Craft beer continues to evolve and surprise beer lovers with exciting new flavors, styles, and brewing techniques. As we move into 2024, breweries around the world are releasing innovative brews that showcase their creativity and passion for craft brewing. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or a casual drinker, there’s something special about discovering a craft beer that stands out.
In this blog, we’ll explore 5 top craft beers of 2024 that are gaining popularity among beer connoisseurs. Plus, we’ll discuss how mini kegs can enhance your beer-drinking experience and help you enjoy these unique brews from the comfort of your home.
1. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - Bam Biere (American Farmhouse Ale)
Style: American Farmhouse Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Brewed by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Bam Biere is a light, refreshing farmhouse ale that’s perfect for any occasion. This beer has a unique tartness from the wild yeast used in fermentation, giving it a slight funkiness that pairs beautifully with its crisp malt backbone. The subtle spice and citrus notes make it a perfect choice for hot summer days or pairing with light foods like salads, seafood, or cheese.
Why It’s Popular in 2024: With the growing interest in wild-fermented beers, Bam Biere stands out as a well-balanced and approachable example of American farmhouse ale. The low ABV makes it an easy-drinking choice for all-day sipping.
2. Dogfish Head Brewery - 60 Minute IPA (India Pale Ale)
Style: IPA
ABV: 6%
60 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head Brewery is a classic in the IPA category and continues to hold its place as one of the top craft beers in 2024. Known for its intense hop bitterness balanced with malt sweetness, this IPA features notes of pine, citrus, and earthy herbs. With a moderate alcohol content, it’s a perfect IPA for both casual drinkers and hop enthusiasts alike.
Why It’s Popular in 2024: As IPA lovers seek a balance between bitterness and drinkability, 60 Minute IPA offers a consistent and satisfying brew that never goes out of style. The perfect gateway IPA for those new to the style.
3. Stone Brewing - Stone IPA (India Pale Ale)
Style: IPA
ABV: 6.9%
Stone Brewing’s Stone IPA is an iconic west coast IPA that remains one of the best in the game. With a bold hop profile and flavors of pine, citrus, and tropical fruit, this beer is packed with hops but retains a smooth finish. It’s a quintessential example of the American IPA style, and one that continues to define the genre in 2024.
Why It’s Popular in 2024: West coast IPAs have been making a big comeback, and Stone IPA remains a leader in the pack. Its bitterness and crispness are perfect for drinkers who appreciate bold, hop-forward beers.
4. Founders Brewing Co. - KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 12%
A rich, decadent imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels, KBS from Founders Brewing Co. has become a cult favorite. Known for its layers of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and oak, this brew is thick and full-bodied, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and bourbon warmth. The 2024 release continues to uphold its reputation as one of the best stouts in the world.
Why It’s Popular in 2024: Barrel-aged stouts remain a hot trend, and KBS continues to wow beer lovers with its complexity and richness. This is the beer for special occasions or a true craft beer indulgence.
5. Tired Hands Brewing Co. - Alien Church (IPA)
Style: IPA
ABV: 6.6%
Alien Church from Tired Hands Brewing Co. is a standout hazy IPA that’s been a fan favorite for years. It’s packed with juicy citrus and tropical fruit flavors, along with a soft, smooth mouthfeel. This New England-style IPA has a slightly cloudy appearance due to the abundance of hops and oats, giving it a silky, luscious body that drinkers can’t get enough of.
Why It’s Popular in 2024: As the hazy IPA trend continues to thrive, Alien Church remains a leader in this category. Its juicy, hop-forward flavors and smooth finish make it a perfect beer for hop lovers who want a flavorful, easy-drinking experience.
How Mini Kegs Enhance Your Craft Beer Experience
If you're a fan of craft beer and love the idea of enjoying a variety of brews at home, investing in a mini keg is a game-changer. Mini kegs allow you to store and serve your favorite beers on tap, giving you a professional bar experience right in your living room.
Here are a few reasons why mini kegs are great for craft beer lovers:
- Freshness: Mini kegs help preserve the freshness and flavor of your craft beer by keeping it sealed and away from light. This helps maintain the integrity of the beer, especially for hoppy brews like IPAs.
- Convenience: No need to open multiple bottles when you can pour from a keg. A mini keg is portable, and it allows you to serve your craft beer straight from the tap.
- Versatility: Mini kegs can be used for more than just beer. You can carbonate cocktails, soda, and even nitro coffee, giving you endless options for experimentation.
5 Mini Kegs for Craft Beer Lovers
If you're ready to take your craft beer game to the next level, here are five mini kegs worth considering:
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TMCRAFT 128oz double walled Mini Keg
Features: Durable stainless steel construction, double-walled insulation, ideal for storing and serving craft beer.
Purchase Link: TMCRAFT 128oz double walled Mini Keg -
Kegco 5L Mini Keg
Features: Easy-to-use design with a CO2 charger, perfect for keeping your beer fresh and carbonated.
Purchase Link: Kegco 5L Mini Keg -
AIO 5L Mini Keg
Features: Compact and portable, this mini keg comes with a tap and CO2 system, ideal for home use.
Purchase Link: AIO 5L Mini Keg -
Crafted Beer Kegs 5L Mini Keg
Features: Perfect for craft beer enthusiasts, this keg is built to preserve the quality of your beer.
Purchase Link: Crafted Beer Kegs 5L Mini Keg -
Fermenter’s Friend 5L Mini Keg
Features: A high-quality stainless steel keg designed for homebrewers, ideal for storing and serving homebrewed craft beer.
Purchase Link: Fermenter’s Friend 5L Mini Keg
Conclusion
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for craft beer enthusiasts, with a wide range of innovative and delicious brews hitting the market. Whether you're a fan of IPAs, stouts, or farmhouse ales, there’s a craft beer out there for every taste. And with the help of a mini keg, you can enjoy these beers fresh and on tap at home. Cheers to discovering new favorites and enhancing your craft beer experience!