Why NA Beer Might Be the Most Overrated Style in 2025

I’ve chatted with beer pros, and the consensus? NA beer is overrated! Let's dive into why it falls short of craft beer's brilliance.

The Trouble with NA Beer

As a self-proclaimed beer enthusiast, I often find myself pondering the evolving landscape of our beloved brews. NA beer has emerged as a significant trend over the past few years, riding on the wave of health consciousness. Yet, many within the industry feel that its rise might be more about trends than quality. When I asked industry experts what they thought was overrated, NA beer topped their lists—and for good reason.

Gary Rogers from True North Ale Company put it bluntly: most NA beers simply don’t reflect the craftsmanship we crave in the world of brewing. They lack the depth and character that define great beers. In his words, “If drinking public settles for mediocre NA options, it risks defining our craft standards.” This sentiment resonates with me; drinking should be about celebrating flavor and creativity, not settling for less.

So why are we even considering a style that doesn’t offer what makes craft beer so enjoyable? Perhaps it’s time to shift our focus back to those vibrant flavors and stories behind each brew.

Lagers: A Love-Hate Relationship

Let’s talk about lagers—a category that holds a special place in many hearts but also finds itself under scrutiny. Jonny Ifergan from Niteglow Beer Company argues against lagers made with imported malts. He believes that American maltsters have made remarkable strides in recent years, highlighting unique terroirs in their offerings. I’ve had my share of lagers crafted from local ingredients, and let me tell you—they can sing! There’s something truly special about enjoying a lager brewed from locally sourced malts that really connects you to place.

On the flip side, I also get where some brewers come from when they express frustration at how lagers are often misrepresented by those simply jumping on trends without understanding their roots. It’s a delicate balance between honoring tradition and innovating within it.

The Celebrity Light Lager Fad

And then there’s the phenomenon of celebrity light lagers—it seems every other week another famous face hops into brewing! Chase Healey from American Solera sees this trend as a cash grab rather than a genuine contribution to craft beer culture. Personally, I feel like these celebrity brands often lack substance and tend to overshadow smaller breweries that pour heart and soul into their offerings.

I remember trying one of these celebrity brews at a gathering only to find myself underwhelmed; it was light on flavor and heavy on hype. It left me wondering how much better my experience would have been with a local craft lager instead.

Hazy IPAs: Overhyped or Just Different?

Now onto something a bit more contentious: hazy IPAs. Many brewers believe they’re overrated due to their overwhelming popularity leading to similar-tasting brews flooding the market. Erica Sorenseon from Wandering Leaf Brewing makes an intriguing point: if you want to test your brewing skills, try crafting a crystal-clear lager instead of hiding behind haze.

My first encounter with a hazy IPA was magical—the tropical aromas were intoxicating! But after trying several iterations from various breweries, I began to notice similarities across them all. It makes you appreciate those brewers who strive for uniqueness amidst a sea of sameness.

The Problem with Over-hopped IPAs

And then we have over-hopped IPAs, which some argue compromise flavor complexity for sheer hop intensity. Mike Bracco emphasizes finding balance rather than just cramming every hop variety into one brew. From my experience experimenting with homebrewing, I’ve found that moderation can lead to truly exceptional flavors; sometimes less is more!

When tasting an IPA overflowing with hop varieties, you risk losing sight of what makes each hop unique—its distinct aromas and tastes can get lost in translation.

Crafting Conversations Over Ratings

In today’s digital age, many people rely heavily on platforms like Untappd for ratings before making decisions on what beers to try next—a practice Emily Brown critiques as limiting our palates. She encourages swapping labels and engaging in blind tastings to truly discover what we love without bias.

Reflecting on my own experiences at craft beer festivals, there’s nothing quite like sharing opinions over pints while discovering hidden gems that don’t boast high ratings yet taste incredible! Conversations enhance our experiences far beyond numerical scores can convey.

A New Perspective on Craft Beer Styles

Finally, let’s keep an open mind about what we consider ‘overrated.’ Trevor Walls notes how many breweries now focus on proven sellers just to survive in this competitive market—a reality that can redefine perceptions about styles altogether.
While some beers may seem overrated today because of market saturation or trends fading away tomorrow—let’s appreciate quality wherever we find it!

FAQ About Overrated Beer Styles

What makes NA beer considered overrated?

Most NA beers lack quality and creativity compared to traditional craft options; they don’t showcase the artistry brewers put into their work.

Why are celebrity light lagers viewed negatively by some?

They are often seen as cash grabs lacking substance while overshadowing genuine craft efforts by local breweries.

Are hazy IPAs really overrated?

Many argue they taste similar across brands and don’t showcase true brewing skill; others love them for their unique flavors!

Photo by Sergey Vinogradov on Unsplash