There’s a clear distinction between style and fashion.

While style suggests a timeless aesthetic, fashion pertains to fleeting trends. This concept is applicable in the realm of beer as well, where certain beer styles can occasionally transition into temporary fashions. For instance, the current obsession with IPAs represents a beer style that has also morphed into a fashion trend, particularly the New England IPAs. Similarly, imperial stouts saw a surge in popularity a while ago, with high-alcohol versions capturing the attention of many drinkers.

These trends often gain momentum when a particular beer makes a significant impact in the craft beer community. A prime example is Tree House Brewing’s Julius, which made waves upon its release and sparked the hazy New England IPA trend. Similarly, the enthusiasm for imperial stouts can be traced back to iconic brews like 3 Floyds’ Dark Lord and Portsmouth Brewery’s Kate The Great. Both were groundbreaking in their alcohol content and complexity, showcasing brewers’ creativity and prompting widespread excitement among beer enthusiasts.

Tree House’s innovative approach led to an expansion of the New England IPA trend, which holds a significant share of the craft beer market today. This trend began around 2012 with the introduction of Julius from a brewery that started in Brimfield and has since grown to be considered one of the top breweries in the country.

However, not every beer style is destined to achieve such popularity. For instance, bitters are unlikely to become the blockbuster favorite in the craft beer scene. Similarly, while a well-crafted pilsner may be appreciated by connoisseurs, it typically doesn’t inspire the same fervor or following as some other styles.

In summary, some beer styles, especially those with distinct character and creativity, have the potential to become not only popular but also fashionable within the craft beer landscape.