The craft brewing industry is a booming industry all across Europe, Canada and the USA, but what makes a craft beer, what should you look for in a craft beer and what is a craft brewery? Let’s find out more about craft beers and craft breweries and why they are so good.
What Is A Craft Beer?
Craft beer is a beer made in small amounts often by small and independent breweries. There is a long line of making craft beer in Europe but in recent years the USA and Canada have embraced this too. Craft beers have become popular and there is a lot of choices available these days at local independent pubs. Some of the bigger breweries are even getting in on the trend and making their own ‘craft’ beers in smaller amounts. Craft beers are often brewed in traditional ways, although there are some beers coming out that are more experimental in taste and brewing techniques.
What Is A Craft Brewery?
A craft brewery is a brewery that makes small amounts of beer. It is often referred to as a microbrewery. Most of these are independently owned and have more freedom to chose what they want to make. The ‘Assured Independent British Craft Brewer’ initiative in the UK ensures that brewers using their logo are relatively small, independent and brewing quality beer. In the USA the Brewers Association promotes and protects American craft breweries.
What Is Special About Craft Beers?
Craft beers are special for a number of reasons.
One of the reasons is choice. When the big beer and lager brands stay the same, if you want to experiment with your flavour choices then craft beer is for you. You can experiment with different styles of beer and different taste profiles. If you want a craft beer that is malty with tobacco flavours, there is a craft beer for you, if you want a craft beer with a hint of chilli and spice, there is a craft beer for you. Craft beers appeal to adventurous and free-thinking people of all ages.
Many people think that craft beer has a more flavourful taste and the different taste profiles mean it can be paired with different food. It can be more alcoholic too, up to 15% and this will appeal to some people.
Many craft beers are made using sustainable methods and organic ingredients and there are some that are vegan too.
The Image Of Craft Beer
Craft beer has a certain image and people buy into the brand as craft breweries are great at telling their story.
People who drink craft beers are often thought of as being adventurous. For example, Melvin Brewing is a company that produces craft beers in their own words “with sides of Asian street food, kung fu movies and old school hip hop.” They say “Remember: if your beer is not madness, it’s not beer.”
As craft beers are often made with organic ingredients and using sustainable methods as mentioned before then they are more likely to appeal to someone who cares about the environment and the quality of the ingredients going into a beer.
As you can see there are many reasons to enjoy a craft beer. Do you like craft beer?
*Collaborative Post
