With the World Cup a few weeks away, the cost of an average pint of beer is expected to reach £7 before long, resulting in many previously dedicated pub drinkers seeking to quench their thirst elsewhere. The ‘elsewhere’ may very well be the comfort of their own homes as hinted at by a very sudden spike in home brewing kits. These kits, of which a large variety is available, are said to produce beer that is every bit as nice as a pub-bought pint – but at a fraction of the cost. While the trend is driven by a price increase, its longevity may be secured by its involvement with other current drinks trends.
Sustainability is Key
The home brewing market is leveraging a number of trends including a general desire by consumers to become increasingly sustainable. It is predicted that these kits will also be flying off the shelf during the festive season as they are a cheaper, cleaner alternative to traditional brews. Home brewing kits aren’t the only drinks trend that is rooted, to an extent, in sustainability. Because sustainability matters to breweries, several craft beer brewers and spirit distillers in the UK have started to make changes to their operations to reduce their carbon footprint and boost overall sustainability. One craft vodka distiller in North Yorkshire is, for example, using brown glass bottles instead of the traditional clear bottles as they are made from 60% recycled glass.
Low Alcohol is Still King
It is no secret that the drinks industry has undergone massive change in the past two and a half years, in a large part due to the global pandemic. The low and-no-alcohol trend that took the country by storm approximately a year ago, is still going strong. Apart from an ever-growing range of low and no-alcohol wines and spirits, a steadily-expanding variety of commercial and craft beer is also available. Refusing to be left behind, the home brewing kit market has also bought into the trend, offering consumers access to various pale ales, lagers, and stouts with barely-there alcohol content. Other drinks that have undergone a sobering transformation include cocktails, vermouth, and fortified spritz.
Tequila is Here to Stay
Beer might be enjoying a surge in popularity thanks to the new home brewing kit trend, but it is not the only drink that’s making headlines of late. Thanks to an increase in tequila education, Mexico’s finest export has become increasingly popular among European consumers over the past year. Not only is tequila consumption on the increase, but so are the ways it is being consumed. Although throwing back a few shots with lemon and salt will never completely die out, tequila served with soda or tonic is fast becoming a hot favourite among more refined drinkers. The tequila trend may be predominantly due to the rise of Mexican cuisine but, like, home brewing kits, it is also driven by a number of other global forces.
Home brewing kits are flying off the shelves in Northern Ireland. Coupled with several other enticing drinks trends, World Cup supporters can quench their thirsts in a number of delicious ways.
