Understanding the Reason for High Hop Use in Craft Beers

There seems to be a common misconception that new microbreweries overuse hops in their beers. However, this perception often stems from a misunderstanding of taste preferences and beer style.

Why Don't Microbreweries Overhop Their Beer?

It is unlikely that microbreweries overuse hops. What people may perceive as overly bitter flavors are more accurately a reflection of the craft beer styles they are experiencing in comparison to light American lagers. For instance, beers like Budweiser, Miller, and Coors are lighter and less hoppy in comparison to India Pale Ales (IPAs), a style that many microbrewers specialize in.

A Sassie Overview of Beer Styles

It's important to remember that the American lager style, which is what Budweiser and its competitors are based on, is significantly less hoppy. When tasting a variety of craft beers, it becomes clear that not all are overhopped. For example:

Stouts: Although dark in color, these beers often have a smooth, less bitter body and are less hoppy compared to IPAs. Vienna Lagers: Another style that is not overly hoppy, these beers are known for their bready and malty characteristics. Extra Special Bitter (ESB): Similar to Vienna lagers, ESBs are not particularly high in hops, offering a balance of malt and hop flavors.

Comparing different beer styles is essential to appreciate the diversity in flavors and aromas. Just as comparing apples to oranges doesn't make sense, comparing light lagers to hoppy IPAs might not provide a fair representation of the craft beer experience.

Trends in Modern Craft Beer

While hops and IPAs are currently popular, the trend in the craft beer world is shifting. Many modern craft beers are becoming less bitter and more floral or fruity in character. This does not mean they are overhopped, but rather they're optimized for different flavor profiles.

Supply and Demand Driving Hops Usage

The prevalence of hoppy craft beers is largely driven by customer demand. Microbrewers produce a variety of styles, but IPAs and other hopped styles are more popular due to customer preference. Essentially, the market is responding to consumer demand, which leads to an abundance of hoppy beers in the craft beer scene.

It's worth noting that craft beer drinkers tend to spend more money on hoppy styles, prompting breweries to cater to this demographic. This further explains the high use of hops in the craft beer market.

Final Thoughts

While the perception of overhopping can be subjective, understanding the variety of beer styles and the influence of customer demand helps clarify the reasoning behind the high use of hops in certain craft beers. Beer is not one uniform product; rather, it is a diverse range of flavors and aromas, best appreciated through a variety of styles.

Key Takeaways:

Hops and hoppy beers are a trend but not the only style available. Customer demand drives the production of hoppy beers. Not all craft beers are overhopped; the style and flavor profile matter.

By exploring and comparing different beer styles, drinkers can better understand and appreciate the complexity and variety of craft beers.