OnTap Magazine

ontapmag.co.za | Summer 2025 | 25 LATEST TRENDS FEATURE LOTTE PEPLOW A SHOWCASE OF INNOVATION AND DIVERSITY: FROM THE GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL Photo credit: Brewers Association T he dust has settled on another spectacular edition of the Great American Beer Festival, (GABF) America’s premier beer festival, held annually in Denver, Colorado, and organised by the Brewers Association— the not-for-profit trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers. Attracting tens of thousands of people, the festival continues to evolve and innovate, reflecting the changing tastes of today’s consumers. While beer remains the undisputed star of the show, the presence of spirits, cider, hard kombucha, hard seltzers, hard tea, ready-to-drink cocktails, gluten-free and low/no-alcohol options all have a place in today’s contemporary drinking culture. In addition to a beverage bonanza, GABF delivered a full-scale sensory event with breweries grouped into themed experience areas following the success of last year’s debut concept. Highlights included "Prost!", inspired by traditional German biergartens; "Score!", a sports fan's haven; "Fright", a timely Halloween- themed zone; and "Blast Off", bringing out-of-this-world flavour from beyond beer beverages. The "Meet the Brewer" section, offered the chance to hang out with the men and women behind the brews; "Chill", a laid-back, backyard- style space hosted live music, lawn games, and unique brews; and new this year, the "Mile High Stage" at GABF brought high-voltage live music and other entertainment. “People still come for the beer, but they also want variety, entertainment, and experiences that reflect today’s broader beverage culture,” said Ann Obenchain, Brewers Association’s vice president of marketing and communication. Running alongside the festival, PAIRED, the culinary showcase, united Michelin-starred chefs creating mouth-watering small bites with high quality American craft beers. With around 500 breweries, cideries, distilleries and other beverage producers pouring 2,000+ beverages, the Festival offered something for every palate. Here are the latest trends: THE HAZE CRAZE LIVES ON Even after a decade in the spotlight, juicy/hazy IPAs continue to dominate the American craft beer landscape. Originating in Vermont in the early 2000s, the styleexploded inpopularityby themid- 2010s, capturing beer drinkers’ interest with its unfiltered appearance, fruit- forward character, and ease of drinking. The Brewers Association recognised the Juicy/Hazy IPA style as an official category in 2018, and it has since become the most competitive category at both the GABF competition and the World Beer Cup. At this year’s GABF, top honours went to DESTIHL Brewery’s TourBus Deadhead IPA. The wide range of ‘hazies’ showcased at the Festival demonstrated the style’s staying power, as brewers find new and