The Beer Connoisseur® / EARLY SUMMER 2026, Issue 84
Issue 84 catches beer at a particularly interesting crossroads, where old rituals, modern headaches, and fresh opportunities keep colliding in the glass. Inside, we explore the outdated “Stone Age” tech still holding back modern brewing, the rise of craft beer conglomerates, the looming crackdown on THC beverages, and the end of automatic beer price hikes. The issue also takes a proper look at Pinthouse Brewing’s Electric Jellyfish, along with World Class Beer Highlights on Brewery Ommegang’s Rare Vos and Firestone Walker’s Wookey Jack.
Chris Guest – Managing Editor
MAGAZINE STORIES
The State of Craft 2026
Looking back on 2025, the rather dreary numbers about a steady decline in the consumption of craft beer, as well as beer in general, were concerning enough.
Top Emerging Beer Style Trends for 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, brewers, bar managers, and beer drinkers alike are looking back at the past year.
The Best Breweries of 2025
Each year, we acknowledge the breweries that collectively produced the highest-rated beers as evaluated in our Official Review.
Top 100 Beers of 2025
Each year, we collect the highest-scoring beers evaluated in the Official Review and compile them into a definitive list of the finest examples.
2026 Beer and Beverage Trends
In the beer land, the only constant is change.
Triple C Brewing Co. Head Brewer Garry McShane Talks Planet Pulp
96 Rating – Exceptional
Goldfinger Brewing Co. Owner and Brewer Tom Beckmann Talks Goldfinger Original Lager
96 Rating -Exceptional
Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Head Brewer Logan Ackerley Talks No Frills Pils
96 Rating – Exceptional
Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Head Brewer Logan Ackerley Talks Kroon
96 Rating – Exceptional
Pure Project Brewing Co-Founder and Brewer Winslow Sawyer Talks Planifolia
96 Rating – Exceptional
Human Robot Head Brewer and Partner Andrew Foss Talks Hallertau Pils
96 Rating – Exceptional
Kishwaukee Brewing Co. President and Brewmaster Dan Payson Talks Bufflehead Brown Ale
Rating 97 – Exceptional
EDITOR’S PICKS
Beer Spotlight: Voodoo Brewing’s “Very Old” Barrel-Aged Box Set
We’re all in the thick of the holidays, and with it the chaos of family visits, wrapping gifts, and forgetting to move the Elf, among other things.
A Canny Response to Craft Beer’s Downturn Turned Upside Down
In a year’s time, the question of “Cannabis in a can?” may be defunct thanks to an overnight change in the Farm Bill law regulating consumable hemp products.
13 Irresistible Christmas Cocktails for the Holiday Season
From the Mistletoe Mojito to the Cranberry Moscow Mule, these festive recipes will make your taste buds tingle with joy.
Frost and Foam: A Winter Meditation on Beer and Backpacking
I was in my early twenties the first time I experienced a “summit beer” – a tradition that involves carrying a pint to the top of a chosen mountain before cracking it open in celebration of the day’s accomplishments.
Notes on American Beer From an Englishman
There was a time when I was almost entirely dismissive of what one might loosely call “the beer scene” in the United States.
BEER EDUCATION
How Hibernating Yeast is Advancing Cancer Research
Beer yeast microbes have a surprising survival strategy up their sleeve to deal with food shortages: they hibernate.
Does the Taste of Guinness Really Vary By Bar? I Went to Ireland to Find Out
Is Guinness really better in Dublin? One pint-chasing writer hits Ireland’s most iconic pubs to find out if the perfect pour truly makes the difference—or if it’s just Irish lore.
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SPIRITS INDUSTRY
BIATCH Tequila Expands to 20 States Through Reyes Beverage Group Partnership
BIATCH Tequila is expanding its reach through a new partnership with Reyes Beverage Group.
For World Whisky Day 2026, MPF and Sullivans Cove Create Navigator Single Malt Whisky
Miroma Project Factory and Sullivans Cove Distillery have joined forces to create Navigator – a limited-run single malt whisky.
Gin 1689 Launches Dutch Orange Gin Inspired by a 17th-Century Recipe
Gin 1689 is unveiling a new product in its line the 1689 Dutch Orange Gin.
CANNABIS INDUSTRY
High Profile Opens New Cannabis Dispensary in Manchester, Connecticut with Drive-Thru Service
C3 Industries has opened a new High Profile Cannabis Shop in Manchester, Connecticut, expanding its presence in the state.
From Lifeline to Liability: The Looming Crackdown on THC Beverages
As craft beer and breweries see a historic decline heading into the heart of 2026, hemp-derived THC beverages have stepped in and seen a huge surge in popularity.
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DRINKS INDUSTRY
Winners of the Northwest Cider Cup 2026 Announced
The winners of the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup have been announced, recognizing some of the.
Health-Ade Kombucha Teams Up with Lindsay Lohan for Bold New Wellness Campaign
Health-Ade Kombucha is debuting an energetic new ad campaign with actress and wellness advocate Lindsay.
Introducing SWRL: The 3.7% ABV, Zero-Sugar Makgeolli Seltzer with Just 89 Calories
Key Takeaways SWRL is bringing its Makgeolli hard seltzer concept to the U.
Stem Ciders Introduces Stem Zero: A Refreshing Alcohol-Free Craft Cider
The cider is a refreshing, alcohol-free option with vibrant flavors, low calories, and prebiotic benefits, offering all the taste with none of the booze.
WINE
National Wine Day 2026 in Chișinău Showcases Moldova’s Wineries and Growing Wine Tourism
Chișinău will once again become the centerpiece of Moldova’s wine scene as National Wine Day.
Wine Market Council Debuts Private AI Assistant Powered by Brown Bacon AI
Wine Market Council has partnered with Brown Bacon AI to launch a secure, brand-trained AI.
Commonwealth Wine School Launches Champagne Specialist Certification Program in Cambridge and San Francisco
Wine professionals and enthusiasts are getting a rare opportunity to expand their knowledge through a.
Wine School of Philadelphia Expands Teaching Capacity as Enrollment Grows
The Wine School of Philadelphia is expanding in response to the growing demand for its semester-based.
Butter Wines Unveils ButterLight Chardonnay in Convenient New Cans
Butter Wines, the number one best-selling premium SKU of Chardonnay1, is riding the wave of.
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BEVERAGE INDUSTRY
Elite Robots Launches RoboBarista, a Robot That Serves Fully Autonomous Coffee in High-Traffic Spaces
Elite Robots today announced the addition of RoboBarista to its line of automation offerings, a robot that serves fully autonomous coffee for high-volume commercial environments.
Spiked Pop Review: A Botanical Take on Hard Soda by Owl’s Brew
I must admit, I am definitely a fan of soda (and fizzy beverages in general).
BLOGS
From Pub Nights to Mobile Screens: The Growing Popularity of Bingo Gaming
Bingo is a game that has been known for centuries and is incredibly popular amongst.
What Your Favorite Beer Style Says About You
For all the beer connoisseurs, there’s a style that they always go back to.
THC Drinks vs. Edibles vs. Vapes: Which One Is Right for Your Lifestyle
Just 10 years ago, there were really only two choices: smoke it or not.
Why Beer and Basketball are the Perfect Combination
The beer industry is booming.
What Craft Beer and Online Slots Have in Common: Variety, Discovery, and the Perfect Pick
But if you talk to one of the craft beer lovers, you’ll get into a.
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