The article explores how seasonality influences the craft beer landscape, with particular focus on the absence of a designated citrus beer season. While breweries thrive on seasonal ingredients like fresh hops and pawpaw fruits, citrus flavors, traditionally connected to summer, are available year-round. Contributors from various breweries discuss the cultural mindset that equates citrus with warm weather and how consumers often overlook spring and fall citrus beers. This disconnect suggests a deeper relationship between weather, consumer preferences, and beer flavor profiles.
"If you think of a kid running a lemonade stand, you imagine them wearing a T-shirt and shorts, not a jacket." — Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery.
"It's become an automatic reaction to think of lighter, brighter flavors when it's warm out... people gravitate toward porters, stouts, and winter seasonal beers that reflect the weather." — Michael Williams, Great Lakes Brewing Co.
"The first thought that comes to mind is Belgian-style witbiers and having dried citrus peel ingrained with that recipe and flavor profile." — Joey Pepper-Mellusi, Schenker Beer Company.
"Consumers have a bit of a disconnect when it comes to the seasonal availability of ingredients versus how they experience craft beer throughout the year." — Michael Williams.
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