Craft Beer Trends We're Watching in 2026

As we move into 2026 the craft beer landscape continues to evolve around drinker preferences and brewer innovation. At Pinthouse we’re watching a handful of trends that matter not just to beer nerds but to everyday folks who want beers that are balanced, refreshing and worth talking about. 

From a renewed focus on classic styles to a celebration of drinkability, these movements are shaping menus and influencing what we brew and pour.

1. The Return of West Coast IPA

After years of haze dominance with juicy, soft New England-style IPAs, drinkers and brewers are rediscovering the appeal of classic West Coast IPA. This style emphasizes clarity, crisp bitterness and piney citrus character that balances hop flavor with a clean finish. Industry observers point to a shift away from haze-only menus toward balanced, more traditional IPA profiles as consumers’ palates evolve. West Coast IPA is back in focus because it offers drinkability and complexity without overwhelming sweetness or haze-induced mouthfeel.

At Pinthouse our Scorpion Disco fits right into this trend. As a modern West Coast IPA with citrus and tropical aromatics from Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin and Citra, it delivers a clean, hop-forward experience that appeals to those who want something crisp and distinctive. It pairs perfectly with our pizzas and wood-fired flavors while also standing tall among our core lineup.

2. Lager Renaissance and Mexican Style Lagers

Craft beer in 2026 is increasingly about drinkability and refreshment. Lagers across the board are seeing renewed interest. The demand for crisp, clean, easy-drinking beers continues to grow as consumers look for sessionable alternatives to big, bold styles. This is reflected in the broad popularity of classic European lagers as well as regionally inspired styles.

Part of this larger lager renaissance is the rise in appreciation for Mexican-style lagers. While often associated with mainstream imports, craft interpretations bring subtle malt sweetness, gentle hop presence and crackery, refreshing character to the table. At Pinthouse our Burro’s Breakfast Mexican-style lager showcases this trend locally with light floral and lime notes that make it perfect for sunny afternoons or pairing with lighter fare like salads or chicken sandwiches.

3. Embracing Your Core Lineup

With so many emerging beer styles and seasonal experiments hitting taps everywhere, there’s equal importance in refining and celebrating your core lineup. Drinkers have shown loyalty to beers they know and love. Craft breweries that maintain a strong set of reliable offerings benefit from deeper brand connection and repeat visits. We’ve seen this play out with Pinthouse’s Core Four beers.

• Electric Jellyfish brings classic hazy IPA vibes with juicy tropical and citrus notes that remain approachable and refreshing.
   
• Training Bines doubles down on juicy hop character with a soft, resinous fruit profile that pairs beautifully with our scratch menu.
   
• Magical Pils continues to be a favorite for those seeking floral, fresh and zesty flavors in a pilsner that bridges tradition and craft creativity.
   
• Scorpion Disco offers a clear and crisp West Coast IPA experience that appeals across different drinker preferences.

Consistently showcasing and promoting your staple beers allows guests to build familiarity and trust. It also gives our brewery team a platform to innovate around a known foundation rather than chase every new fad.

4. Balanced Beer Over Extremes

Another related trend is drinkers favoring balance over extremes. That doesn’t mean big, bold beers aren’t welcome. They absolutely are. But 2026 is seeing menus curated with an eye toward range and contrast rather than one dominating trend. Sessionable pales, clean lagers and thoughtfully hopped IPAs coexist with hazies and stouts in a way that makes the experience richer and more enjoyable.

At Pinthouse we embrace this philosophy in every brew. We want beers that are flavorful, sincere and built for great moments with friends. Whether you’re grabbing a pint with lunch or settling in with a flight at dinner, our lineup reflects craft beer’s most exciting trends for 2026 without sacrificing heart, balance or drinkability.

Here’s to great beer and the trends that help keep it fresh, meaningful and fun. Cheers!