Introduction
Craft beer is an exciting world full of unique flavours, innovative brewing techniques, and passionate people trying to make the perfect pour. No longer is the focus solely on pale lager or Kona stout. In fact, today, craft breweries are literally doing the most with what brewers can use to show us just how many unique beers exist, departing from tropes and ingredients in exchange for something new or simply returning to an old style that we may have forgotten about. This blog, in many ways, is your compass and map for your journey through this land of beer making that will help you to find local breweries near where you live, work or play with the goal of being a new favourite beer of yours.
Understanding Craft Beer
Craft beer is a unique experience, not just a beverage. It’s about appreciating the artistry and skill that goes into every glass. But what exactly defines craft beer? While there’s no single, universally accepted definition, the Brewers Association in the United States provides some guidelines:
- Small: Craft breweries are generally small, independent, and traditional.
- Independent: No more than 25% of the craft brewery is owned, operated or controlled by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not also a craft brewer.
- Traditional: A brewer that has either an all-malt flagship (the beer that represents the brewery) or has at least 50% of its volume in either all-malt beers or in beers that use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavour.
These guidelines help distinguish craft breweries from macro-breweries, which often prioritize mass production over flavour and quality.
Why Choose Craft Beer?
There are numerous reasons why craft beer is gaining popularity:
- Flavour: Craft breweries offer a wide range of tastes, flavours and styles, from hoppy IPAs to fruity sours and everything in between. There’s a craft beer out there for everyone, even those who think they don’t like beer.
- Quality: Craft brewers often use higher-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods, resulting in a superior product.
- Community: Craft breweries often serve as community gathering places, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion for good beer.
- Support Local: Choosing craft beer supports local businesses and economies.
Exploring Different Beer Styles
The world of craft beer offers a dizzying array of styles. Here are a few popular ones to get you started:
- India Pale Ale (IPA): Known for their hoppy bitterness and aroma, IPAs are a craft beer staple.
- Pale Ale: A more balanced style with moderate bitterness and hop flavour.
- Stout: Dark, roasted, and often with coffee or chocolate notes.
- Porter: Similar to stouts but often with a smoother, more caramel-like flavour.
- Sour Beer: Tart and tangy, often with fruity flavours.
- Wheat Beer: Light and refreshing, often with citrusy or spicy notes.
- Lager: Crisp and clean, a classic style with a wide range of variations.
Discovering Local Breweries
One of the best ways to experience craft beer is by visiting local breweries. Here are some tips for finding and enjoying your local breweries:
- Online Resources: Websites and apps like Untappd, BeerAdvocate, and RateBeer provide information on breweries, beers, and ratings.
- Local Publications: Many cities and regions have local magazines or websites dedicated to craft beer.
- Brewery Websites: Check brewery websites for information on their beers, taproom hours, tours, and events.
- Social Media: Follow your local breweries on social media to stay updated on new releases, events, and special offers.
- Brewery Tours: Many breweries offer tours that provide insights into the brewing process and the brewery’s history.
- Taprooms: Brewery taprooms are a great place to sample a variety of beers and experience the brewery’s atmosphere.
- Events: Many breweries host events like beer festivals, live music, and food pairings.
Tips for Tasting Craft Beer
Tasting craft beer is a sensory experience. Here are some tips to enhance your enjoyment:
- Appearance: Observe the colour, clarity, and head of the beer.
- Aroma: Give the beer a swirl in your glass to liberate its aromas. Take a deep inhale and note the different scents.
- Taste: Allow the beer to coat your palate with a sip. Notice the first tastes, the astringency, the sweetness and the aftertaste.
- Mouthfeel: Consider the body and texture of the beer. Is it light and crisp or thick and creamy?
- Overall Impression: What is your overall impression and assessment of the brew? Do you like it? Would you drink it again?
Pairing Craft Beer with Food
Craft beer can be paired with a variety of food to enhance the flavours of both, just like wine. Here are some general guidelines:
- Light beers: Pair well with lighter fare like salads, fish, and chicken.
- Hoppy beers: Complement spicy foods and rich cheeses.
- Dark beers: Pair well with red meat, chocolate, and desserts.
- Sour beers: Cut through fatty foods and can be paired with fruit and cheese.
The Rise of Craft Beer Culture
Not only did craft brewing change the way we drink beer, but it also created an entirely vibrant culture. For craft beer lovers, their favourite brews are often a point of pride, and there is no shortage of discussion among enthusiasts — the more recommendations, ratings and stories you get to share with others about your go-to drinkables, the better! We can see that culture in the rising number of beer festivals, homebrewing clubs and craft-beer-related online communities.
The Future of Craft Beer
The craft beer landscape is constantly evolving, with new breweries opening and styles being continuously released. Craft breweries will presumably still lead the industry onward with principles of quality, innovation, and community. With consumers becoming more discerning, craft breweries will continue to have to hunt the brewery limits to make a beer that is unique and somewhat exciting.
Conclusion
Craft beer: An odyssey of delicious discoveries awaiting you. There is something for everyone — from the hoppiest of IPAs to the sourest of sours. So expand your horizon, drop by a few local breweries and experience the magic of craft beer.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only. Just to be clear, this blog is not in favour of drinking till comatose. Please drink responsibly.
