Most Popular Beer Styles Right Now: A Data‑Driven Look at Today’s Craft Beer Trends

From IPAs to Lagers: The Beer Styles Dominating Craft Brewing Today

Introduction

The craft beer world is constantly evolving, but certain styles consistently rise to the top—either through new releases, seasonal demand, or renewed interest from brewers and drinkers alike. By looking at the types of beers most frequently featured on MyBeerBuzz.com, we can get a clear picture of which styles are dominating the landscape today. From hop‑heavy IPAs to oak‑aged lagers, here’s a deep dive into the beer styles currently capturing the most attention.

1. IPAs (India Pale Ales): The Perennial Favorite

IPAs remain the most widely released and discussed style in craft beer. MyBeerBuzz regularly features hop‑forward releases like Oskar Blues Dale’s American IPA, a long‑standing favorite known for its citrus‑pine profile.

Why IPAs Continue to Dominate

Endless hop combinations and experimental blends

Strong consumer demand for bold, aromatic flavors

Sub‑styles like West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA, Cold IPA, and Double IPA keep the category fresh

Even the non‑alcoholic space is leaning into IPA flavor profiles. The HOP WTR Stone IPA collaboration — prominently featured on MyBeerBuzz — shows how hop‑centric beverages are expanding beyond traditional beer.

2. Lagers & Oak‑Aged Lagers: A Return to Craft Fundamentals

Lagers have surged in popularity as drinkers gravitate toward clean, balanced, and sessionable beers. MyBeerBuzz highlights this trend through releases like Firestone Walker’s Oaktoberfest Oak‑Aged Lager, which blends traditional lagering with oak‑aging for added depth.

Why Lagers Are Trending

Crisp, approachable flavor profiles

Breweries investing in longer fermentation and lagering

Renewed appreciation for European styles like Helles, Pilsner, and Vienna Lager

Oak‑aged lagers, in particular, represent a blend of tradition and innovation — a combination that resonates strongly with today’s craft drinker.

3. Stouts & Barrel‑Aged Stouts: Seasonal Heavyweights

Stouts — especially barrel‑aged variants — remain some of the most anticipated seasonal releases. MyBeerBuzz frequently features high‑gravity stouts, including the annual Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout lineup.

Why Stouts Stay Popular

Rich, dessert‑like flavors

Strong association with fall and winter

High collectability and limited‑release hype

Barrel‑aged stouts continue to draw massive attention thanks to their complexity and aging potential.

4. Fruited Ales & Ciders: Flavor‑Forward Crowd Pleasers

Fruit‑driven beverages appear frequently on MyBeerBuzz, signaling strong consumer demand for bright, refreshing flavors. The Portland Cider lineup — featuring Huckleberry Lemonade, English Pub, and Blood Orange Pomegranate — is a prime example.

Why Fruited Styles Are Booming

Approachability for new craft drinkers

Strong performance in warm weather

Versatility across beer, cider, and hybrid categories

Breweries are also experimenting with fruited IPAs and fruited sours, further expanding the category.

5. Festbiers & Seasonal Lagers: Tradition Meets Trend

Seasonal lagers — especially festbiers and Märzens — continue to thrive each fall. MyBeerBuzz’s coverage of Ska’s fall lager release highlights how breweries are elevating traditional styles with modern techniques.

Why Seasonal Lagers Thrive

Strong cultural associations with seasonal lagers

Balanced malt‑forward profiles

Broad appeal across beer drinkers

These beers often serve as gateway styles for those transitioning from macro lagers into craft.

6. Non‑Alcoholic Beers: A Rapidly Growing Category

One of the most notable trends on MyBeerBuzz is the rise of non‑alcoholic craft beverages, including hop‑infused seltzers and NA IPAs. The HOP WTR Stone IPA is a standout example of how NA options are becoming more flavorful and sophisticated.

Why NA Beers Are Exploding

Health‑conscious drinking habits

Better brewing technology

Broader flavor variety than ever before

NA beer is no longer a niche — it’s a major growth segment.

Final Thoughts: What Today’s Popular Beer Styles Reveal

By analyzing the styles most frequently featured on MyBeerBuzz, we get a clear snapshot of what’s resonating with breweries and drinkers right now. IPAs remain the dominant force, but lagers — especially oak‑aged and seasonal variants — are gaining serious traction. Stouts continue to anchor the colder months, fruited beverages are thriving, and non‑alcoholic options are evolving faster than ever.

Craft beer today is defined by diversity, innovation, and a renewed appreciation for tradition. And if MyBeerBuzz’s coverage is any indication, the most popular beer styles reflect a market that’s maturing while still embracing creativity.