How Is Craft Beer Different From Regular Beer?
Have you ever found yourself caught in the age-old debate between craft beer enthusiasts and regular beer drinkers, unsure of their differences? If you're looking to understand the real distinctions between craft beer and regular beer, you've come to the right place.
The distinction between "craft beer" and "regular beer" fundamentally lies in their production. Craft beer prides itself on quality ingredients like freshly milled malt and using unusual varieties of hop cones or pellets, these are often enhanced with unique flavours like fruits or spices - sometimes from a specific region. The sheer amount of hops used in craft beer can also be a clear indicator.
In contrast, regular beers, produced by large-scale breweries like Budweiser, are crafted for mass consumption. They often include cheaper ingredients and practices designed to cut costs and maximise profits, such as using lower-quality grains, or speeding up the brewing process.
Simply put, craft beer is produced with a small-scale, quality-driven approach, while regular beer is mass-produced and focuses on cost efficiency. Economies of scale mean that the brewing process for mass produced beers will result in a more consistent product, while craft brews can vary considerably..
The Taste Test
Taste is subjective, but the difference between craft and regular beers is unmistakable. Craft beers are brewed with quality and tradition in mind, avoiding any dilution or cost-saving additives. This approach results in a robust and varied flavour spectrum, from rich chocolates and fruits to other unique combinations.
Conversely, regular beers often present a more watery taste, lacking strong flavour profiles due to the large-scale, profit-oriented brewing methods. They typically stick to a few standard flavours, as producing a wide variety of tastes isn't the priority for corporate breweries more concerned with their bottom line than with innovation.
The casual drinker could be forgiven for not knowing which of the beers on the bar are produced by independent brewers and which ones are made by multinationals. A number of previously craft producers e.g. Magic Rock, Camden Town, Meantime and Beavertown have been snapped up by brewing giants including Budweiser and Heineken.
Find the Best in British Brewing Here
Craft beers stand out for their commitment to traditional brewing methods, quality ingredients, and unique flavour profiles, produced in smaller batches for discerning drinkers. Regular beers cater to a broader market, prioritising cost-effectiveness and accessibility, often at the expense of distinctive flavours and alcohol strength.
Whether you're a beer lover or a casual drinker, exploring craft beers can expand your taste horizons and introduce you to a world far beyond the standard beer experience. In the battle of craft beer vs regular beer, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and a willingness to explore the innumerable flavours that craft beers have to offer.
To get yourself started on a craft beer journey, our mixed 12 pack is very popular. It features breweries such as Freedom from Staffordshire, Loch Lomond, Buxton Brewery and Birmingham’s Indian Brewery. If you want a real treat our Ultimate Craft Beer collection reads like a ‘who’s who’ of British brewers.
