The craft beer world never stands still. Each year brings new flavors, brewing innovations, and creative ways for breweries to connect with their communities. At Pina Wine & Spirits, we love keeping an eye on what’s coming next—because we know our Kansas City customers are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest brews.

So, what can you expect in 2025? From bold flavors to sustainable practices, here are the craft beer trends we predict will shape the year ahead.

1. The Rise of Sessionable Craft Beers

After years of high-ABV double IPAs dominating the scene, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of “sessionable” craft beers. These are lighter in alcohol (typically under 5%) but still packed with flavor.

• Why it matters: Perfect for social gatherings where you want to enjoy a few beers without feeling weighed down.
• Examples: Craft lagers, Kölsch-style beers, and low-ABV IPAs.
• Prediction: Expect to see more Kansas City breweries embracing approachable, easy-drinking beers designed for broad appeal.

2. Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Goes Mainstream

In recent years, non-alcoholic beer has gone from a niche product to a major player in the craft world. With new brewing techniques, today’s NA beers deliver authentic flavor without compromise.

• Why it’s trending: Health-conscious consumers and “sober curious” lifestyles are driving demand.
• 2025 Prediction: More breweries will release NA versions of flagship beers, giving customers greater choice without sacrificing taste.

3. Experimental Flavors & Hybrid Styles

Craft brewers are known for pushing boundaries, and 2025 will be no exception. Expect to see more hybrid styles that blend beer categories or even cross over into other beverage traditions.

• Coffee-infused IPAs
• Fruited sours with tropical twists
• “Wine-beer hybrids” aged in oak barrels
• Tea and botanical-inspired brews

 

At Pina Wine & Spirits, we’re already seeing interest in unique flavor mashups, especially among younger beer enthusiasts.

4. Sustainable Brewing Practices

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming a standard. Breweries are finding ways to reduce water usage, recycle heat from brewing processes, and source local ingredients.

• Consumer expectation: Customers are looking for breweries that care about their environmental footprint.
• 2025 Trend: Look for more labels highlighting eco-friendly brewing, organic hops, and recyclable packaging.

5. The Return of Classic Beer Styles

While experimentation is exciting, there’s also a growing appreciation for classic, timeless beer styles.

• Pilsners and amber ales are making a comeback.
• Brown ales are being rediscovered for their smooth malt character.
• Stouts and porters continue to be winter favorites.

 

Breweries are learning that while customers love to try new things, they also crave comfort and familiarity.

6. Craft Beer & Food Pairings Take Off

2025 is expected to bring more emphasis on beer as a dining companion. Similar to how wine has long been paired with food, craft beer is stepping into the spotlight for culinary experiences.

• Breweries are hosting beer pairing dinners.
• Restaurants are offering curated craft beer lists alongside menus.
• Customers are learning that an IPA can pair just as beautifully with spicy tacos as a Sauvignon Blanc.

 

This is an exciting area where Pina Wine & Spirits can guide you—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning the perfect barbecue.

7. Local Pride & Regional Beer Scenes

One of the biggest ongoing trends in craft beer is supporting local breweries. In Kansas City and across Missouri, beer lovers are choosing to back their hometown breweries.

• Prediction: Hyper-local collaborations between breweries, coffee roasters, and even distilleries will be huge in 2025.
• Why it matters: Customers want to feel connected to their community through their beer choices.

8. Tech Meets Craft Beer

Technology is shaping the way breweries connect with customers. Expect to see:

• QR codes on cans linking to brewing stories and tasting notes
• Augmented reality (AR) labels for interactive experiences
• Apps that let customers track and review their beer journeys

 

This blend of craft and tech is making the beer experience more engaging than ever before.

9. Lighter, Brighter Packaging

The look of craft beer is also evolving. Cans are becoming works of art, with brighter colors, minimalist fonts, and designs that reflect both fun and sustainability.

• Expect eco-friendly packaging to be a major selling point.
• Breweries are focusing on storytelling through design.

10. The “Craft Cocktail Beer” Trend

Beer and cocktails are merging in surprising ways. Some breweries are experimenting with beer brewed to mimic cocktail flavors, such as:

• Margarita-inspired sours
• Mojito-style wheat beers
• Old Fashioned–inspired barrel-aged ales

 

This crossover is exciting for adventurous drinkers who want the creativity of a cocktail with the drinkability of a beer.

Quick Answers 

What type of craft beer is most popular in 2025?
Sessionable beers and non-alcoholic craft beers are among the top trends, along with experimental hybrid styles.

Are IPAs still popular in 2025?
Yes, but lighter IPAs and fruited IPAs are trending more than heavy double IPAs.

What is a sessionable beer?
A sessionable beer has lower alcohol content (under 5%) and is designed for easy drinking without losing flavor.

Is non-alcoholic craft beer worth trying?
Absolutely! Modern NA beers taste just like their alcoholic counterparts and are great for health-conscious drinkers.

What’s the best food to pair with craft beer?
IPAs pair with spicy foods, stouts go well with desserts, and lagers are perfect with pizza or burgers.

Expert Tip from Pina Wine & Spirits

At Pina Wine & Spirits, we’re always updating our selection to reflect the latest craft beer trends. Whether you’re into bold IPAs, smooth stouts, or the newest non-alcoholic brews, we can help you find the perfect fit for your taste and occasion.

Stop by any of our Kansas City-area locations to explore what’s new—and ask our staff for pairing recommendations.

Final Thoughts

Craft beer in 2025 is all about balance—balancing bold experimentation with a return to classic styles, balancing indulgence with healthier options, and balancing local pride with global creativity.

At Pina Wine & Spirits, we’re excited to bring you the latest craft beer trends, support local breweries, and help you discover your next favorite brew.

Raise a glass to 2025—it’s going to be a great year for craft beer lovers!