When you hear the term “craft beer,” what comes to mind? You might think of an IPA or some type of beer that isn’t mass-produced. Or nothing may come to mind—that’s ok, because we are here to give you the rundown on what craft beer is.
Some people say, “Beer is beer.” While we believe that the best beer is the one you prefer, not all beer is created equal. This is where craft beer comes in.
What is craft beer?
Craft beer, as opposed to a macrobrew (think big brands like Budweiser, Coors, Miller, etc.), is made by small & independent breweries with a focus on unique flavors, quality, and creative products. Typically, these beers are made in smaller batches using traditional brewing methods, resulting in a wide range of flavors depending on the ingredients the brewers decide to use.
You’ll find varying levels of alcohol strength ranging from as low as 3% for session ales up to 12%+ for Belgians, Double IPAs, and Imperial Stouts. As for the flavor profile, you can expect a massive range of flavors depending on the type of craft beer. You can find flavors that are crisp and clean, hoppy and bitter, malty and sweet, dark and roasty, fruity and spicy, sour and tart, funky and earthy, and smoky and woody.
Main differences between craft beer and mass-produced beer:
- Craft Beer: Brewed by small, independent breweries.
- Mass-Produced Beer: Brewed by large, national/global companies.
- Craft Beer: Often made in small batches with traditional methods.
- Mass-Produced Beer: Brewed in massive quantities with automated methods.
- Craft Beer: Offers bold, diverse, and experimental flavor profiles.
- Mass-Produced Beer: Tends to have mild, light, and standardized flavors.
- Craft Beer: Frequently includes seasonal or limited-edition brews.
- Mass-Produced Beer: Produced year-round with less variation.
And here’s why you should try craft beer:
- Wide range of flavors: light, dark, malty, crisp, fruity, strong, hoppy, citrusy, and more.
- Support local: brewed locally by small businesses.
- Great with bar food: try craft beer with burgers, wings, fries, nachos, and more.
- Expand your tasting horizons: learn what you like by tasting different varieties.
Next time you’re in to watch the game, consider trying a couple of our craft beers! And if they aren’t your preference, we of course have a great selection of domestics for you to enjoy.