After years of Hazy IPAs, Imperial Stouts, and beers loaded with every fruit imaginable, craft beer appears ready for a reset. Heading into 2026, all signs point to lagers taking over tap lists and shelf space in a big way.

This shift has been brewing for a while. Drinkers are increasingly gravitating toward beers that are crisp, clean, and easier to drink—styles that don’t demand a palate workout or a long explanation from the bartender. Lagers, once dismissed in craft circles as boring or “macro-adjacent,” are now being embraced as a showcase of brewing skill rather than a lack of imagination.

Craft brewers have also gotten much better at making them. Modern equipment, better temperature control, and a deeper understanding of fermentation have removed many of the technical barriers that once made lagers risky for small breweries. As a result, today’s craft lagers are sharper, more consistent, and more expressive than ever, whether it’s a crisp, a soft and bready Helles, or a darker, malt-forward Vienna Lager.

Consumer behavior is playing a major role as well. With moderation still top of mind for many drinkers, lagers’ lower alcohol levels and lighter profiles make them an easy choice for multiple rounds. They also fit neatly into more occasions—backyard barbecues, sporting events, and casual nights out—when big, boozy beers can feel like overkill.

There’s also a financial incentive for breweries. While lagers require more time in the tank, they often appeal to a broader audience than niche or extreme styles. A well-made lager can win over both seasoned craft fans and drinkers who usually stick to familiar domestic brands, making it a smart bridge between craft and mainstream beer.

None of this means IPAs, especially the Hazy IPA, are going away. The IPA will still command plenty of attention, and innovation isn’t disappearing from craft beer anytime soon either. But in 2026, the spotlight is likely to shine brightest on beers that are subtle, balanced, and endlessly drinkable.

In a market that feels increasingly crowded and unpredictable, lagers offer something many drinkers—and brewers—are increasingly craving: simplicity done right.

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