2023 beer resolutions, part 2
What are brewery owners, brewers, and other luminaries expecting to see in 2023. Here is a compilation of their predictions and resolutions.
You know why you’re here. You don’t need a crazy long introduction.
For the sixth consecutive year, the last five of which came at the Democrat and Chronicle, I texted nearly every beer contact in my phone and asked three simple questions:
What is your beer prediction for 2023?
What is your beer resolution?
Where do you see the market headed?
Here is a sampling of those responses:
And if you missed it, here is part 1:
(Parts 3 and 4 will be shared in the near future.)
James Hilbert, One Stop Brew Shop co-owner
IPAs will reign supreme in 2023 but there will be a larger interest in more approachable/sessionable versions. There will also be a focus on alternative beverages that aren't just hard seltzers but other alternatives like hard teas, hard kombuchas, etc. Even though I say this every year, lagers will increase in popularity! This past year has proven that by the increased popularity of brands like Schilling, Human Robot and Suarez!
Todd Reardon, Peacemaker Brewing owner/brewer
Peacemaker Brewing is really looking forward to the new year. As we all know summer is a busier time of year for the craft beer industry, however we’re finding this winter is busier than it was last year at this time. There are so many great breweries in NY state making great beer that many people are going out of their way to visit new (to them) breweries. The diversity of atmosphere and vibe is just as important as diversity in beer and beer styles. We’re getting people from all over the state and country, for that matter, visiting our place. I think breweries are stepping up their game with providing an enticing place to visit. With beer prices going up from seven to 10 percent due to increased ingredients costs, people want more bang for their buck. A great outdoor space or unique indoor space helps to give customers a place to remember.
Nick Mesrobian, Roc Brewing head brewer
Lagers are on the rise again.
Seth Wile, Okay Beer Co. owner/brewer
My prediction for last year was that beer will begin to, or continue to in some cases, get back to the basics. Meaning, that the last 5-10 years has seen a lot in the way of innovation e.g. hazy IPAs, heavily fruited sours, pastry stouts and the like. But lately I've seen the beer industry trending a bit more towards traditional offerings, especially in the way of lagers. I think that in many ways this prediction was true and I now predict its continuance. I have seen black lagers like Schwarzbiers and Czech darks boom this year, as well as lighter offerings like Italian and Bohemian Pilsners.
My variation to last year's prediction is that we will see these more traditional styles in greater numbers, but with the ever-persistent American Craft Beer spin placed on them. An IPL (India pale lager) or fruited lager is nothing new, but if craft brewers do continue to make more lagers and traditional ales, we are sure to see creative touches placed on them. Anything from a different type of dry hop, to a strange fruit or malt adjunct, to sitting in a barrel and beyond. If there is a way to jazz up a classic beer recipe, American brewers will certainly find it.
My beer resolution corresponds to my prediction, again. Last year I hoped to be a part of the growing trend of brewing and drinking some more traditional beer styles, and not just lagers. In 2022 I have completed that, as well as the second part to my resolution, which was to turn on more beer drinkers to these styles and convince non-beer drinkers that there are beers out there for them. From the response that these beers have received at Okay Beer Company, I am confident that this trend has staying power and can continue on for years to come.
In terms of the local beer market, in general I see the burgeoning local beer scene becoming one of the more exciting and talented scenes in the country. There are a ton of Rochester-area breweries that I think are really coming into their own and making great beer and I don't see that slowing down. I think we are at a time in the local market where brewers are getting especially good at what they do and that's exciting to see. The local beer scene is doing a good job at keeping up with some of the best beer markets in the country and I think creativity and quality is here to stay. Not only that, but the local beer scene seems to be doing an awesome job of community interaction, outreach, and support. The connection between breweries and their customers, their towns and cities, and the causes that are close to home seems to come together here in a really cool way. Furthermore, the support of using local ingredients seems to be on the rise and that's really cool to see and will be important in the future for creating a sustainable craft beer industry in this area. To get a little more specific, I think my broad predictions will apply to our local scene. I not only see the country trending more towards lagers and traditional ales but the Greater Rochester area as well. I think the more wild and out there creativity of the craft beer scene is here to stay, but I think we will start to see a little more balance and variation of styles in the coming years.
Jeff “Oz” Osborne, Stoneyard Brewing co-owner/head brewer
While beer quality will still be a major factor in brand longevity, with the market as crowded as it is, we'll see the trend of brand story, marketing, and consumer-related experience continue to drive sales more than what's actually in the can.
Consumers are starting to get curious about beers other than IPAs and fruited sours again. I think we'll see more diversified selections, especially in taprooms.
Tony Jones, Silver Lake Brewing Project partner/head brewer
I assure you I have no idea what the rest of the world is up to, but we are sticking with our plan of a retail focus on drinkability. Many lagers, easy-drinking sours, funky sours out of barrels we have been using for years now, and a smattering of saisons, and imperial stouts. We should have a barrel-fermented batch of a Flanders red late this year hopefully.
Paul Leone, New York State Brewers Association executive director
My craft beer prediction for 2023 is the rise of lower ABV beers which we’re already seeing with more light lagers and Pilsners currently being produced by many breweries. I think you’ll also see hazy juicy IPAs in the 6 percent range with the same flavor and aroma profile as you see in the current 8 to 9 percent double IPAs.
Our beer resolution as the New York State Brewers Association is to focus on expanding the availability of NYS beer in bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and anywhere else beer is sold through a variety of new initiatives we’re currently working on.
In terms of the local market, I see its continued growth. Rochester and the Finger Lakes region will continue to not only see more craft brewery openings, albeit at a slower pace, but the continuation of craft breweries opening and producing some of the best and most award-winning beers in the state. As proof of the quality of beer in this region, the 2022 NYS Craft Beer Competition awarded the Governor’s Excelsior Craft Beer Cup to Lunkenheimer Craft Brewery and Wood Kettle Brewing, and NYS Brewery of the Year to Strangebird.
Micah Krichinsky, Strangebird Brewing co-owner/head brewer
2023 will be the year of (Eric) Salazar (Strangebird’s director of wood-aging and barrel program). The funk is starting to turn saucy in his lair. Also, stovepipes. Lots of ‘em.
Chris Spinelli, Roc Brewing co-founder/owner
Beer predictions: Lagers will continue their slow climb to prominence. But give the kids what they want, the hype beers over that past few years will stay strong.
Beer resolution: Personally get out and visit/support all our local friends in the industry.
Local market: I think this all comes down to how people handle the next three months. If you can come out strong during the slow season, I believe it is going to be a busy year! I feel everyone is ready to experience some normalcy.
Mark Neumann, Upstate Brewing co-founder/owner
For 2023, I see more closings and consolidation in the industry. With steadily rising raw material costs, these measures will be needed to ensure survival in the market. Locally, sales have plateaued so we’re working to open a second location in Watkins Glen, which will enable us to sell more beer ourselves and rely less on distribution.
Kristi and Tommy Streamer, Strange Design Public House owners
The industry as a whole is still hoping for pre-pandemic numbers regarding on-premise sales. Encouraging people to support their local breweries and restaurants is something we have always done and will continue to do. Abundance mentality is essential. As far as trends go, we have noticed our One Knight Pilsner and our Raspberry Creme Kolsch have been very popular and we don’t see the thirst for a light, clear and crisp beer going away in 2023. We are really proud of the beer (head brewer) Ben Bernard has brewed and continues to brew with our original concept in mind: clean and balanced.
Greg Searles, Birdhouse Brewing co-founder/owner
My beer prediction is that we will continue to see a rise in lighter, lower ABV beer styles, including Pilsners, Kolsches, and lighter fruited styles. I also predict that we will see continued growth in our taproom as people continue to normalize a post-Covid world and seek out more outdoor entertainment and social spaces. Our beer resolution this year is to brew more beer! We recently began production on a 3-barrel brewhouse with UBS (Ultimate Brew Service) and are expected to take delivery this summer. Our plan is to bottle more specialty small batch one-off brews and produce more of our beers in house. Locally, Honeoye is in a prime position for growth as there are many opportunities for commercial retail space in town and the local tourism market continues to grow. We are looking forward to continuing to be a part of our local community and continuing to extend our Birdhouse community outside of the Honeoye area by doing more collaboration brews and having our brews available in select markets. Cheers to the New Year!
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