Episode 145 - The State of Craft Beer

So… where is UK craft beer right now?

In Episode 145, we take a look at the current state of the UK craft beer scene—the breweries that are adapting, the ones that have disappeared or changed hands, and the trends shaping what we’re likely to be drinking over the next few years.

And, of course, we’re not doing it empty-handed.

We’re tasting our way through a cracking line-up from Verdant, Thornbridge, Elusive, Sureshot and Emperor’s, courtesy of The Malt Miller’s excellent Indie Beer Fridge.

From Verdant’s new Luna hop collaboration with BarthHaas, to Thornbridge and Track bringing back some malt-forward beer, Elusive’s West Coast collaboration with Verdant, and a massive 12% Imperial Stout from Sureshot and Emperor’s, there’s plenty to get stuck into along the way.

🍻 In this episode:

• Where is UK craft beer heading in 2026?

• The breweries we've lost—and the brands that have changed hands

• BrewDog, Brew By Numbers, Gipsy Hill, Overtone and others

• Why the mid-sized brewery has become such a difficult place to be

• Rising costs, margins and the changing pub landscape

• Is consolidation inevitable?

• Can staying small and local offer a way forward?

• The return of lagers, traditional ales and more drinkable beers

• The resurgence of West Coast IPA

• Low and no-alcohol beer

• The rise of premium, high-ABV "treat" beers

• And what all of this means for homebrewers

🍺 And the beers…

Verdant x BarthHaas – We Play Nice
An IPA showcasing the new Luna hop from Australia.

Thornbridge – American Brown Ale
A malt-forward American Brown brewed on the Thornbridge Union system with Track.

Elusive x Verdant – Threads
A West Coast IPA celebrating Elusive's 10th anniversary.

Sureshot x Emperor's – Oggdo Boggdo
A monstrous 12% Imperial Stout packed with maple and chocolate.

Huge thanks to The Malt Miller, our sponsor and premier supplier of all things homebrew. Check out their dedicated Hop Addition recipe section for beers featured on the podcast, including our own creations and recipes from our guests.

And don't forget to check out their current offers, including BrewZilla and FermZilla bundle deals and 10% off any 3 Brewday in a Box kits.