Forget IPAs for a Moment and Think of Something More… Refreshing.

Yes, the new beer wave that’s sweeping across the globe is going far beyond the traditional bitterness. Industry experts point out that the next big trend is in lightness, freshness, and styles that, at first glance, might not seem like the main stars — but have everything it takes to win hearts (and palates).

Belgian Witbier: Freshness with European Charm

You know that light beer with creamy foam, hints of clove, banana, and a citrusy touch at the end? Well, witbier is being pointed out as one of the styles with the most potential right now — especially in warmer climates.

Adrian Tierney Jones, author and beer competition judge, emphasized that this style needs a good strategy to shine in bars. “Nobody orders a witbier out of the blue, so it needs to be presented as something light, refreshing, and visually appealing, just like Hoegaarden did in the ’90s.”

In other words: a beautiful glass, smart marketing, and a good story behind it make all the difference for this rising star.

Dark Lagers: The Return of the “Serious Beers”

Jules Gray, from Hop Hideout, shared that she’s been receiving constant praise for her dark lagers. That’s right: dark lagers are becoming favorites for those who crave flavor with smoothness.

According to her, Guinness helped re-educate the consumer palate. “Today, a lot of people ask for dark beer all year round, it’s no longer a seasonal thing. When I put a dark lager on tap, people react with an ‘ooooh’ of delight.”

This type of beer offers the best of both worlds: the complexity of toasted malts with the refreshing qualities of a good lager.

The Strength of Belgian Styles Outside Belgium

Bill Simmons, a consultant and beer competition judge, pointed out that more and more countries are brewing Belgian styles with high quality — and it’s no accident.

“Today, breweries outside Belgium are mastering these recipes. This shows how brewing techniques have evolved and are spreading worldwide.”

For attentive brewers, this is a golden opportunity: revive classic styles, adapt them to local tastes, and surprise those tired of the same old labels.

Whether it’s a chilled witbier on a late afternoon or a dark lager that wraps the palate with smoothness, the new generation of styles promises to please both beginners and connoisseurs. The future of beer isn’t just in the new; it’s in reinventing the classics with freshness and personality.