Regardless of your level of exposure to the world of brewing, understanding what defines craft beer comes with great value. You might be considering setting up your own micro-brewery, or perhaps you’re just an avid ale drinker plagued with curiosity. Whatever the case; here lies your answer to craft.
Size
In a very basic sense, whether or not a beer is considered craft comes down to the scale at which it is produced. In the US, a craft brewery is any one brewery that produces less than 6 million barrels per year. We don’t have that same determination here in the UK - but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell them apart.
In a very basic sense, whether or not a beer is considered craft comes down to the scale at which it is produced. In the US, a craft brewery is any one brewery that produces less than 6 million barrels per year. We don’t have that same determination here in the UK - but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell them apart.
Arguably, the most defining feature of a craft brewery is size, but that is probably because it is the easiest thing to notice without much exposure. Whilst it isn’t exhaustive, and definitely not applicable to all, here are a few things that set craft breweries apart from the rest.
As we mentioned, craft breweries are usually a lot smaller than some of the big boys. This is mainly down to how they start, which leads nicely on to the next point.
Independence & Community
At least 75% of craft breweries are independently owned, they’re usually set up by a bunch of pals, and pride themselves on their locality. It all stems from the idea that beer should be fun and exciting. How many times have you and your friends had radical ideas about something. Craft beer is just that in practice!
At least 75% of craft breweries are independently owned, they’re usually set up by a bunch of pals, and pride themselves on their locality. It all stems from the idea that beer should be fun and exciting. How many times have you and your friends had radical ideas about something. Craft beer is just that in practice!
Creativity & Innovation
Craft beer is a rebellion against the often blander tasting larger brand options. They use unique flavours and really try to be different. This is what sets them apart, and allows lots of smaller craft breweries to do well in the market - people love different.
Craft beer is a rebellion against the often blander tasting larger brand options. They use unique flavours and really try to be different. This is what sets them apart, and allows lots of smaller craft breweries to do well in the market - people love different.
We are by no means an expert but we hope this information helped you to understand things a little better. It really is a good idea to support your local craft breweries, they’re not usually doing what they do for profit - they do it because they love it. That’s something we should all be getting behind!
*This blog post was guest written by Macauley Horton