Marketing

Here You Can OD on “About Hops!”

08/08/2025 No Comments

The image is what a modern hop farm business looks like. Most are privately owned and are located in areas of the U.S. that offer ideal soil and climate conditions. At one point the Sacramento Valley in CA was a great area for hops. Over time the return on investment and irrigation forced hops into Yakima Valley in Washington State. Many hop operation are run by 5th generation farmers. Large brewers even own their own operation for hops sourcing. Research is an ongoing requirement to keep up with consumer demands for aromas and flavors.

What Valid Change in the Craft Beer Sector Are Ripe for Change?

08/08/2025 No Comments

Most things that are custom-made are considered premium, craft beer is no exception. There is a place for custom-made products that are always appreciated as a lifestyle choice. There is a market for beer for which consumers are willing to pay a premium price because of the sheer enjoyment. But, there seems to be a decline in demand for beer in general, However, craft beer has not had the decline that macro beers have realized. So, yes the market still has demand for quality beer. Taprooms are a huge success still and validate the characteristics of what craft beer consumers demand. As consumers change in their beverage preferences, tastes, trends, and disposable incomes, I offer some suggestions to the craft beer market staying the leading edge.

Foam On a Fine Craft Beer is Important For Your Craft Beer Enjoyment!

08/08/2025 No Comments

I used to think foam on a beer cheated me on the beer itself. Over time I learned that foam gives me a deeper enjoyment of my Premium Beer Experience; a missing piece of a complex puzzle

At the Start of 2024 Craft Beer Aficionado’s Had Crystal Ball Working About Changes Coming In the Industry.

08/08/2025 No Comments

The trends noted in early 2024 that were needed to stop the skidding of Craft Beer in America, centered primarily around Taprooms. Overall not much was said about Seltzers. Now the product focus is on Non-Alcoholic and RTD (ready to drink) cocktails.
Nontheless, attention was focused on noting breweries need to upgrade the taprooms ambiance, create a hospitality focus by employees, and entertain guests.
Here is a recap.

Explore, Learn, Taste, Love Craft Beer Through Tours

08/08/2025 No Comments

Making beer by hand takes imagination, risk, science, experience, and creativity. Appreciation of all these skills is best seen felt, and learned–hands-on. Beer tours are about bringing together the individual and the brewery to appreciate a beverage that has been around for thousands of years. There are a plethora of tour options offered by knowledgeable beer tour guides in most areas of craft beer breweries. Explore all the tour offerings, and you will, for sure, find one that tickles your fancy.

Explore, Learn, Taste, Love Craft Beer Through Tours-Part 2

08/08/2025 No Comments

There is a lot to gain for a brewery that participates with craft beer tour providers or providing an in-house tour program. First off, an educated consumer is important to breweries. Further, loyalty is built through familiarity, respect and interactions with craft beer consumers. We can all learn something new from each brewery visit.

Great American Beer Festival 2014-Nevada Winners

08/08/2025 No Comments

Brewers Association’s Great American Beer Festival is a major annual event for the craft beer industry. Brewers from all 50 states and some international countries have representation. A whole lot of beers are submitted in over 300 categories of styles and sub-styles.

Having Many Beer SKU’s May Not Be the Answer for Growth

08/08/2025 No Comments

4 years ago Craft Beer breweries were growing at double digits. The craft beer community wanted to explore new styles, new flavors, new brewed products like Seltzers, anything HOPS, and the key was to offer variety-whos is the biggest (sort of). Distribution was a concern to get into retail to expose the brand. Then the Pandemic hit. So, fixes to craft beer revenue and production declines are a constant discussion. Even taprooms are part of the equation. But, the latest diatribe is about breweries that have/had expanded for the return of the boom years are distressed. I have written about the importance of Branding, focusing more on Direct business and building community, Now some wise people are saying brewing as many styles, recipes, and beers as possible is not the way to keep going. A taproom with 20 or more taps is not necessarily a profitable thing. Craft beer is a mature market now. Being all beers for all people is a cost that is prohibitive.

What Do the Numbers Say From the TTB

08/08/2025 No Comments

There are some discrepancy in numbers between the TTB and Brewers Association. One primary number is the recognized number of breweries. Brewers Association shows approximately 2,000 more in 2023. This is associated with how numbers are reported and who pays the taxes on production. Contract brewers for independent brewers is one example. But the numbers, no matter the source can tell a story.

Here You Can OD on “About Hops!”

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