been a better time to experiment. Here’s a look at what’s fresh, fermenting, and just starting to…
In this brew session, I created my latest beer: Spaghetti West(ern) Coast IPA — a classic West Coast-style IPA inspired by Lagunitas. It’s clean, crisp, piney, and bitter in all the right ways. If you’re into hop-forward beers and want a peek behind the scenes, I’ve got you covered. You can watch either the short…
If you’ve been keeping up with the craft beer scene, you’ve probably noticed something unsettling—more breweries are closing than opening for the first time in nearly 20 years. And this isn’t just a national trend; it’s happening right here in Rochester, NY. Several local favorites have shut their doors recently, reflecting a broader shakeup in…
Non-alcoholic beer is having a moment. Once relegated to the back of the beer aisle, these beverages are now front and center in craft breweries and major retailers alike. The shift isn’t just about cutting alcohol; it’s about creating high-quality, flavorful options for beer enthusiasts who want to enjoy a pint without the buzz. But…
When winter rolls around, most of us instinctively reach for porters, stouts, or even spiced ales. But what if I told you that India Pale Ales (IPAs) are an underrated choice for cold-weather sipping? While typically associated with warm summer evenings, IPAs bring unique qualities that make them perfect for the winter months. Let’s explore…
