I recently had a conversation with friends while at work. They’d heard that I was headed to Oregon for a wedding and asked me to bring back a bottle of Pliney the Elder for them. I knew I’d had it before or at least heard of it before but couldn’t remember much about it. One evening while hanging out with my good friend Nick in Newberg, Oregon I noticed that they had Pliney the Elder on tap. It’s good. I like it. But it lead me to think about why so many people have it on their list of beers to find. Not just this beer, but so many others. Why do people get so excited about certain ones? What is this cult like following for so many beers out there?

Thinking about why people get so excited about certain beers led me to see that there are multiple reasons why.

Quality and Craftsmanship

Many cult beers are produced by small craft breweries that prioritize quality and innovative brewing techniques. This commitment to craftsmanship results in unique flavors and experiences that stand out from mass produced options. We see people and breweries who can put time and thought into what they’re producing. They already know they’re going to have a limited release. Why not make it the best!

Limited Availability

Cult like beer followings are driven sometimes by limited availability. These beers are often released in small batches or during specific seasons, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity. This scarcity drives demand and makes acquiring them a special event. One of the rarest beers in the world is Westvleteren XII. Brewed in one of only six remaining active Trappist breweries it’s known for it’s excellent flavor and regularly tops best beer lists around the world. It’s not sold commercially and there’s a limit to how much each customer can buy. If you want to try this beer, you’ll definitely have to head to Belgium and see if you hit the beer lottery and find some in a local beer shop.

Innovation and Experimentation

Many cult beers feature experimental ingredients or techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing. This innovation appeals to adventurous drinkers looking for new flavors and experiences. One example that comes to mind is Lanikai Brewing Company. I was able to interview one of the owners of the brewing. We spoke a lot about how he was working hard to ensure that his flavors and ingredients came locally. That could even include hiking out into the middle of the jungle and forage for fruit. While I’m not sure this is the best course of action, it caught my interest. Now when I head over to the brewery I check out what new flavors they might have on tap.

Recognition and Awards

Cult beers frequently receive praise in competitions, reinforcing their status. I had never thought about but now know that I should have realized there would be a World Beer Cup. I have often spoken about my favorite brewery, Deschutes, and it was awesome to see that they’d won awards in quite a few of the categories. Definitely check out the list of winners. There were a bunch of categories so it takes a while to get through, but see if any of your favorite breweries are on the list!

Social Media and Online Communities

The rise of social media has allowed beer enthusiasts to share their experiences, photos, and reviews. Online communities and forums amplify discussions about cult beers, contributing to their popularity. One Instagram page I follow theyoungcraftenthusiast. With an obvious love of beer, this page is one that I can see creating a buzz for other craft beer enthusiasts.

One local brewery has a huge social media presence here in Hawaii. Hana Koa Brewing does a ton of work with the community including blood drives, fundraising for local causes, and they even took part in the Pride Parade this year. Each new release excites their followers and drives a commitment to their brand.

There are so many factors when it comes to determining why a beer becomes a fan favorite and has a cult like following. What do you think drives people to do anything they can to find a certain beer? Leave a comment below!