The new Guidelines include "hundreds of revisions, edits, format changes and additions," according to a statement issued by the Brewers Association today. In addition, several new categories have been created to respond to current trends. Most notable is perhaps the formal recognition of Juicy or Hazy Ale Styles, generally known as New England IPAs or West Coast Hazy IPAs. The three official styles are identified as "Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale," "Juicy or Hazy IPA," and "Juicy or Hazy Double IPA" in the new Guidelines.
Other modifications include the addition of "Contemporary American-Style Pilsener," a category which reflects commercial sessionable lager beers with higher hop aroma than found in pre-Prohibition style beers; and a restructuring of the Australian Pale Ale category into separate styles of "Classic Australian-Style Pale Ale" and "Australian-Style Pale Ale," which generally address the differences in color and hop aroma- and flavor-forward characteristics. The Guidelines also edit the Gose and Contemporary Gose categories.
The Brewers Association points out that factors in revising the Guidelines include historical significance, authenticity or a "high profile in the current commercial beer market." Major changes, such as style additions, are the result of "research, analysis, consultation and consideration of market actualities." Further, current commercial products may not fit within the historical parameters, but rather represent a modern version of a style, explains the statement.
Cheers,
Linda Johnson,
Certified Cicerone®
www.brewnymph.com