Oktoberfest Beer Is Everywhere. But What Is It?
The perennially popular—but confusing—style, explained.
- story: Courtney Iseman
- illustration: Punch
For These Brewers, Craft Beer Requires a Full Rebrand
A growing group of “postmodern” beers are challenging established style guidelines in favor of brewing for flavor, and mood, first.
- story: Courtney Iseman
- photo: Lizzie Munro
Rice Isn’t Just For Big Beer Anymore
Rice was once synonymous with Bud and Coors. Now, brewers are embracing the crisp, crushable lagers it can yield—and expanding on it.
- story: Courtney Iseman
- photo: Punch
Meet the Modern Boilermaker
At newly opened bars across the country, the beer-and-a-shot combo is more considered than ever.
- story: Punch Staff
- photo: Emily Ferretti
What Ever Happened to the Session IPA?
Once dubbed the “hottest style,” the low-proof spin on the genre is waning. But of the few still on shelves, these three beers represent the misunderstood category at its best.
- story: Courtney Iseman
- photo: Punch
Pils Head? Rauchbier Fan? Saison Stan? There’s a Fest for That.
As attendance declines at the industry’s giant, one-size-fits-all festivals, a growing roster of more niche events have sprung up in their place.
- story: Courtney Iseman
- photo: Nick Naretto
Have We Hunted the Beer Whale to Extinction?
Just a few years ago, brewers could reliably expect hundreds of enthusiasts to swarm their special releases. Today, beer whales—and their attendant hype—are few and far between.
- story: Tony Rehagen
- illustration: Mallory Heyer
The Who’s Who of Beer Cool
The country’s top brewers, beer writers and buyers weigh in on the 10 breweries to know right now.
- story: Courtney Iseman
- illustration: Punch
Are Beer Flights Passé? The Debate Captures Craft Beer’s Growing Pains.
The once-ubiquitous flight is seen by some as an unnecessary holdover and by others as an essential entry point for new converts.
- story: Courtney Iseman
- illustration: Punch
A Life and Death in Beer
For brewer DeWayne Schaaf, a strain of wild yeast became the only living connection to his late father—then it was lost to history. Or so he thought.
- story: Tony Rehagen
- illustration: Erin Dwia
This “N/A Spaghett” Cracks a Code for Me
As unfussy as the original, this combo of Italian bitter soda and nonalcoholic pilsner is the perfect weeknight cocktail.
- story: Talia Baiocchi
- photo: Lizzie Munro
Ireland’s Guinness & Black Is as Divisive as It Is Delicious
Drinking the stout is a celebrated national pastime. But adding a few drops of black currant cordial somehow changes everything?
- story: Luke Pyenson
- photo: Al Higgins