The silent boom of Lagers in craft beer
While the IPAS continue to conquer hearts and stomachs in the United States, with more than half of sales in small breweries, lagers begin to find their place in a scenario that seemed dominated by the boldest and most aromatic styles. But what is exactly happening with these slow and most refined fermentation beers? The trend is not only a passenger fashion, but a movement that seeks to offer diversity and quality in the world of craft beer.
Why the lagers before seemed difficult and are now a trend
Historically, the artisanal market was oriented towards the Ales, especially since the 80s, because its elaboration process is faster and faster. Creating a Stout type beer, Pale Ale or IPA allowed to experiment with flavors and styles without investing too much time. On the other hand, the Lagers, which demand a longer and more controlled process, seemed like an option reserved for breweries with more experience or with a strong focus on the European tradition.
But history has changed and patience now has its reward. With the rise of quality and innovation, many small factories began to explore continental styles, such as the classic Pilsner or German Helles, managing to surprise the audience that seeks refreshing and easy to drink beers, without neglecting sophistication.
Innovation and tradition: reinventing modern lagers
What could seem like a risky commitment to become an opportunity for creativity. Artisanal brewers not only replicate European styles with precision, but also add their own turn. They use local malts, hops of the Northwest Pacific and, sometimes, native ingredients such as spices or fruits, to create variations that stand out for their unique character and intense flavors.
This approach not only enriches the market, but also allows consumers to enjoy lighter and more versatile beers with a complex aromatic profile. Quality, as in any artisanal process, is the cornerstone, and the beer teachers emphasize every detail, from fermentation to aging.
What about manufacturers specialized in European styles?
Not everything is novelty and experimentation; Many breweries have dedicated years to perfecting traditional styles, making quality and authenticity their distinctive seal. However, the current trend drives producers to launch their own versions, with fresh and technical ingredients that enhance the taste, achieving a perfect balance between tradition and creativity.
This movement also responds to an increasingly diverse and demanding audience, which seeks different experiences in each sip, beyond the typical IPA with bitter character. The Lager, with its softer and more refreshing profile, takes center stage in the Craft scene, showing that beer can be both a classical work of art and an innovative experience.
Looking to the future: evolving artisanal beers
The future of the artisanal beer world seems open to new combinations and styles that challenge traditional limits. The Lager, with its versatility and potential to innovate, will surely continue to gain ground. The key will be to maintain that balance between quality, identity and a hint of madness that has always characterized artisans.
In short, the Lagers revolution in the Craft scene not only enriches the panorama, but also invites fans to expand their horizons and be surprised by beers that, although less turned to the intensity, offer a whole world of flavors to discover. We can only expect what new creations have this trend reserved for us that, with patience and talent, continues to gain space in each glass.
