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# Unexpected Infusion
Beer is given a flavor overhaul to discourage complacency and boost appeal.

By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 14, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unexpected-infusion

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 2.1/10
- Evidence articles: 6

## What is the Unexpected Infusion trend?

**Unexpected Infusion:** The notion of acquired tastes with regard to things like beer have pigeonholed market growth in years past, but the infusion of unexpected flavors is helping to move into new territory. Competing against the liquor market, the utilization of new flavor variations is drawing in coveted demographics like young women and ensuring current consumers don't become complacent.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 6 featured examples
- Articles from: Jan 30 to Sep 15, 2014
- Published: May 14, 2014
- Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection)
- Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience)

## Audience

- Gender: 90% men, 10% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Asia

## Themes within the Unexpected Infusion trend

### Unexpected Flavors

The infusion of unexpected flavors to classic beverages is drawing in coveted demographics like young women.

### Dessert-Inspired Beers

Innovative breweries are creating beers with flavor profiles inspired by desserts, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.

### Mystical Creature Branding

Simplifying branding while incorporating mythical creatures adds a unique element to products and can be more effective than excessive detail.

### Spicy Asian Beers

Craft breweries are experimenting by infusing beers with bold and spicy flavors of Asian cuisine, creating unique taste experiences for beer lovers.

## What the Unexpected Infusion trend means for industry

### For Food and Beverage

The food and beverage industry can take advantage of surprising flavor combinations to cater to diverse consumer tastes.

### For Marketing and Advertising

Marketers and advertisers can learn from the effective use of mythical creatures in product branding.

### For Craft Beer

The craft beer industry is expanding their flavor profiles and experimentation with unusual flavors.

### For Hospitality

The hospitality industry can use unexpected beverage flavors to enhance their menus and provide novel experiences for customers.

## Trend signals for Unexpected Infusion

Trend score 2.1 out of 10, from popularity 35%, activity 19%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 35%
- Activity: 19%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Unexpected Infusion trend

6 featured examples from Jan 30 to Sep 15, 2014.

- [Mystical Creature Beer Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dragon-fiery-ginger): Dragon Fiery Ginger is a Beer with a Bite (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Opportunity for beverage companies to explore the alcoholic ginger beer segment and differentiate their products through branding and flavor profiles.
- [Mint Chocolate Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-chocolate-beer): Flying Dog's Limited Edition Brew is a Mint Chocolate Beer (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Craft beer brewing industry can experiment with flavors and ingredients to create unique and appealing products for beer lovers.
- [Syrup Donut-Flavored Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-beer): This Sweet Beer Trades in the Bitter for Something More Scrumptious (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Craft breweries can explore the creation of sweet and flavored beers to stand out in the competitive market and attract beer enthusiasts.
- [Breakfast-Inspired Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-bacon-coffee-porter): The Maple Bacon Coffee Porter is Not the Way to Start Mornings (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Craft breweries can incorporate breakfast flavors and limited edition releases to attract adventurous consumers.
- [Lamb-Flavored Beer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunday-toast-beer): This Sunday Toast Beer is Infused with Dissolved Slow-Roasted Lamb Meat (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Craft breweries can leverage unconventional flavors to attract new consumers looking for unique and innovative tastes in their beer.
- [Piquant Asian Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-beers-1): Dogfish Head's Unique Beers are Flavored With Spicy Wasabi (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Craft breweries have an opportunity to experiment with unique flavors like wasabi and create beers that stand out in a saturated market.

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All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)
