Craft Beer & Spirits — 2026-04-25

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New Releases

Austin, TX — Payload Hoppy Lager

This week, Craft Beer Austin's weekly roundup (published April 24) highlights the Payload Hoppy Lager — a crisp hoppy lager brewed with Galaxy hops that were literally sent to space. The release is part of Austin's April 24th weekly beer events and releases, alongside Orion's Belt Reserve, a whiskey-barrel oak-infused triple berry mead currently on tap with bottles available in May.

Denver Spirits Competition 2026: Top Whiskey Winners Revealed

The Denver International Spirits Competition — described as one of America's toughest double-blind competitions — has released its top four whiskey winners for 2026. The Whiskey Wash reports (published 4 days ago, placing it squarely within our window) that the highest-scoring bottle did not win Best of Show, raising eyebrows among enthusiasts.

East Palestine, OH — New Brewery-Distillery Coming to Historic Train Depot

A combined brewery-distillery is set to open next year in the former freight depot on West Taggart Street in East Palestine, Ohio. The Business Journal Daily (3 days ago) reports the project will occupy the historic building, bringing a new hospitality destination to a town still in recovery and rebuilding. A rendering of the facility, dubbed "Black Diamond," has been released.

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Tasting Notes

Robb Report: The 50 Best Whiskeys of the 21st Century

Published just one day ago (April 24), the Robb Report's whiskey critic Jonah Flicker has compiled what he calls the canon of great whiskeys across all categories — from bourbon to Scotch to rye — drawing on his archive to define the defining bottles of the past 25-plus years. While the full list spans decades, the timing of its publication makes it a timely reference point for collectors and enthusiasts heading into spring 2026.

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Industry Watch

Craft Beer's Rocky Road: 5.1% Production Decline in 2025, Signs of Recovery Ahead

The Brewers Association's annual Industry Production Report (published two weeks ago, just outside our strict window, but context for current week's market dynamics) documented a 5.1% decline in production volume across U.S. craft brewers in 2025, along with 1,072 brewery closures over the past two years. Despite the headwinds, craft brewers slightly increased market share and demonstrated resilience in key segments.

The data frames the current week's news: New Belgium Brewing's portfolio — including Voodoo Ranger, Fat Tire (Kirin-owned), and Bell's Brewery brands like Two Hearted and Oberon — is craft's top share gainer through Q1 2026. CEO Shaun Belongie recently shared that "$1 out of every $8 spent on craft beer" is now going to New Belgium brands.

Low-ABV: The Offensive Has Begun

While exact post-April 18 news on low-ABV launches is limited this cycle, the trend established earlier in 2026 is clearly playing out in this week's taproom offerings. Beer Crunchers noted in February that both Founders (Grand Rapids, MI) and Harpoon (Boston, MA) launched standalone mid-strength brands at 3.0% and 3.3% ABV respectively, while Ninkasi (Eugene, OR) went even lower with its "2.75%" IPA — literally named for its alcohol content. The Austin weekly events roundup (April 24) reflects this shift on local taplists, with sessionable and lower-ABV options appearing alongside traditional craft releases.

Canada Extends Excise Relief for Alcohol Producers

The Canadian government extended excise relief measures specifically designed to protect brewers, distillers, and winemakers — a significant industry-support move. The Northwest Beer Guide reported the extension, which benefits producers across Canada.