“This has been a year of holding patterns, of people trying to work out how they fit into the new reality.” 

If you’ve read The Year In Beer 2025: National Trends article, you already know many of the topics that are the starting points for discussion as we kick of our end-of-year podcast series. If not, you can check it out here.  

This episode gives us an opportunity to expand on many of the trends and issues raised there, as well as a chance to look back at the news of the past week and our most read articles of the past 12 months.

When it comes to the news of the past week, the main talking point was the change in ownership of GABS and the subsequent decision to cancel all 2026 festivals with the intention of returning with a refreshed concept in 2027. The other story we discuss is one that hasn’t made it to the pages of The Crafty Pint, but has taken up much of our time: the launch of the Daughter beer brand by Chuck Hahn and his family.

In terms of the articles that were read most widely in 2025, it goes without saying that the vast majority occupying the upper echelons involve sales, VAs, openings, closures and mergers, but elsewhere it’s encouraging to see what topics really engage readers: travel articles; deep dives into styles; features on fascinating folks doing cool things; awards winners and more.

The show features another Bintani Brewery Booster as well as James and Will’s hopes for beer in 2026, and acts as the precursor for our state by state by territories shows kicking off next Tuesday and running through until just before Christmas.

Start of segments:

• 07:58 – National Trends
• 34:26 – Bintani Brewery Booster
• 38:36 – Biggest Stories Of 2025
• 47:24 – Hopes For 2026

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.