Craft Lagers

Lagers are cool fermented German beers that can be light, amber or dark. The yeast generally used with lager brewing is Saccharomyces pastorianus. Hop Culture calls lagers “the red-headed stepchild” of American craft beers, but they’re coming back as consumers get tired of IPAs and heavy stouts.

 

More Bang For Your Buck

Lagers represent more value for the consumer, brewers say.

“As craft beer becomes more accessible both from an availability and price standpoint, the craft lager will be a gateway for these consumers into the industry,” Ben Widesth, vice president of marketing for San Diego, California’s, Green Flash Brewing Co. told Beverage Dynamics. “Additionally, as seen by the growth of session craft beers, loyal craft drinkers are turning to craft lagers as a change of pace from their higher-ABV and heavily hopped options.”

 

Simple is Better

As craft beer growth slows, brewers will be looking to attract new consumers. And, for those consumers, the lager might be the best brew for them.

“It’s the approachable styles that are going to get folks in the door. While crazy flavored beers are still going to continue to generate buzz, ‘beer flavored beer’ will always have a seat at the table,” Natalie Gershon, vice president of marketing for Boulevard Brewing Co., told Beverage Dynamics.

 

Pilsners

Pilsners are a type of pale lager that derives its name from the Czech city of Pilsen, where it was first brewed in 1842. Some popular macrobrew pilsners are Budweiser and Heineken. But, experts say, pilsners are poised for popularity at craft breweries, too. “Pilsner is a bit of a high-wire act,” Bill Covaleski, president and brewmaster at Pennsylvania’s Victory Brewing Co. told Craft Beer & Brewing. “It’s just you up there in the spotlight. It really showcases a brewer’s skill to make a nuanced pilsner.”

And with more breweries slowing down and constricting their portfolios, pilsners might just have a place in their lineup.