If you’re like most beer lovers, you’ve probably noticed that the tap list at your favorite brewery looks a little…familiar lately. West Coast IPAs? Rauchbiers? Are we in a time machine? Nope, we’re in the middle of a delicious revival. Classic beer styles are making a big comeback, and for good reason. These brews are like that favorite band you forgot about, suddenly releasing a new album that reminds you why you loved them in the first place.
Let’s dive into why these OG beer styles are back, how brewers are putting modern spins on them, and why your next pint might just be a blast from the past.
What’s Driving the Revival?
Beer trends are like fashion—they cycle. After years of chasing hazy IPAs, pastry stouts, and sour beers that taste like a fruit salad, brewers and drinkers alike are craving something more straightforward and timeless. Classic beer styles are reliable, balanced, and—dare I say it?—refreshing. They’re the beers that don’t need a laundry list of exotic ingredients to shine.
Nostalgia is another big factor. For seasoned craft beer drinkers, classic styles bring back memories of discovering the world of beer beyond the big-name lagers. For newer drinkers, these beers offer a chance to explore the roots of the craft beer movement. It’s like meeting the cool older sibling of your favorite hazy IPA.
The Return of the West Coast IPA
Ah, the West Coast IPA. The beer that put “bitter” back on the map. For a while, it seemed like hazy, juicy New England IPAs had taken over the world. And don’t get me wrong—those beers are great. But there’s something about the unapologetic punch of a West Coast IPA that’s hard to beat.
West Coast IPAs are all about clarity—both in appearance and flavor. They’re golden, crisp, and loaded with hop-forward bitterness balanced by a clean malt backbone. Think flavors of pine, citrus, and resin, with a dry finish that leaves you wanting another sip.
Modern brewers are bringing this style back with some updates. While the classics leaned heavily on hops like Cascade and Centennial, today’s brewers are experimenting with new hop varieties to add tropical and stone fruit notes without losing that signature bitterness. The result? A fresh take on a classic that’s turning heads all over again.
Rauchbier: Smoky and Bold
Now let’s talk about Rauchbier, the smoky underdog of the beer world. Originating in Bamberg, Germany, this style is made with malt that’s been smoked over beechwood, giving the beer a distinct campfire aroma and flavor. Rauchbiers are rich, malty, and—let’s be honest—an acquired taste.
So why are they coming back? Part of it is the growing appreciation for traditional German beer styles. Breweries are realizing that not every beer needs to taste like dessert; some can taste like history. Rauchbiers are also a great example of a beer that pairs beautifully with food. Serve one alongside smoked meats, sausages, or even grilled veggies, and you’ll understand the magic.
Modern takes on Rauchbier are dialing down the intensity of the smoke to make the style more approachable. Some brewers are even blending it with other styles—like a smoked porter or a rauch pilsner—to create something entirely new while still paying homage to the original.
Other Classics Making a Comeback
While West Coast IPAs and Rauchbiers are stealing the spotlight, they’re not the only classics returning to prominence. Here are a few more you might see popping up:
- Amber Ales: Balanced and versatile, amber ales are finding new fans among those tired of overly sweet or overly bitter beers.
- Pilsners: Clean, crisp, and deceptively simple, pilsners are winning over craft beer drinkers who appreciate a well-executed lager.
- ESBs (Extra Special Bitters): Malty, smooth, and perfectly balanced, these British ales are a refreshing change from hop bombs.
- Belgian Tripels: With their fruity esters and spicy phenols, these strong, golden ales are perfect for sipping and savoring.
Why You Should Try Them
So why should you give these classic styles another shot? For one, they’re a palate cleanser. After a steady diet of milkshake IPAs and pastry stouts, a crisp pilsner or bitter West Coast IPA can feel like a breath of fresh air. These beers also showcase the skill of the brewer. With fewer ingredients and no gimmicks to hide behind, every aspect of the beer has to be flawless.
Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about drinking a beer with roots. Classic styles are like stories in a glass, connecting you to the traditions and innovations that shaped the craft beer world.
The Final Sip
The resurgence of classic beer styles is a reminder that great beer doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re sipping a piney West Coast IPA or a smoky Rauchbier, you’re experiencing the best of both worlds: timeless flavors with a modern twist.
So next time you’re scanning the tap list, don’t overlook those old-school styles. They’re back for a reason, and they might just become your new (old) favorite. Cheers to keeping it classic!
