Macon Magazine

14 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 8 THE YEAR IN BEER IN 2017, WE SAW STEADY GROWTH IN THE CRAFT BEER SECTOR. Some 6,000 breweries were in operation during 2017 with 98 percent of them small and independent craft brewers. As such, 83 percent of all Americans now live within 10 miles of a brewery. That's an amazing statistic. To help educate beer lovers about which beers are independently produced, last year the Brewer's Association launched a campaign touting independent craft brewers. The campaign's seal features an iconic beer bottle shape flipped upside down. It shows the spirit with which craft brewers have upended beer, while informing beer lovers they are choosing a beer from an independently-owned brewery. As the co-owner and head brewer of a hoppin' brewpub here in Macon, I know it's important to stay ahead of the curve in the craft beer industry. So, here are some of the 2018 trends to watch for. LOCAL STYLE: Breweries are really embracing the local style and culture in which people consume their beer. This means both catering to a lifestyle and using local ingredients. For example, Fort Point Beer Company (San Francisco, California) keeps it local with their "Manzanita" beer, a smoked altbier brewed with charred manzanita, a local shrub. SOUR AND FRUIT BEERS: These beers have really taken the market by storm over the past few years, but watch for even more in 2018. In Georgia, we are seeing excellent souring programs started by Wild Heaven Beer Company, Monday Night Garage, Three Taverns Brewery and Max Lager's Wood-fired Grill & Brewery. CRAFT LAGERS: According to Adam Beauchamp, brew master and co-founder of Creature Comforts Brewing Company (Athens), balanced craft lagers will continue to grow in popularity. Fresh pilsners or American lagers offer a reliably delicious standby to craft drinkers who may occasionally want to simplify. SESSION BEER: Higher ABV beers have typically dominated the craft beer industry, and while that will remain consistent, expect to see an even bigger surge in session beers, which have an ABV (alcohol by volume) that's under 5 percent. Founders Brewing in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just announced it will be launching six- pack cans of its All Day IPA, a session beer coming in at 4.7 percent ABV. BREWERIES THAT GIVE BACK: In a recent survey, 75 percent of millennials said it was important to support companies that give back to the community. Recently, BrewBound handed out its industry awards, with Creature Comforts winning the award for Cause of the Year. Creature Comforts launched its Get Comfortable Campaign with a mission to help end poverty, hunger and homelessness in Athens. CANNING: Canning allows an increased portability and a beer that stays fresher longer. Georgia breweries ramping up their canning production. Even brewpubs like Torched Hop Brewpub, Wrecking Bar Brewpub and Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen are offering cans to go. COLLABORATIONS: While it's anticipated that brewery collaborations will continue in 2018, expect these partnerships to reach outside of the beer industry. Anticipate more breweries working together with companies, celebrities and even chefs to develop custom brews. In fact, Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen brewed a fantastic smoked porter in collaboration with Southern Soul Barbecue (St. Simons Island). – BRIAN WHITLEY IS THE CO-OWNER AND HEAD BREWER OF PIEDMONT BREWERY AND KITCHEN. Briefs

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