In years past, I’ve created a number of different types of “annual articles”. Most of the time, I’ve written about the best beer I had that year, or I’ve tried to look into the crystal ball to predict next year’s beer trends. This year, I’m doing something a bit different, I’m going to talk about what my “year in beer” has looked like. My personal trends and updates in a 2022 craft beer recap.
What led me down this path is I’ve noticed that my craft beer hobby has evolved, changed, and doesn’t really look the same as it has in years past. Not sure why but it is different. With these changes, I thought it was a good opportunity to call out these changes. Most of these may not be exactly tied to this year but this is the year that I really took note of them as most aren’t just fads but rather complete shifts to a new way of showing my enthusiasm for craft beer.
Where I Drink Craft Beer
Quite possibly the biggest shift has been where I tend to drink craft beer . . . at home.
Now that isn’t shocking in any way and historically, I’ve always enjoyed more craft beer at home than anywhere else. But the change that I’ve noticed is the lack of time I’ve spent in taprooms and breweries this year. There are times when I’ve gone weeks or without visiting one.
I also go to a lot of the same taprooms. Gone are the days of rushing to every new brewery as soon as they open. While I still love checking out the latest brewery, it just isn’t high on my priority list anymore.
Instead, I want to host friends and family at my house so we can enjoy some craft beer together.
When I Drink Craft Beer
For the longest time, I drank craft beer nearly every single day. I think this was fueled by my desire to share my latest beer on Instagram as well as a desire to consume beer in moderation. My standard practice was to have a single beer every evening and then share it on social media where I’d get the thoughts of others on what I was trying.
It was a good pattern and it prevented over consuming on any given day. This also allowed me to try lots of different beers as I was often getting single cans of each beer as well.
I’ve shifted to drinking much less during the week and (as noted above) focusing my craft beer consumption to times when I am socializing. Instead of focusing on daily variety, I’m more interested in letting the beer amplify the moment – not the opposite.
Which Craft Beer I Drink
Probably the biggest shift is the type of craft beer that I’ve been drinking. In the past, I focused more on trends, releases, and beers that I felt were the most “craft”. Big barrel-aged stouts were among the style I craved the most. Those along with Double and Tiple IPAs and anything with a high ABV dominated my Untappd and Instagram profile.
Now, I’ve been cracking open lots of lower ABV beers and lagers. Specifically, Yuengling Lager was my go-to beer this past summer. It’s economical, easy-drinking, and perfect for sharing with all types of beer lovers. Other styles that I’ve been drawn to are German Lagers (Oktoberfest, etc.) for all the same reasons. And, as always, seasonal releases are high on my list which are typically lower ABV too.
But don’t get me wrong, I still love stouts and all types of IPAs, they just tend to make a less frequent appearance than they have in the past. There’s a beer for nearly every situation and I’ve expanding the list of what beer fits those moments.
Final Thoughts & Looking Into 2023
As you can see, my preferences have changed. Not sure if it is me that is changing or the beer world changing around me. I’m not seeking and chasing as I once was. I’m not focused on going to breweries to drink.
But I am still passionate about great beer, and I’m continually impressed with how much great beer is readily available. And that might be one of the biggest reasons my behavior has shifted, I no longer have to work to find really good beer. Instead, it is on shelves everywhere that I go. It’s at every restaurant, and even at most homes of family and friends. The result is a world that has surrounded me with one of my favorite things.
As I think about 2023, I’m not sure how things will change but I’m confident something will. Regardless of what changes, I’m sure lots of great beer will be enjoyed.