Craft beer. What image do you think of? A frosty pint served in a cozy pub, perhaps. A vibrant IPA, a refreshing raspberry sour, or a rich chocolate stout; or perhaps just a good, sessionable pale ale or pilsner, crisp and flavourful. The world of craft beer is in fact, very rich and diverse. This guide from Lion Brewery Co. serves as your compass – to navigate you through this captivating world.
Each brewery is a testament to creativity and innovation that separates craft beer from its commercial counterpart. From enhancing your drinking and eating experiences with the right beer and food pairing, understanding craft beer changes the entire impression and landscape of beer-drinking. Let us bring you a step closer to the world of “craft beer”!
What is Craft Beer?
Craft beers are made in small batches, often by independent breweries that use traditional methods. Unlike beers that are produced in masses, craft beers focus on quality, flavor, and unique brewing techniques.
But it’s more than just a drink. They tend to be very involved in their communities, organising events, conducting beer-tasting and brewery tour masterclasses, and generally fostering camaraderie. This personal touch, so at odds with the faceless conglomerates which have for so long dominated the beer world, are part of what is driving the craft beer movement from the ground up.
The History of Craft Beer
Origins and Early History
The roots of craft beer can be traced back to ancient brewing traditions where beer was made in small, local batches. Modern cCraft beer popularity began with one man, Fritz Maytag, who bought the Anchor Brewing Company in the 1960s. However, IPAs were being made as long ago as the early 1800s in the United Kingdom, including by a london-based brewery called Lion Brewery Co, which was founded in 1836 and shipped IPAs and ales across the seas… But that’s a story for another time!
Fast-forward to today, and craft beer is now a huge part of the beer industry globally, and is only growing
What Defines Craft Beer vs Commercial beer?
Experimentation and Innovation
Quality is paramount, which is why each batch of beer is brewed with high-grade ingredients, often locally or regionally sourced. Beyond that, a key pillar of craft beer is in trying different things and experimenting, creating new beer styles and hybrids to add to the large library of wonderful beers available. Commercial beers, on the otherhand, are more focused on brewing large batches of beer at lower costs. Whilst their QC and consistency practices are often very advanced, the ingredients used are often cheaper alternatives to the premium ingredients used in craft brewing.
Independent Ownership
One of the defining characteristics of craft breweries is their independence. Most craft breweries are independently owned like Lion Brewery Co., meaning they are not under the control of large, commercial brewing companies or part of conglomorates. This independence is vital as it allows brewers to maintain their unique identity and brewing philosophy through the flavour profiles, without having the external pressures to conform to mass-market trends, thus restricting the creativity of brewers.
Types of Craft Beer
Craft beer comes in a variety of brewing styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Let us share a few examples it here, even if this list is by no means exhaustive:
Ales
- Pale Ale: Known for its balanced flavor and moderate alcohol content.
- India Pale Ale (IPA): Features a strong hop aroma and flavour and higher alcohol content.
Lagers
- Pilsners: Light, crisp, and refreshing.
- Bocks: Darker and maltier than pilsners, bocks offer a rich, full-bodied flavor.
Stout
- Stout and Porter: Dark beers with rich, roasted flavours
Specialty and Hybrid Beers
- Sours: These beers have a tart, tangy flavors and are often brewed with lactobacillus.
- Fruited Beers: Made with the addition of real fruit, these beers are often sweet and tart at the same time.
- Wheat Beers: brewed with wheat for a heavier, fuller mouthfeel, and often include additions such as orange peel and coriander for a lovely zest.
- Cold IPAs: A hybrid between a lager and an ale, brewed with ale yeast but fermented at lager (colder) temperatures. Hoppy like an IPA, but with a crisper, lager-like body.
Tasting and Pairing Craft Beer
Tasting craft beer is an art form. To truly appreciate craft beers, it’s essential to know how to taste it properly, followed by pairing them with the right food. Here are some tips:
How to Taste Craft Beer
Tasting craft beer is an art form. Start by examining the beer’s appearance, noting its color and clarity. Next, take a moment to appreciate the aroma, identifying any distinct scents. Finally, take a sip and let the flavors unfold on your palate.
Remember – take small sips to truly savour the taste and flavour of each craft beer.
Pairing Beer with Food
Craft beer can enhance the dining experience when paired with the right foods. Try matching the beer’s flavour profile with complementary dishes. We have an article that discusses everything about the right beer and food pairing, which can be found here.
Craft Beer Terminology
Most relationships with beer starts as a consumer of it! With that in mind, it’s important to learn some of the common terms used to describe the beers. Here are a few to get you started:
Common Terms Explained
- ABV (Alcohol by Volume): The percentage of alcohol in the beer.
- IBU (International Bitterness Units): A measure of the bitterness of the beer.
- Session Beer: A beer with a lower ABV, making it suitable for extended drinking sessions.
Conclusion
Isn’t craft beer interesting? It is more than just a drink; oftentimes, it’s referred to as a booming cultural phenomenone, a community, and even an art form. From its humble beginnings to its current popularity, craft beers have indeed made a significant impact in the beer industry, and is the only segment of the beer market that continues to grow globally. Its ability to always innovate and foster community is a large part of makes it so popular with today’s consumers!
Home to twenty-five beer taps, elevated gastropub food, and live sports viewing, our independent beer brewery in Singapore offers unparalleled experiences for any levels of beer enthusiasts. Explore Lion Brewery Co for your next memorable beer-drinking session, and experience first-hand why craft beer is simply the better way to drink!
