2026 Beer Style Guidelines Now Available

We've released the 2026 Beer Style Guidelines with one new style addition: Rice Lager. This update reflects how your product portfolios continue to diversify to meet evolving consumer preferences while maintaining the innovation that defines craft brewing.

Rice Lager

Rice Lagers have been growing in popularity as consumers trend toward lighter bodied, easier drinking options. While rice lagers aren't new, craft brewers are putting their own spin on this familiar style by exploring the diverse flavors available from different rice varieties. These sessionable beers work especially well in warmer weather and pair nicely with rich or spicy foods.

Adding Rice Lager as its own category continues our effort to respond quickly to emerging trends in beer styles, similar to recent additions like West Coast-Style Pilsener, Italian-Style Pilsener, and Czech and Mexican-Style Lagers.

Other Updates

Beyond the Rice Lager addition, we've made adjustments to numerous style descriptions based on feedback from Great American Beer Festival® and World Beer Cup® judges, brewers, and beer enthusiasts worldwide. The 2026 guidelines include particular attention to Belgian and German styles, with updates to better reflect both traditional brewing practices and how these styles continue to evolve.

Background

Since 1979, we've provided these style descriptions as a reference for brewers and competition organizers. Our guidelines draw from commercial brewing industry sources, beer analyses, and consultations with industry experts and knowledgeable enthusiasts.

Access the full Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines.