The craft beer scene is booming more than ever in 2024, with breweries from all around the world experimenting with new flavors, ingredients, and techniques. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or a newcomer to the world of craft brews, there are certain commercial beers that stand out this year. From innovative hops to barrel-aging experiments, these beers are redefining the craft beer experience.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the top commercial beers you should taste in 2024. We’ll also discuss how using a ball lock keg at home can enhance your beer experience, allowing you to enjoy these exciting brews with the freshness and quality they deserve.
1. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Hazy Little Thing IPA (Hazy IPA)
Style: Hazy IPA
ABV: 6.7%
Sierra Nevada has been a pioneer in the craft beer world, and their Hazy Little Thing IPA is a standout brew in 2024. Known for its juicy, tropical fruit-forward flavors, this hazy IPA has a smooth, balanced mouthfeel with a slight bitterness to round it off. The combination of Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops gives it an intense, but drinkable, flavor profile that keeps drinkers coming back for more.
Why You Should Taste It: As hazy IPAs continue to be a dominant style, Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing is a perfect example of the genre. It’s packed with juicy flavors, but it remains refreshingly smooth, making it a great choice for IPA lovers.
2. Dogfish Head Brewery - 120 Minute IPA (Imperial IPA)
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 18%
If you're a hophead looking for something intense, Dogfish Head’s 120 Minute IPA is a must-try in 2024. This imperial IPA is brewed with massive amounts of hops and boasts a ridiculously high ABV of 18%. Its rich caramel malt base balances the bitterness from the hops, creating a complex, full-bodied beer that’s perfect for sipping slowly and savoring the layers of flavor.
Why You Should Taste It: With its high ABV and intense hop character, 120 Minute IPA is a beer that demands attention. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most unique and flavorful IPAs you'll ever try.
3. Founders Brewing Co. - All Day IPA (Session IPA)
Style: Session IPA
ABV: 4.7%
For those looking for a more sessionable option, All Day IPA from Founders Brewing Co. remains a classic choice in 2024. This easy-drinking IPA has a lower ABV but still packs a punch with its citrus and pine notes. The malt backbone is light, making it perfect for all-day drinking while still delivering the hop-forward flavor that IPA lovers crave.
Why You Should Taste It: If you enjoy the hop flavors of a traditional IPA but want something you can drink all day, All Day IPA is the perfect choice. Its balance and lower alcohol content make it ideal for outdoor events, barbecues, or just relaxing with friends.
4. Stone Brewing - Stone Enjoy By IPA (Double IPA)
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 9.4%
Stone Brewing's Enjoy By IPA is one of the most anticipated releases in the IPA world, and its Enjoy By series continues to deliver in 2024. This double IPA is loaded with bright citrus and pine flavors from the carefully selected hops, and its higher ABV brings a warm, comforting finish. The beer is meant to be consumed fresh, ensuring you get the most vibrant flavors possible.
Why You Should Taste It: As fresh hop-forward beers continue to dominate, Enjoy By IPA stands out for its boldness and flavor. The concept of brewing with hops that are meant to be enjoyed fresh gives it a unique appeal, making it a must-try for IPA enthusiasts.
5. New Belgium Brewing - Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA (Imperial IPA)
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 9%
New Belgium Brewing's Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA is another excellent choice for hop lovers in 2024. This beer strikes the perfect balance between hops and malt, offering a burst of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit flavors, followed by a sweet malty backbone. The higher ABV adds a slight warmth that rounds out the beer, making it perfect for those who love big, bold flavors.
Why You Should Taste It: Voodoo Ranger has quickly become a fan favorite, thanks to its balanced yet robust flavor profile. It’s a great introduction to imperial IPAs, as it’s both approachable and packed with hop character.
How a Ball Lock Keg Enhances Your Beer Experience
If you’re looking to enjoy these great beers at home, a ball lock keg can help you store, serve, and carbonate your beers with ease. Ball lock kegs are perfect for homebrewers and craft beer enthusiasts who want to keep their beers fresh and on tap. Here’s why a ball lock keg is a great addition to your home:
- Pressure Control: Ball lock kegs allow you to carbonate your beer to the perfect level. Whether you prefer a smooth, light carbonation or a more intense fizz, you can control the pressure to achieve your desired result.
- Freshness: Kegs preserve the freshness of your beer by sealing it and preventing oxidation, which can happen with bottles and cans.
- Convenience: Serving beer from a keg with a tap system is as simple as pulling a handle. No more opening multiple bottles or cans—just pour and enjoy!
- Ideal for Commercial Use at Home: If you’re a fan of craft beer, a ball lock keg is an excellent way to enjoy your favorite commercial brews with the convenience and freshness of a draft system.
5 Recommended Ball Lock Kegs for 2024
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TMCRAFT 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: High-grade stainless steel, pressure-resistant, and perfect for homebrew or commercial beer.
Purchase Link: TMCRAFT 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg -
Kegco 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: Durable, easy to clean, and equipped with a reliable sealing system for maintaining freshness.
Purchase Link: Kegco 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg -
AIO 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: Excellent design for carbonating beer and serving with precision. Ideal for home use or small businesses.
Purchase Link: AIO 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg -
Crafted Kegs 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: Commercial-grade stainless steel keg designed to handle high pressures for carbonation.
Purchase Link: Crafted Kegs 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg -
Fermenters Friend 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: Perfect for carbonating and storing homebrew, with a robust build for years of use.
Purchase Link: Fermenters Friend 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Conclusion
2024 is an exciting year for craft beer, with innovative flavors and new styles dominating the market. From hazy IPAs to rich stouts and barrel-aged brews, there's a wide variety of commercial beers to explore. A ball lock keg is an essential tool for any beer lover who wants to enjoy these beers at home with the freshness and quality they deserve. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just starting out, investing in a ball lock keg will elevate your homebrewing and beer-drinking experience. Cheers to enjoying great craft beer in the comfort of your own home!