Lower Alcohol Content Coming To Craft Beers?

Craft beer has become increasingly popular. In the late 1970s, there were only 89 craft breweries in the U.S. According to a 2013 report by the Brewers Association, there are now 2,360 craft breweries operating in the U.S. — a substantial increase from the 1970s. But the craft beer industry may see some major changes in the upcoming years, as some of these microbreweries are pushing for lower alcohol content in their products.

The thought of lowering alcohol content in beer may sound a somewhat counterproductive. After all, most consumers prefer brews with a high alcohol by volume (ABV). Nonetheless, there’s a push being made by some craft breweries to lower the alcohol content in their brews.

Now for the million dollar question: why are craft breweries trying to reduce the alcohol content in their beer? Simply put, not everyone wants to drink high-ABV beer, especially during the scorching-hot summer months. The added alcohol is heavy, filling, and arguably less enjoyable during the summer. On the other hand, high-ABV is generally preferred during the cool winter months when consumers are looking to stay inside and warm up by the fire.

Austin Harvey, director of beer at Chicago-based craft beer cafe Beermiscuous, shared his thoughts on craft beer alcohol content in a recent interview with the Huffington Post, stating that heavy [high-ABV craft beers] aren’t as pleasurable to drink.

“Really strong beers are great when it’s cold outside and you’re hunkering down next to a fireplace or a radiator and just trying to forget the cold and the troubles in your life. But summer also exists. And heavy beers just aren’t as pleasurable to drink,” Austin Harvey told the Huffington Post in an interview.

Does this mean all craft beer will soon boast a lower alcohol content? Probably not, but if enough consumers request lower ABV, there’s a good chance we’ll see some changes being made in the months and years to come. One of the reasons why craft beer has seen such a phenomenal growth in popularity is because of its vast array of unique and delicious flavors. Increasing the ABV of these unique brews will only takes away from its flavor; therefore, it makes sense for craft breweries to lower the alcohol content in an attempt to preserve the elements that make their products attractive to consumers.

Do you prefer a craft beer with a high or low alcohol by volume (ABV)? Let us know in the comments section below!