For the last few years, with spoke with PA brewers and owners about what they felt would be the biggest craft beer trends in the upcoming year. See their beer predictions for 2020, predictions for 2021, and for 2022. Some of the predictions came true, while others didn’t.
We polled some PA brewers and owners again to get their thoughts on craft beer trends and what they see coming up in 2023. Their answers give great insight from the producers themselves, and below is what they believe will happen.
From more lagers (yet again) and lower ABV IPAs, to fewer new breweries opening, read what they have to say!
I really think we’ll see a blending of the last few years and that’ll take the form of lower ABV and overall more approachable ales. Session IPAs and Pale Ales specifically offer a great middle ground from the haze craze and the lager boom. I certainly don’t think the demand for DIPAs and Pilsners are going away but when people can get all the flavor they love from their 7% Hazy in a 4.5% Session that drinks like a Lager that’s a perfect storm. – Chris McCall, Co-Founder of McCall Collective Brewing
“Let’s just say hazy beers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. I believe we’ll see an appreciation for lagers and “Cold IPAs” in the next year. I also think West Coast IPAs will resurface and make a comeback in a way that will pay more attention to grain bill to add more nuances to the overall beer itself.” – Jason Sheptak, Head Brewer at Stable 12 Brewing Co.
“West coast ipa, other German styles (alt, dortmunder, dunkel, etc)” – Jason Lavery, President/Founding Brewer of Lavery Brewing Co
“I think we will continue seeing more consumers starting to get into lagers. There is so much history and such a broad spectrum of flavors and styles that still haven’t had a ton of attention yet. I believe we will also see people starting to gravity away from always buying what’s new and sticking more to their tried and true favorites from breweries they know and trust.” – Ryan Foltz, Co-Owner / Head Brewer of Pour Mans Brewing
“Light hoppy lagers, dark lagers, session beers.” – Ian Staab, Owner of Yellow Bridge Brewing.
“Hum….what will the biggest craft beer trends be in 2023? ‘biggest’ kinda puts a restriction on this…and geez every year for the last 25 years at about this time I sit back and think about what will define the next year in beer…maybe not the ‘biggest trend’ but at least to me what the year would look like at a beer. And every year, I’m hoping that “lager” gets the attention within the craft beer scene that it deserves… So, yah this year is no different, 2023 to me will be defined by the brewers that pay attention to all the details that have to come together perfectly in order to perfect a ‘petite lager’. Super subtle but complex…4.5% or lower…so dry …so dry you can taste and smell every corner of the beer…no room for ‘winging it’ no room for ‘guessing’ only room for recipes that have been practiced enough to make sense at every sip…. Here’s to ‘petite lager’!” – John Trogner, Co-Owner of Troegs Independent Brewing
“The continued trend of more approachable ales and lagers. Sessionable and full flavored.” – Zach Waltz, Owner/Head Brewer of Union Brothers Brewing
“I really believe that lagers will continue to trend upwards as people continue to experience hop fatigue. Consumers are starting to recognize the complexity, time, and difficulty of a well-made lager.” – Ryan Slicker, Co-owner/Head Brewer of 412 Brewing
“Lager continuing to regain ground. Resurgence of West Coast styles.” – Andrew Witchey – Founder/Brewer of Dancing Gnome
“I think back 2023 will be a beer year that is back to the future. The return of more traditional styles being embraced by the masses. Lagers will continue to dominate the return alongside English Bitter and Milds, Dry Irish Stout, West Coast IPAs, and traditional Belgians. I can’t wait to see the IG pics of the line culture outside Forest and Main waiting on their latest Mild release in the New Year!” – Ken Correll, Co-Founder of Human Robot
“Who knows, hazies won’t go anywhere, people will still buy smoothie beers and seltzers, it’s not gonna be “the year of the lager” (though I’m sure there’s gonna be a rise in them) but honestly people are just gonna drink and buy what they like! Simple as that.” – Matt Nitchke, Head Brewer of Ten7 Brewing Company
“IPA will still run the field, we’ll see a lot more West Coast in that mix. Probably a more fruit-forward hop selection though. I predict the crispier styles will continue to gain ground among those becoming tired with the more aggressively flavored beers.” – Neil Glausier, Co-Owner / Head Brewer of Burgh’ers Brewing
“Hazy IPA has solidified itself and I believe will continue to rise in popularity. We’re seeing in our taproom that people are gravitating towards lower ABV beers that have a lot of flavors. Our Witbier, Pilsner, and American Pale ale continue to sell well on draft and in takeout. I wouldn’t be surprised if clear American ales make a little bit of a comeback.” – Ryan Seiz, Brewmaster of Warwick Farm Brewing
“More full flavor, approachable, light beers” – Jordan Serulneck, Co-Owner of Seven Sirens Brewing Company
“More taproom openings, less hard seltzer, more traditional styles, and of course lagers.” – Scott Smith, Owner/Founder of East End Brewing
“Hopefully the trend continues of us all paying close attention to making the highest quality beer – no matter what style is trending most. I predict a slowdown in new breweries starting up and unfortunately, a larger amount that will need to shutter.” – Jason Ufema, Owner of Shy Bear Brewing
