A new year can mean fewer beers – but it can also mean better beers. At The Growler Guys, we believe craft beer is about discovery, connection, and enjoying every pour with intention. Whether you’re just starting to get curious about what’s in your glass or this is far from your first craft beer rodeo, the new year is a great time to reset how you enjoy craft beer. Keep reading for ten beer resolutions to help you intentionally enjoy craft beer in the new year.
Tips to Intentionally Enjoy Craft Beer in 2026
Ready to get even more enjoyment out of every sip this year? Start with our ten beer resolutions for 2026.
1. Track Your Tasting Notes
One of the best ways to intentionally enjoy craft beer in the new year is to start treating your beer experiences like a journey instead of a blur. Keep a tasting journal where you jot down what beer you tried, where you tried it, and anything that stood out, like the flavors, aromas, mouthfeel, or even the vibe of the place at the time. Whether you use a notebook or an app, tracking your tasting notes helps you discover patterns in what you love and makes it easier to choose your next beer.
2. Explore Hyper-Local Breweries
Set a goal to drink closer to home. Hyper-local breweries often experiment more, tell unique regional stories, and create beers you won’t find outside of their taproom. Frequenting nearby breweries is a great way to intentionally enjoy the beer you’re drinking while helping your local beer scene thrive. And who knows – you just might discover your new favorite pint is right down the road.
3. Try More Low-ABV Beers
Craft beer doesn’t have to be big and boozy to be flavorful. Low-ABV beers like session IPAs, table beers, and crisp lagers offer balance, nuance, and drinkability. They’re perfect for intentionally enjoying a brew at a social gathering, on a weeknight, or anytime you don’t want to overdo it.
4. Drink Outside Your Comfort Zone
If you always order hazy IPAs, try a saison. Love stouts? Give a pilsner a shot. One of the best parts of craft beer is its diversity. Challenging your usual go-to styles is a great way to intentionally enjoy craft beer. It keeps your palate sharp and opens the door to new favorites you wouldn’t have thought about.
5. Pair Beer With Food—Intentionally
Beer is underrated as a pairing partner. Make one of your 2026 resolutions to consider how flavors work together. Think malty beers with grilled meats, crisp lagers with spicy foods, or rich stouts with dessert. Even casual food nights get better with the right beer pairing.
6. Learn the Story Behind the Beer
A great way to intentionally enjoy craft beer is to learn where it came from. Many craft beers are inspired by places, people, or personal experiences. Taking a moment to learn who brewed your beer and why adds depth and makes every sip more meaningful.
7. Share New Beers With Friends
Beer is always better when it’s shared. Invite friends to split a flight, host a tasting night, or bring a growler of something new to a get-together. Sharing beers like that sparks conversation and helps everyone discover styles they might not try on their own.
8. Revisit Classic Styles
Trends come and go, but classic styles stick around for a reason. Make time in the new year to intentionally enjoy traditional lagers, pale ales, and porters. These styles highlight balance and craftsmanship and remind us why craft beer became popular in the first place.
9. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Intentionally enjoying craft beer is all about savoring. Instead of multiple forgettable pours, choose one or two beers you’ll really enjoy. Slowing down lets you appreciate the aroma, flavor, and craftsmanship, making every beer feel like a treat.
10. Make The Growler Guys Part of Your Routine
Your local Growler Guys is your home base for beer exploration in the new year. From our curated taps and certified Beer Stewards to fresh fills and community vibes, we’re here to help you discover beers worth remembering. Stop in to try samples, ask questions, and let us guide you to something new.
Set Your Resolutions at The Growler Guys
Craft beer isn’t just about what you drink – it’s about where you drink it, who you share it with, and the stories behind it. As the year unfolds, The Growler Guys is here to help you make each beer count. Stop in today for a pint, flight, or growler fill and cheers to a year of intentional sipping!
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