The price of hops plants has soared, causing a possible crisis for craft brewers.
Hop flowers are essential to beer for flavor, giving brews a bitter flavor.
The popularity of hopped-up beer has led to a shortage, and higher prices. But so far, breweries have not passed on those costs to consumers.
Hops prices are expected to keep rising, and could force some small brewers to shut down.
AP
In this photo taken Dec. 11, 2013, Josh Terrell holds a handful of hops used to brew beer at Hop City Craft Beer and Wine in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)