Have we moved beyond fruit infused IPAs?

“…is fruit IPAs still very big/popular/growing?”

Anecdotally fruited IPAs seem to be a growing style.

Some examples (some I have discussed recently in other threads):

· Sierra Nevada recently introduced a new year round beer of Sidecar (brewed with oranges).

· Stone for 2017 has a new year round beer of Stone Tangerine Express IPA

· Anchor for 2017 has a new year round beer of Blackberry Daze IPA

There are likely other example I could find via further research.

How many examples are needed for it to be a trend? I think the wise owl would say “three”.

Cheers!

 

I just say no. I don't drink fruit IPA's. At all.

 

Here's to hoping, but I doubt it will go away anytime soon.

 

I hope so.

 

Had no idea this was a "thing" as far as actual beer geeks go

 

Sure doesn't seem like it a dying style to me.

The aforementioned Sidecar and Stone Tangerine, Sierra Nevada Tropical IPA, the multitude of flavored BP Sculpins, Boulevard Tropical, and New Belgium Citradelic are a half dozen examples of the bigger craft (or craft-owned arms of the macros) putting out year-round fruited IPA variants in the last year or so

Perhaps with the "mainstream" of craft guys filling the flavored IPA niche, the smaller places won't bother (either because demand is otherwise satisfied, or the concept becomes passe' with the market being flooded)

So in my opinion it is far from dead, but there might be a shift in where you get your fruited IPAs, if that it your thing (I tend to like them).

 

But a single person does not define a market. For example, millions of craft beer drinkers are drinking beers like Fat Tire, Boston Lager,...

I would be willing to bet that you don't drink these beers either but that will not change things from a beer market perspective.

Cheers!

 

Another great example!

From a recent article:

“New Belgium co-founder Kim Jordan credited a strategy of innovating with beers such as Citradelic Tangerine IPA, which she said was the No. 1 craft launch of last year,…’

https://www.bevnet.com/magazine/issue/2017/over-the-hill

Cheers!

 

Tropical Torpedo is not a fruited IPA. Just a regular IPA with hops only.

 

Bill, what are your thoughts about:

“…is fruit IPAs still very big/popular/growing?”

Cheers!

 

I'll let everyone know when my thirst for Grapefruit Sculpin diminishes... don't hold your breath though

 

You must have a BIG piggy-bank!!

Cheers to BIG piggy-banks!!

 

Well, the category as a whole is still growing as new drinkers are discovering fruited beers.
According to IRI data, some of the fastest growing beers last year have been fruited spins on styles. As long as those categories keep expanding brewers will continue to enter the market with other fruited styles.

If I had to guess (this is me, as in my personal opinion, not the brewery talking) I'd guess that the trend will fade this year with only the strongest brands remaining in a few years time.

 

Personally, the only one I've had that was good was stone's tangerine express IPA. Plus it only comes in a bomber, for a near lagunitas price point. I would say the big guys don't think it's over already. Plus, for the big guys, they have to deal with time, (distribution, shelf life) therefore since neipas can't stand up to time, maybe for now that's the only way for the big guys to go.

 

That is useful data. Thanks for sharing.

That is as good a guess as any. If I had a good memory I will follow up with you a year from now on this topic. The good news for you is that I do not have that good of a memory.

Cheers!

 

Define "we"

I recall this being asked before in some other thread and I recall saying something to the effect of it not being a big thing. Shortly after that I noticed more and more fruit infused beers and articles talking about how big of a trend it was. So within this echo chamber I'd say yes "we" are over it, outside in the real world it seems popular and probably won't diminish any time soon IMHO. People like what people like, personally I find the infused beers too fruity vs. hops that add a subtle fruit note.

 

Give this man a Gold Star!!

Cheers!

 

It undoubtedly adds a dimension. Of the dozen or so I've tried some were rather nice.

 

Regrettably, just because I still love it does't mean I can always afford it!!