Craft beer continued to push boundaries in 2024, with innovative flavors, rare ingredients, and creative brewing techniques. Now that it’s 2025, let take a look at seven standout brews that took the industry by storm last year. Each beer has been selected based on its craftsmanship, uniqueness, and critical acclaim.
Supernature by Wayward Lane Brewing
Style: Beet Saison
ABV: 6.2%
Key Details: Wayward Lane Brewing re-imagined the saison style with Supernature, a beer made with 120 pounds of roasted, locally farmed beets. The result is a strikingly earthy, slightly sweet profile balanced by the traditional dry and spicy characteristics of a farmhouse ale. The use of fresh, regionally sourced ingredients underscores the brewery’s commitment to sustainability and locality.
Note: This beer challenges traditional flavor boundaries, offering a visually stunning magenta hue and a layered taste experience.
Schöfferhofer Watermelon Mint
Style: Fruit-Infused Hefeweizen
ABV: 2.5%
Key Details: Schöfferhofer perfected the art of low ABV beers with their watermelon mint hefeweizen. The unfiltered German wheat beer is light, effervescent, and intensely refreshing, with the watermelon and mint flavors perfectly complementing the yeast’s subtle banana and clove notes.
Note: While low in alcohol, this beer doesn’t compromise on complexity, making it an ideal choice for those exploring flavor-forward light beers.
Bardstown Cask Finish Stout by Goose Island
Style: Imperial Stout (Barrel-Aged)
ABV: 14.6%
Key Details: This special release from Goose Island’s (Chicago, Illinois) Bourbon County Brand Stouts line is aged in rye whiskey barrels sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Company. What sets it apart is the finishing touch in zebra barrels crafted from alternating layers of American oak and cherry wood. The result is a velvety stout with layers of vanilla, cherry, chocolate, and caramel, accompanied by a slight rye spice.
Note: The unique barrel treatment showcases the future of barrel-aging innovation, appealing to both beer and whiskey enthusiasts.
Eguzki IPA by La Brasserie du Pays Basque
Style: New England IPA
ABV: 6.8%
Key Details: French breweries are gaining prominence on the craft beer stage, and Eguzki IPA is a testament to their prowess. This NEIPA masterfully balances tropical fruit aromas…think mango, pineapple, and lychee, with a restrained bitterness. A smooth, pillowy mouthfeel highlights the brewery’s expert use of oats and wheat in the grain bill.
Note: The brewery’s use of French hops, including Triskel and Barbe Rouge, adds a distinctly European flair to this otherwise American-dominated style.
El Sully Mexican Style Lager by 21st Amendment Brewery
Style: Mexican Lager
ABV: 4.8%
Key Details: Already a fan favorite, El Sully rose to new heights in 2024 by clinching a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Brewed with Pilsner malt and flaked maize, this lager is exceptionally crisp and clean, with a touch of sweetness and a hint of noble hop bitterness.
Note: The resurgence of Mexican lagers in the craft beer scene highlights a growing appreciation for simplicity and sessionability among seasoned drinkers.
Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing Company
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8%
Key Details: A staple in the craft beer world, Pliny the Elder continues to dominate with its balanced hop-forward profile. This 2024 iteration was brewed with Amarillo, Centennial, CTZ, and Simcoe hops, offering bold citrus, pine, and floral notes. Despite its high bitterness, the malt backbone ensures a harmonious finish.
Note: Its consistent presence at the top of readers’ choice lists is a testament to its enduring legacy in craft beer.
Chillwave Imperial IPA by Great Lakes Brewing Company
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 9%
Key Details: Paying homage to the surfers of Lake Erie, this bold Imperial IPA balances a hefty malt presence with an assertive hop character. Expect a blend of tropical fruit, citrus zest, and a hint of resinous pine, all supported by a warming alcohol finish.
Note: The careful selection of Pacific Northwest hops paired with a slightly sweet malt base makes this a standout in the increasingly crowded imperial IPA category.
Conclusion
Craft beer in 2024 continued to innovate, offering exciting new flavors and revitalizing timeless styles. From bold barrel-aged stouts to sessionable lagers, this list reflects the diversity and creativity of modern brewing. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a curious connoisseur, these beers are must-tries.
If you’ve tried any of these unique and amazing beers, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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