What is the difference between craft beer and regular beer?

The world of beer is vast, and it continues to evolve. Evidence of this is a new trend, the so-called craft brewing. This concept was born in the mid-seventies in America. It is connected with developing private craft breweries and microbreweries with accessible technology, allowing home brewers to express themselves. Homebrewers bring their vision to the traditional beverage technology, making it unusual in taste, color, and flavor.

How craft brewing differs from conventional brewing? Let us first look at the factors that weigh on the beer of giant breweries and make it "conventional." Mainstream beer is also called mainstream beer. It is essential to understand the subject because playing online casino in India or watching your favorite soccer game is better with a good beer.

• Large production volumes;
• Equipment capabilities;
• The desire to maximize profits;
• A huge staff of employees;
• The high inertia of decision-making;
• Special features of ingredients used.

Large volumes of production

Ordinary beer (mass-produced beer) is produced in millions of liters. Therefore it must appeal to the maximum number of customers. Accordingly, there are limits: it must not be too bitter, too dark, too light, etc. Thus, brewers have to wiggle around in creating average varieties.

Equipment options

Different raw materials behave differently when brewing wort. For example, wheat has no shell, which is the basis of the filter layer in a strainer. Other equipment can be used, but the filter is the most practical, which is why large mills use it more often.

Striving to maximize benefits

It is one of the main points revealing how craft beer differs from conventional beer. It does not make sense for big breweries to spend any special money on raw materials because mass-produced beer does not involve using unique ingredients. Also, the production technology is simplified to save energy resources. There is no need to keep the beer mature for a month, spending electricity to maintain the temperature. The easier and faster a giant beer can be brewed, the higher the profit margin. Market.us predicts that the craft beer market is projected to reach USD 170 Bn by 2032, with a CAGR of 12.4% from 2022 to 2032.

Huge staff

Large breweries operate around the clock, which requires more staff. It, in turn, increases the risk of the "human factor." That is why you should not apply any complicated technological methods - you should try to increase the share of automation of operations.

Features of ingredient use

Ordinary beer does not need unique ingredients because it complicates the production process. In addition, it increases the brewing time, as well as the costs. If this does not stop it, it still becomes unreasonable to use some varieties of raw materials. For example, brewing 100% wheat beer or brewing very dark beer, or adding natural fruit or berries to the wort makes the production process difficult and expensive and therefore unsuitable for a large brewery.

What is the difference between craft beer and conventional beer? Let's look at the question from the side of craft brewing. What makes it unique?

• Freedom of expression in the technology used;
• Relatively small production volumes;
• A variety of ingredients;
• Unique equipment;
• A vast palette of flavors and aromas.

Freedom of self-expression in the technology used

A craft brewer is an artisan, a free artist. He has his mini-brewery or belongs to a circle of like-minded people who do not want to settle for the mainstream. When a brewer brews a beer, he does not aim to surprise the public but to demonstrate his capabilities. The international beer culture contributes to this. Being in his small domain, a brewer can reproduce beers from all over the world.

Small production volumes

Craft beer is unusually bold and daring. When a brewer makes his brews, he takes a significant risk. He risks not achieving the desired success. A small batch of beer minimizes possible losses and gives the brewer more determination when experimenting. For example, it is unlikely that a large brewery can boil half a ton of berries together with the mash, while a small volume will require only 5kg - the craft brewer can do it. For the consumer, this is also an opportunity to enjoy the freshest author beer.

Unique Equipment

Non-standard raw materials and technology require non-standard production steps. For example, to impart a palpable lasting hop aroma, a special extractor - hop gun - is used to ensure the cold transfer of essential oils into the solution. For unusual types of cereal raw materials, brewers or pre-operators are used, up to and including a hammer crusher and a mash filter. When using fruits, berries, and spicy herbs, brewers' ingenuity is endless.

A vast palate of tastes and flavors

Craft brewing is a reflection of the brewer's soul, which is in an eternal search for perfection. The result of this search is many directions and styles of brewing. There are no boundaries, and the brewer does not need to be guided by the preferences of the masses. 

Craft beer varieties: what are they?

Let's look at a few of the most popular types, which are popular all over the world.

• Witbier. It embodies the traditions of Belgian brewing. This white ale is produced from natural raw materials - wheat and malt. Because of the lack of filtration process, it is characterized by turbidity. The color is pale but can vary from muted gold to straw. A slight acidity creates a stimulating effect and aftertaste. Scaring that the foam is gone is not necessary - this is due to the presence of yeast. A pleasant citrus aroma with the addition of spices and almost no bitterness will appeal to fans of lightness.
• India Pale Ale. High hop content gives a bright bitterness. Characterized by the tartness. The base is shaded by citrus and pine additives.
• Stout is a dark drink, the color of which is achieved through burnt malt in the preparation. Caramel notes are responsible for the balance of flavors when drinking. There are many types of this beer. For example, coffee stout, and chocolate stout, in the preparation of which the appropriate ingredient is added.
• Sour - a variety, the number of fans which is growing every day. Wheat, oats, and lactose in the composition give a rich and deep taste, while the acidity tones and refreshes. It quenches thirst well, and it's also nice to savor. The perfect choice if you play a crazy time game. It's also a good base for experimenting with appetizers.
• Porter is a combination of bitterness and sweetness at the same time. In addition, it has a bright malt flavor.

Conclusion

What can we say in the end? All beer is necessary, but the difference is fundamental. In the case of mass-produced beer, you'll drink a mug and quench your thirst. It won't leave any emotion because that's not required. Mainstream beer is a product of averaged collective thinking, aimed only at one inevitable result - profit. In the case of craft beers, you get pleasure and new emotions and expand your horizons. Yes, you have to pay for that too, but who says that craft breweries don't want to make a profit?

Photo Courtesy Flickr/Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau