New year, new month, new beers. We\u2019re approaching 2025 with a lot of drive, and it\u2019s already kicking into overdrive. <\/p>\n
We have a slew of new adventures planned over the next twelve months, including exploring our favorite new places to travel for beer<\/a>. <\/p>\n We\u2019re excited to keep our eyes on all our top breweries to watch<\/a> and on these top trends<\/a> we predicted to see if we\u2019re right. <\/p>\n And we have a bunch of beer festivals<\/a> we\u2019d love to attend. <\/p>\n While we didn\u2019t personally participate in Dry January, we did find ourselves some nights alternating between alcoholic and NA beers<\/a> (a process all the youths apparently call \u201czebra striping\u201d). <\/p>\n With the first month of the new year behind us, we can confidently say we\u2019re excited about the days of drinking ahead. Are you? <\/p>\n Rancho Cucamonga, CA<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of Hamilton Family Brewery<\/p>\n<\/div>\n American IPA<\/strong> \u2013 With a team who lives mostly in California, we\u2019ve been hyper aware of the absolute devastation caused by the current Los Angeles wildfires. While we are all fortunate enough to live in Northern California, we have family and friends\u2019 families affected, so when Hamilton Family Brewery Co-Owner and Founder Josh Hamilton reached out to us about a new beer donating to the relief efforts for the wildfire victims, we immediately took note. <\/p>\n A wheat beer brewed with real oranges, vanilla, and marshmallows, Beer Hug Beer is meant to mimic the nostalgic flavors of an Orange Creamsicle ice cream beer. <\/p>\n \u201cAs a Southern California business, we\u2019re deeply connected to our community and heartbroken On the can, a custom design from Hamilton shows the iconic California state bear decked out in an LA County Fire Department helmet while embracing the state flag. The beer is a touching tribute to a month of absolute devastation. <\/p>\n But Hamilton didn\u2019t just make a beer. <\/p>\n During a special event hosted on Feb. 1, 2025, Hamilton Family Brewery donated one hundred percent of all profits from every Beer Hug Beer pour, four-pack sale, and merch directly to organizations aiding wildfire victims in Southern California. <\/p>\n If you live in California and find this beer, buy it and show your support. <\/p>\n Waunakee, WI<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of Untitled Art<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Non-Alcoholic Italian Pilsner<\/strong> \u2013 Hop Culture Senior Content Editor Grace Lee-Weitz discovered recently that her dad decided to cut back on drinking. She asked if he had tried NA beer, which received a lukewarm response of, \u201cYes, and I don\u2019t like any of them.\u201d <\/p>\n It seemed he had given up on finding a delicious non-alcoholic beer<\/a>, so Lee-Weitz began bringing over different versions, such as Untitled Art, determined to find one he liked.<\/p>\n Last month, he sent Lee-Weitz a text, \u201cDrinking an Untitled Art NA Italian Style Pils which you brought over. Best NA I ever had!\u201d <\/p>\n Followed a couple of days later by, \u201cNow trying the Juicy IPA. Also very good.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s the flavor here that stands out. In that aforementioned Non-Alcoholic Italian Pilsner<\/a>, Untitled Art includes Hallertau Mittelfr\u00fch and Strata hops for a crisp but pleasantly floral finish. <\/p>\n Other versions, such as the Non-Alcoholic Juicy IPA, burst forward with tropical Citra and Mosaic hops, while the Non-Alcoholic Chocolate Dark Brew is a richly rewarding, almost iced cocoa or chocolate milk delight. <\/p>\n BUY BEER<\/a><\/p>\n READ THE STORY<\/a><\/p>\n Providence, RI<\/em><\/p>\n Czech Amber Lager (Polotmav\u00fd)<\/strong> \u2013 One of our \u201c17 Best Breweries to Watch in 2025,\u201d<\/a> Moniker Brewery impressed us with each and every beer they sent our way. And a package of freshies in the new year did not disappoint. Our favorite was Lagered Hedonism 5<\/a>, a Czech amber lager with Munich, Vienna malt, and Saaz hops. <\/p>\n The newest beer in the Providence, RI-based brewery\u2019s Lagered Hedonism series, this polotmav\u00fd<\/em>, Czech for \u201chalf dark,\u201d is a smooth operator. <\/p>\n The hint of dark malt belies a rich, perfectly balanced maltiness, especially since this lager only hits 4.5% ABV. <\/p>\n As Moniker says, \u201cPerfect for nights by the fire, beer with friends, or paired with your favorite meal.\u201d <\/p>\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Richmond, CA<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of East Brother Brewing Company<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Dunkelweizen<\/strong> \u2013 A resident of Richmond in the East Bay, Lee-Weitz will take any chance to extol the virtues of her local watering hole\u2014East Brother Brewing Company. Last month, Lee-Weitz met up with former Magnolia and Admiral Maltings Co-Founder Dave McLean and East Brother Head Brewer Paul Liszewski for a few beers (Local Brewing Founder Regan Long even showed up). <\/p>\n While the Bo Pils flowed, it was another that caught Lee-Weitz\u2019s eye and a style she doesn\u2019t see very often\u2014Dunkelweizen. <\/p>\n Dark German-style wheat beer, Dunkelweizen (both the style and the beer name in this case), drank with this velvety smooth flow of chocolate and espresso. Almost like an Italian affogato\u2014part coffee, part gelato\u2014Dunkelweizen went down way too easily. <\/p>\n At only 5.2% ABV, Lee-Weitz probably could have enjoyed four or five of those\u2026probably. <\/p>\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Bamberg, Bayern, Germany<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of Jairo Amaral | Untappd<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Helles<\/strong> \u2013 Revered San Francisco pub Monk\u2019s Kettle recently opened an outpost in the East Bay, so we had to check it out. <\/p>\n And when we saw Schlenkerla\u2019s Helles Lagerbier<\/a>on the menu, we had to order it. Last year, we had a chance to speak with sixth-generation Schlenkerla<\/a> brewmaster Matthias Trum about the brewery\u2019s iconic rauchbier\u2014Aecht Schlenkerla M\u00e4rzen. <\/p>\n While the helles doesn\u2019t use the same smoked malt as the iconic Bamberg rauchbier, it does get the same yeast, imparting a subtle kiss of smoke. Sort of a unique interpretation of the classic Bavarian Helles, Helles Lagerbier lagers in century-old caves beneath Schlenerkla and includes hops from nearby N\u00fcrnberg. <\/p>\n So good. So good, in fact, that we almost ordered the m\u00e4rzen, too, but this next beer tempted us away\u2026<\/p>\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Sacramento, CA<\/em><\/p>\n Vienna Lager<\/strong> \u2013 We first visited Urban Roots on a press trip to Sacramento<\/a> in 2023. Urban Roots Owner Rob Archie is something of a legend in California\u2019s capital. But you might not know it. Like Sacramento\u2019s own friendly neighbor, Archie makes friends with everyone, often over a beer. <\/p>\n In 2008, he founded Pangaea Bier Cafe, where professionals and homebrewers could come together to drink incredible beer. <\/p>\n A former pro player in an Italian basketball league, Archie is just as likely to spit game with you as talk about the next European-style beer head brewer and fellow Urban Roots Co-Founder Peter Hoey is brewing. <\/p>\n We\u2019d know because we spent time talking a little b-ball with Archie at Cellarmaker during SF Beer Week last year, where we also enjoyed an Urban Roots German pilsner collab called 10 Forty<\/a> that we named one of the best beers we drank in February<\/a>. <\/p>\n So, typically, when we see an Urban Roots beer on tap, we order it. <\/p>\n A Vienna lager with Weyermann pils, Vienna, and Caramunich malts, Luna De Miel<\/a> just drinks effortlessly. <\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing super fancy about this beer. Nothing shiny or flashy. This beer is more like slipping into your favorite sweatpants and crashing on the couch instead of dressing to the nines and going out to a fine-dining restaurant. If we\u2019re being honest, this is probably how we\u2019re spending our Friday night anyway. <\/p>\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Rochester, NY<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of Genesee Brewing Company<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Blonde\/Golden Ale<\/strong> \u2013 Dare we call this beer a\u2026dark horse. Genesee opened up its vault to bring back this revered recipe. <\/p>\n First brewed in 1933 with the end of Prohibition, 12 Horse Ale<\/a> gained a cult-like following for its no-frills yet hardy approach to a lager. <\/p>\n For 12 Horse Ale, Genesee combines a base of six-row barley with Yakima hops and the brewery\u2019s proprietary top-fermenting ale yeast\u2014brought over from England in 1933. <\/p>\n 12 Horse Ale will be the first limited-edition beer in a campaign the Rochester, NY-based brewery calls the \u201cGenesee Vault.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Genesee Vault is a long time coming,\u201d said Tiffany Bowman, brand manager for Genesee. \u201cThere are so many delicious legacy recipes from Genesee\u2019s past. It only felt right that 12 Horse Ale leads the charge as the first release from the Genesee Vault.\u201d<\/p>\n Genesee\u2019s social media received hundreds of comments and calls for 12 Horse Ale to make a stampeding return. <\/p>\n In preparation, Bowman says Genesee brewed 1,500 barrels of 12 Horse Ale. <\/p>\n \u201cAt Genesee, we\u2019re always listening to what our fans have to say,\u201d said Tiffany Bowman, brand manager for Genesee. \u201cSeeing the continuous outpour of love for this beer, we knew we had to bring it back. We\u2019re so grateful for the opportunity to connect today\u2019s Genesee beer drinkers with our older recipes.\u201d<\/p>\n Look, this is a light beer, but it truthfully surprised us. <\/p>\n 12 Horse Ale has a body and malty depth of character, often lacking in other, shall we call them, big-name light lagers. <\/p>\n We brought a twelve-pack of 12 Horse Ale over to a low-key hang with friends, crushed a few, and went home feeling pretty good. That\u2019s this beer. <\/p>\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Cooperstown, NY<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of Brewery Ommegang<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Belgian Quad<\/strong> \u2013 A blend of Belgian-style quadrupel<\/a> and Belgian kriek from Brewery Ommegang, Three Philosophers<\/a> has a malty depth and gentle sweetness enhanced by sparkling carbonation and a touch of cherry. <\/p>\n Malts are an essential part of Three Philosophers. \u201cQuads typically require fifty percent more malt per hectoliter than standard beers. We also use a significant amount of roasted malt to create the mouthfeel and flavor profile of the beer,\u201d Brewery Ommegang Director of Operations Rick Debar told us<\/a>. <\/p>\n Debar says quad drinkers can expect a rich, roasted, malty character with a medium to full body, along with some fruity notes, including spicy darker fruits.<\/p>\n Brewery Ommegang\u2019s Belgian quad is an excellent example of something we\u2019d love to sip on all winter. And at 9.7% ABV, we should probably take time sipping on this one. <\/p>\n BUY THIS BEER<\/a><\/p>\n READ ABOUT BELGIAN QUADS<\/a><\/p>\n Boston, MA<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of The Boston Beer Company<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Non-Alcoholic IPA<\/strong> \u2013 Sam Adams\u2019 first-ever non-alcoholic beer is a banger. We\u2019ve personally had this beer many times, naming it to our list of \u201cThe Top 10 New Non-Alcoholic Beverages We\u2019re Drinking for Dry January,\u201d<\/a> \u201cThe Best Non-Alcoholic Brands to Watch in 2024,\u201d<\/a> and \u201cThe Best Non-Alcoholic Beers Available in Most Stores Right Now,\u201d<\/a> among others. <\/p>\n We\u2019ve recommended this beer to folks pretty much every year since it first launched\u2014that\u2019s how much we love it. <\/p>\n It\u2019s the juicy flavor that stood out most to us. <\/p>\n \u201cWe really wanted a juicy, fruity, big, bold, full-flavored IPA,\u201d says Smith. <\/p>\n Right off the bat, when you crack the can, you\u2019ll notice a huge hop aroma courtesy of what Smith calls a \u201cclassic IPA backbone of Cascade, Citra, and Mosaic hops.\u201d <\/p>\n Smith says they also added Sabro to bring in some tropical characteristics. <\/p>\n Everything gives you that look, taste, and feel of a hazy, juicy IPA. <\/p>\n \u201cYou get a lot of fruity character\u2014lemony citrus, tangerine, grapefruit, juicy orange\u2014with a little bit of that tropical [note] from the Sabro,\u201d shares Smith. \u201cSometimes you even get a little peach or stone fruit.\u201d <\/p>\n What is perhaps most impressive about Just the Haze, and why we think it\u2019s won so many awards, is that Sam Adams nailed the body and mouthfeel. <\/p>\n Oftentimes, with non-alcoholic beers we try, we feel that the body just doesn\u2019t live up to the real thing. <\/p>\n Not with Just the Haze. \u201cIt\u2019s got a medium body,\u201d says Smith, \u201cso it\u2019s got a little bit more mouthfeel to it than what you might expect from a typical non-alcoholic beer.\u201d <\/p>\n Everything ends with a smooth, clean, easy finish. <\/p>\n Whether you\u2019ve never tried NA beer before or are just looking for your next six-pack to grab, Just the Haze should be at the top of your list. <\/p>\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Braintree, MA<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of Widowmaker<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Dark Mild<\/strong> \u2013 We\u2019d forgive you for not knowing this, but Widowmaker makes some excellent dark beers. Yes, we know they\u2019re wizards with hops, but they don\u2019t sleep on their Czech darks, stouts, or even English milds. And neither should you.<\/p>\n Cryptcreeper<\/a> (we love the name, too, right??) has a roasty base of caramel and cold-steeped English malts, making it a decadent sip that isn\u2019t overly cloying or sweet. <\/p>\n \u201cThis beer is small in stature but not in flavour,\u201d writes Widowmaker in the beer\u2019s Untappd description. Props to Widowmaker for fully embracing this English style, too, not only with the malts but also the spelling of flavour<\/em>. <\/p>\n We picked up notes of sticky toffee pudding, hot chocolate, Skor, and peanut M&Ms. <\/p>\n Crucially, this beer only clocks in at 4.2% ABV, so it\u2019s like a mild-mannered peck on both cheeks instead of a full-on French kiss. <\/p>\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Santa Rosa, CA<\/em><\/p>\n Photography courtesy of Mike Phresh | Untappd<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Munich Dunkel<\/strong> \u2013 Speaking of a brewery you wouldn\u2019t imagine makes a great dark beer, cue Humble Sea. Yes, the grandfathers of foggy beers have made one of our favorite Munich dunkels of the year so far. Okay, you got us; we haven\u2019t tried that many. <\/p>\n But that doesn\u2019t take away from So Far So G\u00fcd<\/a>. It has become a bit of a tradition for Lee-Weitz to go with her partner to Pacifica on New Year\u2019s weekend. While her partner surfs, she walks among the bluffs, ending at Humble Sea\u2019s Pacifica taproom. While the foggy weather outside descends, she sits warm and cozy inside, drinking and reading. <\/p>\n Last year, this adventure led her to discover a new-to-her beer style called XPA<\/a>. <\/p>\n This year, she found So Far So G\u00fcd tucked into a small corner of Humble Sea\u2019s menu. <\/p>\n Dam, was it\u2026g\u00fcd. <\/p>\n Pouring a garnet brownish red, this double decocted Munich dunkel filled her nose with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, pumpkin pies baking in an oven, and pancakes cooking on the griddle in a diner. <\/p>\n Balance isn\u2019t a sexy word, but it pinged in her mind like a neon sign as she sipped. Everything worked harmoniously here, melding together for a truly pleasurable New Year\u2019s tradition. <\/p>\n Lee-Weitz can\u2019t wait to see what she drinks at Humble Sea next New Year\u2019s. <\/p>\nHop Culture\u2019s Top 11 Beers We Drank in January 2025<\/h2>\n
Beer Hug Beer \u2013 Hamilton Family Brewery<\/h3>\n
![\"hamilton](\"http:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/hamilton-family-brewery-beer-hug-beer-credit-hamilton-family-brewery-1000x750-1.jpg\")
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by the impact these wildfires have had on our neighbors,\u201d said Hamilton in a press release. \u201cThe team and I wanted to do something meaningful that would bring people together while making a tangible difference for those in need.\u201d<\/p>\nNon-Alcoholic Italian Pilsner \u2013 Untitled Art<\/h3>\n
![\"untitled](\"http:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/untitled-art-non-alcoholic-italian-pilsner-credit-untitled-art-1000x667-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLagered Hedonism 5 \u2013 Moniker Brewery<\/h3>\n
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Dunkelweizen \u2013 East Brother Brewing Company<\/h3>\n
![\"east](\"http:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/east-brother-dunkelweizen-credit-east-brother-brewing-company-1000x1333-1-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHelles Schlenkerla Lagerbier \u2013 Schlenkerla (\u201cHeller-Br\u00e4u\u201d Trum)<\/h3>\n
![\"schlenkerla](\"http:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/schlenkerla-helles-schlenkerla-lagerbier-credit-jairo-amaral-untappd-1000x1333-1-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLuna De Miel \u2013 Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse<\/h3>\n
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Genesee 12 Horse Ale \u2013 Genesee Brewing Company<\/h3>\n
![\"genesee](\"http:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/genesee-brewing-company-12-horse-ale-credit-genesee-brewing-company-1000x667-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThree Philosophers \u2013 Brewery Ommegang<\/h3>\n
![\"brewery](\"https:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/brewery-ommegang-Three-Philosophers-belgian-quad3-1000x670jpg.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJust the Haze \u2013 Samuel Adams<\/h3>\n
![\"boston](\"http:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/boston-beer-co-sam-adams-just-the-haze-non-alcoholic-beer-LEAD-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nCryptcreeper \u2013 Widowmaker Brewing<\/h3>\n
![\"widowmaker](\"http:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/widowmaker-cryptcreeper-english-dark-mild-credit-widowmaker-1000x1000-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSo Far So G\u00fcd \u2013 Humble Sea Brewing Company<\/h3>\n
![\"humble](\"http:\/\/www.hopculture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/humble-sea-brewing-company-so-far-so-gud-munich-dunkel-credit-mike-phresh-untappd-1000x1000-1.jpg\")
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