What’s Craft Beer?
Craft beer is essentially beer brewed by independent and traditional breweries, often prioritizing innovation and unique flavor profiles over mass production and standardization.
A History of Independence and Flavor
The story of craft beer is a rebellion against industrial consolidation. For decades, a handful of massive breweries dominated the American beer landscape, offering largely homogenous lagers. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, small breweries began to emerge, driven by a desire to offer consumers a wider range of styles and flavors. These pioneering brewers experimented with different ingredients, brewing techniques, and traditions from around the world, laying the foundation for the vibrant craft beer scene we know today.
The Brewers Association Definition
The Brewers Association, a trade group representing independent breweries, provides a specific definition of what constitutes a craft brewery:
- Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less.
- Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.
- Traditional: A brewer that has either an all malt flagship (the beer which represents the greatest volume among that brewery’s brands) or has at least 50% of its volume in beers which have malt as the primary ingredient (measured by weight of the malt).
It’s important to note that this definition is not legally binding, but it serves as a common understanding within the industry and amongst consumers. Some argue the definition is too broad, while others find it useful for differentiating craft breweries from macro-breweries.
Exploring the Vast World of Craft Beer Styles
One of the most exciting aspects of craft beer is the sheer variety of styles available. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, tart sours to crisp lagers, there’s a craft beer to suit almost any taste. Here are just a few of the popular categories:
- India Pale Ale (IPA): Known for its hop-forward character, ranging from floral and citrusy to piney and resinous. Sub-styles include West Coast IPA, New England IPA (Hazy IPA), and Double IPA (Imperial IPA).
- Lager: While macro-breweries often focus on light lagers, craft breweries are exploring more complex and flavorful lager styles like pilsner, dunkel, and bock.
- Stout & Porter: Dark beers with roasted malt flavors, often exhibiting notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel.
- Sour Ale: Beers with a tart or acidic flavor, often achieved through wild yeast fermentation or the addition of fruit.
- Wheat Beer: Light-bodied and refreshing beers made with a significant portion of wheat malt. Examples include Hefeweizen, Witbier, and American Wheat Ale.
The Ingredients that Define Craft Beer
The quality and variety of ingredients used are crucial to the flavor and character of craft beer.
- Malt: Provides the sugars that yeast ferment into alcohol. Different types of malt contribute different flavors, from bready and biscuity to roasted and chocolatey.
- Hops: Add bitterness, aroma, and flavor to beer. Hundreds of hop varieties exist, each with its own unique profile.
- Yeast: Ferments the sugars from the malt, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. Different yeast strains can contribute fruity, spicy, or earthy flavors.
- Water: Makes up the majority of the beer and plays a significant role in its overall taste. Craft brewers often pay close attention to the mineral content of their water.
- Adjuncts: These ingredients are added to the recipe to enhance the flavor or texture of the beer. Common examples include spices, fruits, honey, and lactose.
The Craft Brewing Process: From Grain to Glass
While the basic brewing process is the same for both craft and macro breweries, craft brewers often emphasize attention to detail and a willingness to experiment. The brewing process can be summarized as follows:
- Milling: The malt is crushed to expose the starches.
- Mashing: The crushed malt is mixed with hot water to convert the starches into sugars.
- Lautering: The sugary liquid (wort) is separated from the spent grain.
- Boiling: The wort is boiled with hops to add bitterness and aroma.
- Whirlpooling: The wort is spun in a circular motion to separate out any remaining solids.
- Cooling: The wort is cooled down to a temperature suitable for fermentation.
- Fermentation: Yeast is added to the wort, and the mixture is allowed to ferment for several days or weeks.
- Conditioning: The beer is allowed to mature and develop its flavor.
- Packaging: The beer is bottled, canned, or kegged.
Common Misconceptions about Craft Beer
It is important to dispel some commonly held myths about craft beer.
- Craft beer is always expensive: While some craft beers are more expensive than mass-produced beers, there are many affordable options available.
- Craft beer is always high in alcohol: Craft beer comes in a wide range of alcohol strengths, from sessionable beers with low ABV to high-alcohol imperial stouts.
- Craft beer is always hoppy: While IPAs are a popular style, craft breweries produce a diverse range of beers, including lagers, stouts, sours, and many others.
- Craft beer is only for beer snobs: Anyone can enjoy craft beer! It’s all about exploring different flavors and finding what you like.
Comparing Craft Beer to Macro Beer
| Feature | Craft Beer | Macro Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Small-scale, independent | Large-scale, often corporate-owned |
| Ingredients | High-quality, diverse | Often uses cheaper ingredients like corn/rice |
| Flavor | Varied, complex, innovative | Generally standardized, often lighter |
| Focus | Quality, innovation, local community | Volume, consistency, mass appeal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some good ways to start exploring craft beer?
Start by visiting local breweries or craft beer bars and trying a variety of styles. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the staff. Also, consider attending beer festivals or joining a beer club to sample a wider range of beers and learn more about the industry.
What’s the difference between an ale and a lager?
The main difference lies in the type of yeast used and the fermentation temperature. Ales are fermented with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, resulting in a more complex flavor profile. Lagers are fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, producing a cleaner, crisper taste.
What is a “session” beer?
A session beer is a beer that is relatively low in alcohol, typically around 4-5% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). This allows you to drink several without becoming overly intoxicated. Session IPAs and session ales are popular choices.
What does “IBU” mean?
IBU stands for International Bitterness Units, a measure of the perceived bitterness of a beer. The higher the IBU, the more bitter the beer is likely to taste. However, IBU is not the only factor that determines bitterness; other factors like malt sweetness and hop aroma also play a role.
What’s the proper way to pour a beer?
Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and pour the beer gently down the side until the glass is about halfway full. Then, gradually straighten the glass and pour the remaining beer into the center to create a nice, foamy head. The head helps release the beer’s aroma and flavor.
How should I store beer?
Store beer in a cool, dark place to prevent it from skunking (developing a bad taste due to exposure to light). Ideally, store beer upright to minimize the surface area exposed to oxygen.
What food pairings go well with craft beer?
Craft beer pairs well with a wide variety of foods. Hoppy IPAs pair well with spicy foods, while stouts and porters complement rich desserts. Lighter lagers are refreshing with salads and seafood.
What is “craft washing”?
“Craft washing” refers to the practice of larger, non-craft breweries creating brands or beers that appear to be craft. These are often marketed using language and imagery that evoke the craft beer aesthetic. It can be difficult for consumers to distinguish true craft breweries from these larger companies, so research is key.
Is all imported beer considered “craft beer”?
Not necessarily. While many countries have strong craft brewing scenes, a beer’s country of origin does not automatically qualify it as “craft.” The defining factors are the brewery’s independence, size, and traditional brewing practices.
What is a “growler”?
A growler is a reusable container used to transport draft beer from a brewery or bar. They typically hold 32 or 64 ounces of beer. It’s important to consume the beer from a growler soon after filling it to maintain its freshness and carbonation.
How can I tell if a beer is past its prime?
Signs that a beer might be past its prime include a loss of carbonation, a dull or metallic taste, or a cloudy appearance. Many beers have “best by” dates on the label, which can be a helpful guide.
Are gluten-free or gluten-reduced craft beers available?
Yes! While true gluten-free beer is brewed with non-gluten-containing grains like sorghum or millet, gluten-reduced beers are made with barley but use a process to break down the gluten proteins. Always check labels carefully to ensure the beer meets your dietary needs.