Best beers to watch for in 2025!

In today’s email:

• Beer Quirky Fact - Beer flood? - Yes, it happened!

• Beer Meme - Today’s beer meme!

• Beer News - The latest beer news!

• Our Beer Snippet - Learn more about beer!

• Our Beer Poll - which seasonal beer do you prefer?

Don’t forget to visit our website to read more about beer and everything else:

In the news:

• Move over, global beer giants—Spokane’s No-Li Brewhouse just made a MASSIVE splash on the world stage! Their Wrecking Ball Imperial Stout snagged a Silver Medal at the European Beer Star Competition, earning a spot on Forbes’ coveted list of “The World’s Best Stouts.” This bold win cements No-Li’s place in the beer elite and puts Spokane (and Washington state!) on the map as a craft beer powerhouse.

  

• Craft breweries are closing in Milwaukee! Is it a national trend?

  Milwaukee’s craft beer scene is undergoing significant change, with closures, acquisitions, and evolving consumer preferences reshaping the industry. Mike and Joan Doble, owners of The Explorium Brewpub, recently acquired Good City Brewing and plan to revitalize its four taprooms by adapting to shifting market demands. Their plans include introducing gluten-free beers and alternative alcohol options to appeal to a broader audience.

  The city, steeped in a 200-year beer-brewing legacy, has faced challenges as craft brewery closures outpaced openings nationwide in 2024. Factors such as inflation, increased competition, and changing drinking habits—particularly among younger generations—are putting pressure on small breweries. Milwaukee saw the closure of four local breweries, including City Lights Brewing and MobCraft Beer, due to financial struggles and market saturation.

  Despite the shrinking market, industry leaders remain optimistic. With 40 craft breweries still in the Milwaukee area, experts believe the city will maintain its reputation as a beer destination. Brewers like Ron Hockersmith of Amorphic Beer are innovating with low-alcohol and nonalcoholic options, which have seen growing demand. As the craft beer boom recedes, adaptability and inclusivity are seen as critical to the future success of breweries in Milwaukee and beyond.

  

• The best breweries to watch for in 2025! The list includes Forager, the highest rated brewery in Minnesota on Untappd, Lua Brewing from Iowa, Formula Brewing from Washington, and Moniker Brewery from Rhode Island. Click to read more!

  

Our Beer Snippet - Beers without Hops!

Yes, it's entirely possible to brew beer without hops. Before hops became the standard, ancient brewers used a mixture of herbs and spices known as "gruit" to flavor and preserve their ales. This practice dates back centuries and is still explored by modern brewers interested in historical brewing methods.

What is Gruit?

Gruit is a blend of various herbs and spices used to flavor beer before hops were introduced. Common ingredients include:

• Heather

• Ground ivy

• Horehound

• Mugwort

• Sweet gale

• Yarrow

These botanicals impart unique flavors and aromas to the beer, offering a diverse range of taste experiences.

Brewing Without Hops

Brewing without hops requires careful selection of alternative flavoring agents to achieve the desired taste profile. Herbs like juniper berries, spruce tips, and various spices can be used to create complex flavors. For example, the Finnish farmhouse ale "sahti" traditionally uses juniper branches and berries, resulting in a distinctive flavor with minimal hop bitterness.

Modern Applications

Today, some craft brewers experiment with gruit ales to revive ancient brewing traditions. These beers often feature a blend of herbs and spices, offering a unique alternative to hop-forward brews. For instance, the Maltose Falcons homebrew club provides recipes for gruit ales, allowing enthusiasts to explore this historical brewing method.

In summary, while hops are the standard in modern beer production, brewing without them is not only possible but also a way to explore historical flavors and techniques. By utilizing a variety of herbs and spices, brewers can craft distinctive beers that offer a taste of the past.

Cheers!!!