Beer has been a staple alcoholic product that almost everyone tasted at least once in their life. There are various types of beers that taste differently and gives an entirely new experience to the drinker. However, there is one different beer that stands out of them all, and that is craft beer.
So, what is craft beer? Well, that’s an interesting question, and there are so many other things that you have to know about this craft beer starting with who brews it and why it is named differently. Do not worry; this article will clear all the doubts that you have in your mind regarding craft beer.
Definition
The first thing you have to know about craft beer is that there is no particular definition for it. The Beer Brewers Association has mentioned that any small or microbreweries that produce less than 6 million barrels of beer per year are eligible for producing craft beers. There are so many brands and conglomerates across the world who are into the beer business and are pretty popular out there. Now, the beer that these people brew does not come under craft beer.
But yes, does only the size matters when it comes to craft beer definition? No. There are many other factors that one has to consider along with the size, and that is the reason why there is no proper definition for the craft beer term.
The Beer Association further clarified that to be called a craft beer, more than a 25 percent stake of the producing brewery should not be owned by a company that is not a craft beer producer itself.
Also, the brewer should derive the flavors for the major portion of its beer production from traditional ingredients that are used for brewing.
Now, the things that go into the beer matter more than anything. Usually, the large companies that produce huge amounts of beer use rice, corn, and various other substitutes in the place of malt. But when it comes to craft beer, the brewers only use real malt, and it cannot be substituted with anything else at all. This is one of the most important things that make craft beer a real deal while the remaining others are nothing but substitutes for it.
Specialized for Seasons
There is no exaggeration in saying that craft beer is a lot like fine wine. It varies depending upon the seasons. The brewers use different kinds of flavors depending upon the season. Some complex flavors are clubbed with brewing time, and this entire combination will bring out the perfect beer that you have been longing for. From pumpkin ale making light beer for fewer calories and lower alcohol levels to the blackberry beer, there are numerous flavors, and you can go with the one that matches your taste.
There is another interesting similarity that you can find with wine; the beer tastes good when it is served in the right kind of glasses only. From beer mugs to pints, it is important to change the type of glass depending upon the kind of beer.
Craft Beer in Cooking
Now, this is something new and refreshing. Craft beer is not only for drinking, but you can use it for cooking too just like you use red and white wine. From stew to desserts, you can use craft beer in different types of food items, and it makes a great recipe in the kitchen without any doubt.
Conclusion
Craft beer is pretty different from all the other beers that you find in the market. If you are someone who loves beer, then you want to taste this. It will surely give you an entirely different experience than you are used to getting from other regular beers.
