Light lagers are trending at craft breweries, and the latest to hit taps this week is Just for Joy at SunUp Brewing in Phoenix.
The sessionable beer (5.35% ABV, 30 IBUs) was hopped with German Callista, lagered for seven weeks, then dry-hopped with even more Callista.
Just for Joy, which has aromatic hints of apricots, blackberries, and gooseberries, was released Monday at the brewpub.
It’s the second light lager to debut this month in the Valley. Huss Brewing in south Tempe had a launch party for its new Arizona Light Lager on Saturday.
Nationally, numerous craft breweries, ranging from Founders to Firestone Walker, have introduced light lagers over the past year, targeting drinkers seeking lower-calorie, lower-alcohol options.
One of the breweries ahead of the trend was downtown Tempe’s Pedal Haus, which won a silver medal for its light lager at the Great American Beer Festival in 2017.
