2020 BEER PREDICTIONS

A century ago it was called the roaring 20s, so what will 2020 bring us? As the tree gets squeezed back in its box, as we mull over the latest from Gavin & Stacey and Star Wars we can spare some time to ponder what this new decade will bring. It looks like those childhood predictions of hover cars and robots aren’t coming true any time soon, so let’s take stock and have a look at one thing we do have … Beer!

As ‘2020’ also means perfect vision, let’s use it as a metaphor to look ahead at the upcoming twelve months in the world of beer. What will be the key trends in brewing as we start a new decade? Only time will tell, but here are our thoughts…

LOW AND NO Alcohol-free is on the rise. There are many different reasons why people are cutting back on booze, but whatever the reasons they still want to take part in social occasions. As such, the market for ‘Lo & No’ is gaining popularity. Currently this sector is less than 5% of the UK beer market, but sales are increasing and we think will break out in 2020. As these options become more widely available, people are more likely to try them, either out of curiousity or beer ticking. I predict more breweries will add a low abv beer to their line-up, maybe not all doing no or 0.5% product but certainly sub 3%. Dog’s Window did a very impressive Rye IPA proving you can have a very flavoursome and hoppy beer at only 3.3%. and I was suitably impressed with one of Tiny Rebel’s Birthday Collaborations with Big Drop Brewing Co, an Imperial Mocha Vanilla Shot Stout at 0.5%!

THE SPECIALISTS – Traditionally breweries had a core range of 3 or 4 beers and would release seasonal specials, that’s all changed with the rise of craft breweries, some completely abandoning the core range concept and simply releasing new beers all the time, sometimes only occasionally returning to a favourite due to demand or an anniversary.
With over 100 breweries in Wales alone then more choice has to be a good thing – but it has led to so much competition within the industry that something has to give. One of the ways in which this can ride out is with specialist breweries – those turning their backs on all but one type of beer, and making that as best as they can. Such a focus makes sense – putting all your eggs in one basket can give you a great reputation and a good and loyal following, but with so much competition strong branding and a high quality product is essential.

THE STYLE TO LOOK OUT FOR – Every year people say it’s the ‘Year of Craft Lager’ or a new fad like ‘BRUT’ comes along, but at Wales Ales we’re going out on a limb and predict the style to watch out for is … MEAD! Yes you read that right, it’s one of the world’s oldest alcoholic drinks, but has been making a comeback on the back of the boom in craft beer. Sales of the honey-based drink have grown in supermarkets after winning a strong fan base among younger drinkers in pubs and at beer festivals.

So that’s our round-up of 2019 we’d love to thank all our readers, customers, followers, breweries and all those we work with a Hoppy New Year.