My good friends at CBC seem to be doing a better job at posting my columns since my return. Not always right away, but at least they make it up at some point. Something that makes me quite happy.

One of the most recent postings is my July 19 column, in which I discuss a possible new trend (or maybe just a hiccup) of craft North American Pale Lagers. You can listen to the segment here.

My theory comes from a simple observation: in the past few months I have seen a significant number of craft breweries in the region release a version of a pale lager. These are breweries known for their IPAs, sours, stouts and other crafty beer.

Of course, a craft brewery releasing a pale lager is not noteworthy in itself. Many breweries anchor with a pale lager, and others regularly experiment with the style. It was how many got released in the same two to three month window that caught my attention. And who the breweries were – those not known for their lagers.

Blindman, Banded Peak, Dandy, and Cabin – just to name a few – released a version of a premium lager and/or pilsner this past spring. It made me take note in large part because none are really known for their lagers.

So, I turned it into a column. We tried the Dandy Lager on air. I picked it because of its toasted rice adjunct addition, which just added to the whole lager notion.

In retrospect I may have overstated the trend on the column. As I think about it, it was more likely an unusual blip than a sustained trend. However, I do think that some of our more out-there breweries are searching for something more mainstream they can offer a portion of their customer base.

Plus, I continue to think that as the craft beer world dives into weirder and crazier styles (glitter beer, anyone?) there will be a counter-pressure to offer up something traditional and reliable which keeps everybody grounded.

So new trend? Maybe not. But an interesting coincidence nonetheless. And it gave me an opportunity to talk about craft lager for a change.