Low ABV/ABW High taste and quality beers next big thing?

I think this is a unique and fantastic idea! You better act fast though; I saw this beer O'Doul's that was less than 1% abv! Looks like they're getting in on the ground floor of this hot trend.

 

This has been the "next big thing" for four years running, hasn't happened and I dont think it will take off.

 

That low(er) abv/abw beer would have to be exceptionally tasty or interesting for me to spend money on if it's projected to be <4%. But then again, I don't like drinking/having to chug a lot of weaker beer.

My "ABV as a metric for measuring beer" in addition to other qualities:
<5% - poor
5-7% - fair, worth a first try
7-9% - good, worth drinking more and more frequently, can drink multiples no problem
9-11% - very good, slow down and tend to enjoy the beer more, drink several but not as many
>11% - excellent, likely a special beer to savor, unlikely to have more than 1 or 2

**if the tiers are reminiscent of consumer reports you'd be correct

 

I'm a huge fan of BrewDog's Dead Pony Club... That beer is something like 3.5 or 4% and I found it to be really damn good. So I say yes, ABV doesn't matter to me all that much. I'll drink it if it's low, high or anywhere in between. I think impressive beers can come out of every perspective also and not just a beers ABV.

 

I know there is a place for American session beer. I doubt it's ever going to become the dominant craft style, but it's nice to have the option.

 

I don't think you can get all that much flavor out of beer without a high enough alcohol content. It will end up tasting watery compared to most offerings.

 

I would like to see a lot more of these, but I can't really justify paying $10 a sixer though.

 

Not sure if I'm picking up what you're putting down, but if you're discounting the opportunity for brilliant flavour in a beverage <5%, you're off the mark. Massively. ABV is only a consequence when drinking beer, it should never be an objective. And if it is, you're doing it wrong.

 

Your opinion regarding ABV is just that. If I buy a 6 pack of 10% ABV beer, it is going to last a hell of a lot longer than a 6 pack of 4% ABV beer. So ABV is not an objective, but is certainly a consideration for some people when making a beer purchase. It's certainly not the only consideration, but to say that I am 'doing it wrong' is a little narrow minded on your part, IMO.

 

I think the only way low ABV brews ever take off in the American craft brew scene is if the are priced well below their stronger counterparts. Something like $6 a sixer.

 

I like this idea, but Americanized - I could see more breweries pulling off a Founders All Day IPA or Lagunitas Daytime IPA, both of which are solid beers, a lot of hop flavor, and reasonably priced as far as craft beer goes.

Edit - and less than 5% ABV!

 

I have been looking for some of those great English examples for my go to brews. Goose Island Honkers is about the best substitute. But still not a true mild. Can't find any so I'm starting to brew my own. I would love to be able to choose from a variety of quality beers and styles at 3-4 percent ABV. Price will be tricky though. The beers will have to deliver on taste! Let 'em come!!

 

Like I said in the first line, it would have to be something that stands out to me when I check it out, in order for me to actually buy it. Hearing that it's good from someone else whose opinion I trust is another item I'd take into consideration. I don't flat out write it off if it's <5% abv, but I'd be somewhat leery of it.

Plus, while it's not 100% true, I've found stronger beers also have the aroma/flavor profiles that I prefer. It's rarer to find a weaker beer that fills the bill

EDIT: IPAs are a hit or miss for me, so simply having a strong hop profile doesn't necessarily work for me

 

Just drink UTAH beers. The craft brewers have done well with the 3.2% restriction, but few taste really true to style. Pils, Hefe, and a few others don't taste too far off...

 

Agree completely. I love a good low abv beer, but it just doesn't feel right buying them when they're priced the same or just a buck lower per six-pack than beers with double the alcohol content.

 

You absolutely can. There's some great British ales and porters running just 4%

 

The answer to your question depends on your abv cut-off. To answer your question though, there is definitely a market. Two of the best selling craft beers in the country are Boston Lager (4.9%) and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (5.6%). Allagash White is 5% abv, Weihenstephan Hefeweizen is world class at 5.4% abv. Under 4% is a bit more difficult to find though.

I believe this a trend that will continue, and breweries will get better at brewering lower abv beers over the next decade. Personally, I'd LOVE to see more bitters, milds, Irish dry stouts....etc. that are flavorful and sub 5%. I'd also love to see more Helles lagers and pilsners brewed around 4.5% to 5%.

As far as price, I don't mind paying $10 for a low abv six pack. I pay for flavor, not abv. If I want more bang for buck to get drunk I'll buy hard alcohol.

 

I pay for flavor as well, but it takes less ingredients and is thus cheaper to brew a low abv beer (with possible exceptions being heavily hopped session IPAs or something using expensive adjuncts). That's why I don't like it when low abv beers cost as much as higher abv beers.