425: Economist Lester Jones Shares the Truth of Today's Craft Beer Market and Debunks Prevailing Misconceptions

425: Economist Lester Jones Shares the Truth of Today's Craft Beer Market and Debunks Prevailing Misconceptions

Author: Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine July 18, 2025 Duration: 1:06:59

This week’s interview wasn’t initially intended for the podcast and wasn’t recorded that way (Brewing Industry Guide subscribers read it last month), but the topics are salient and the audio listenable, so we thought it would be an interesting change of pace. Lester Jones is the VP of Analytics and Chief Economist for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, and has some pretty deep data-driven insight into what is reality and what is just vibes in today’s world of beer sales which he shares in this conversation. Throughout, we try to unpack what’s actually going on, comparing anecdotal experience to real sales data, for a more accurate picture of the opportunities and challenges in today's beer world.

This episode is brought to you by:

G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across North America and beyond. With our 24/7 service and support, your brewery will never stop. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need, and gain peace of mind your operation is running smoothly.
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): As breweries expand beyond beer into other segments like mocktails and CBD beverages, Old Orchard is here to help. We can formulate custom blends featuring specialty ingredients. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Lórien seamlessly combines traditional elements of European noble hops with an elegant twang of American modernity. Learn more about Lórien and the rest of Indie’s varieties at www.indiehops.com. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
XTRATUF (https://xtratuf.com) XTRATUF has been making rugged and reliable boots for 75 years. Built for the harshest conditions, the Legacy Collection styles are oil, acid, and chemical resistant with a non-slip rated outsole. Be prepared for whatever comes your way and shop the latest XTRATUF boots on xtratuf.com.
Veterans Blend from Yakima Chief Hops (https://www.yakimachief.com) The 8th Annual Veterans Blend from Yakima Chief Hop is available through pre-order! $1 from every pound sold of Veterans Blend will be donated to this year’s non-profit Soldier’s Angels. Plan ahead and place your Veterans Blend pre-order with Yakima Chief Hops at yakimachief.com.
Brewery Workshop (https://breweryworkshop.com) If you’re launching a brewery or acquiring an existing one, consider our brewery workshop and new brewery accelerator, September 14 through 17th in Fort Collins, Colorado. Over four days, we engage in panel discussions, technical brewery tours, networking, and small working group sessions that help you better understand and prepare for the challenges of brewery operation. Tickets are on sale now.

Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast


There’s always more to discover in a glass of beer, whether you’re patiently tending a fermentation in your closet or just appreciate the craft behind a well-made pint. The Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast brings that curiosity to life through weekly conversations with the people who shape the industry. Instead of vague overviews, you’ll hear professional brewers and seasoned experts break down specific techniques, from water chemistry to hop selection, in a way that’s useful for both homebrewers and dedicated enthusiasts. These discussions go beyond simple tips, offering a deeper look at the evolving trends and science that influence how beer is made and enjoyed today. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a seat at a lively taproom table where the talk is always honest, detailed, and genuinely passionate about quality. It’s that blend of practical advice and broader insight that makes each episode a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand-and savor-the art of brewing a little better.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 403: Offset’s Conor Brown Is Lying to You About Low-ABV IPA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:24
From their tiny outpost in the ski town of Park City, Offset Bier has turned Utah’s challenges—such as a ban on serving draft beer higher than 5 percent ABV—into opportunities. Last year was a breakout one for the buddin…
401: Superior Stouts and Standout Sours With Louisville’s Atrium [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:16
In our latest issue, Louisville’s Atrium Brewing scored a category-leading 98 for their barrel-aged stout Denny-Lou, Blend 1, and that was as good a reason as any to check in with cofounder Mark Rubenstein and head brewe…
398: River North Explores the Outer Limits of High ABV Brewing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:40
Over the past few years, Denver's River North Brewery has collected accolades from top beer competitions around the world—four GABF medals, four World Beer Cup medals, four European Beer Star medals just to name a few—an…
395: For Marcin Chmielarz, Baltic Porter Day is Every Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:14
Mark it down: Baltic Porter Day this year is January 18, always the third Saturday of this month. This year’s will be the 10th edition of a commemoration that began in 2016 in Poland, where rich, hefty, cool-fermented po…