Mid Strength Beers: Big Flavour Without Big ABV
Description
What if your taproom’s best-performing new beer next year isn’t a double IPA, but a 3.5% crusher that customers can’t stop ordering?
In this episode, Mark and Richard dive into the rise of mid-strength beer — flavourful, balanced, and built for today’s drinkers. From brewing science to taproom strategy, we break down why these beers are gaining traction and how to make them shine.
You’ll learn:
What defines a mid-strength beer and why the term matters.
The brewing challenges at lower ABV (and how to solve them).
Strategies for yeast, hops, and body to keep flavour big and drinkability high.
Why moderation and “second pint culture” are the next wave in craft beer.
Whether you’re exploring table saisons, hoppy pub ales, or crushable lagers, this episode will inspire you to think small — and brew big.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Our Knowledge Base article, "Yeast Attenuation"
Beer and Brewing Podcast on Beer Trends with Kate Bernot Our blog article with a recipe for "Stay Classy: A Low ABV Hydra Hazy".
Phantasm: Thiol Precursor | Available through Escarpment Labs
AB Vickers ISY Enhance | Available through Escarpment Labs
Escarpment Labs Strain Catalogue to find the strains mentioned in this episode (Foggy London Ale, LalBrew Pomona, LalBrew Windsor, Hydra, Superlager, Superfog, etc.)
United States
