The beer industry has always been a dynamic landscape, but as we move through this new year, 2025 beer trends are emerging. Rapid innovation and shifting consumer demands are taking center stage, especially in New England. Known for its robust craft beer culture, the New England region has a history of pushing boundaries while remaining firmly rooted in beloved traditions like hazy IPAs and classic lagers.
From an increased emphasis on sustainable practices to the rise of non-alcoholic brews, breweries throughout New England are preparing for new frontiers in craft beer. In this post, we’ll explore the key trends that are shaping the future of brewing and highlight how Brickyard Hollow is positioning itself to stay ahead of the curve.
2025 Beer Trends #1: Emphasis on Traditional Styles
Consumer Renewed Interest in Classic Brewing Styles
Despite the popularity of innovative beers with bold flavor experiments—like pastry stouts and smoothie sours—there’s a strong and growing segment of craft beer enthusiasts who are gravitating back toward more approachable, classic beer styles. Think crisp lagers, earthy brown ales, malty ambers, and balanced pale ales. Why the renewed interest? Many consumers want something reliable, familiar, and easy-drinking. A classic pilsner or an authentic Kolsch can often be just as appealing (if not more so) than the latest barrel-aged triple-fruit sour.
Brickyard Hollow’s Focus on Tradition
At Brickyard Hollow, we’ve always prided ourselves on delivering consistent, authentic flavors through time-honored brewing techniques. While we do have fun with special releases and seasonal beers, much of our core lineup remains tried-and-true staples. From our Trestle IPA (a hazy yet classic New England IPA) to our Pratt’s Brook Pilsner (a crisp, refreshing lager that embodies German beer heritage), our philosophy has been about balance and quality. You can view our range of traditional and experimental offerings on the Brickyard Hollow Beer List.
2025 Beer Trends #2: Ingredient Transparency and Sustainability
The Demand for Ethical Brewing
Sustainability has become a defining theme for virtually every industry, and craft beer is no exception. Increasingly, consumers care about where their ingredients come from, how they’re produced, and whether breweries are minimizing waste. This push for transparency extends beyond the beer itself—customers also look at the energy consumption of brew facilities, packaging methods, and the overall carbon footprint a brewery leaves behind.
Local Sourcing and Earth-Friendly Initiatives
One of the best ways to reduce environmental impact is to source ingredients locally. Grains and hops produced in Maine, for instance, often have a smaller carbon footprint than those shipped from overseas. Buying local also supports regional farmers and fosters a sense of community. Beyond sourcing, breweries are implementing water conservation techniques, energy-efficient brewing systems, and eco-friendly packaging (like biodegradable can holders).
Brickyard Hollow’s Commitment
Here at Brickyard Hollow, we keep community and sustainability at the core of our operations. We often collaborate with local producers to ensure that our ingredients are fresh, high-quality, and responsibly grown. Additionally, we sponsor and participate in local events that promote environmental stewardship.
Learn more about how we give back—and how we’re continually refining our sustainability practices—by checking out our Community Involvement page.
2025 Beer Trends #3: Non-Alcoholic and Low-ABV Options
Health-Conscious Consumers Are on the Rise
As more people adopt wellness-driven lifestyles, non-alcoholic (NA) and low-ABV beers are seeing substantial growth. This shift has been evident for several years, but experts predict that by 2025, this category will experience even more expansion. Whether due to health reasons, personal preference, or the desire to enjoy beer without the buzz, consumers want more inclusive beverage options.
Flavor Profiles in NA and Low-ABV Beers
Gone are the days when non-alcoholic beer was synonymous with a dull, watery lager. Breweries now employ advanced brewing and dealcoholization methods to craft complex, robust NA and low-ABV beers. Expect to see IPAs with strong hop aromas, stouts with rich, roasty malts, and even fruit-forward sours that pack all the flavor without the alcohol content.
Potential Offerings at Brickyard Hollow
While Brickyard Hollow hasn’t yet fully launched a dedicated non-alcoholic or low-ABV line, we’re certainly open to exploring these avenues as consumer demand continues to rise. Our brewers are experimenting with recipes that could provide the same depth and character you’ve come to expect from our core beers—just with a lower alcohol profile. Stay tuned on our social channels and taprooms to see if and when these special offerings debut.
2025 Beer Trends #4: Cannabis-Infused Beverages
Market Growth and Consumer Interest
An emerging trend we can’t ignore is the rise of cannabis-infused beverages. According to SUPERMARKET NEWS, this segment is anticipated to reach $2.8 billion this year. This surge is fueled in part by consumers looking for alternative “wellness” drinks that bring unique flavor profiles and potential benefits associated with cannabis compounds like CBD and THC. In many markets, these beverages are pitched as calming or health-oriented alternatives to alcoholic drinks.
Regional Developments in New England
Closer to home, breweries in New England are beginning to explore the cannabis space. For instance, Thomas Hooker Brewing in Connecticut recently introduced a hemp-derived THC seltzer, making it the first brewery in the state licensed to sell such products. These developments illustrate the growing openness of regional brewers to expand their product portfolios beyond traditional beer.
Brickyard Hollow’s Potential
To date, Brickyard Hollow has not ventured into cannabis-infused beverages, and we have no plans to do so. Nonetheless, we’re keeping an eye on this fast-evolving market. It’s important to us that any product we offer meets our high standards for quality, safety, and community values. Today, that means not brewing cannabis-infused brews, but as regulations improve and mature, this could change.
The Bottom Line
The New England beer scene has always been a microcosm of innovation, tradition, and community values. As we look ahead to 2025, expect to see more breweries returning to classic beer styles, embracing sustainable production methods, experimenting with lower-alcohol and even non-alcoholic options, and contemplating ventures into cannabis-infused beverages. Brickyard Hollow stands ready to navigate these emerging trends while staying true to our roots—brewing exceptional beer that brings people together.
Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur, a casual drinker, or a curious newcomer, we invite you to keep an eye on how Brickyard Hollow evolves alongside these industry trends. Visit our Beer List, check out our Community Involvement efforts, and stop by one of our taprooms to taste what’s new. The future of beer is unfolding right here in New England—and it’s never been more exciting.