What Is Craft Beer?
The UK has seen a surge in the popularity of craft beer, with enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike exploring beyond mainstream lagers and ales. But what exactly is craft beer, and why has it converted so many away from mass-produced beers?
Craft beer stands out for its emphasis on flavour, quality and brewing technique. It's produced by independent breweries committed to maintaining a personal touch in their brewing process, often using traditional methods and focusing on unique and varied flavours.
It’s pretty hard to point to when ‘Craft Beer’ became a thing, but the best guess is it came to Britain from America in the early years of this century.
The term is often used to describe newcomers to the scene like Mobberley Brewhouse in Cheshire and Bristol-based Wiper & True. These guys started off making beer at home, then ‘cuckoo brewing’ at more established producers, before finally branching out and setting up on their own.
Family-owned breweries such as JW Lees in Manchester and Arkell’s in Swindon have been making beer for over 180 years and their founders certainly wouldn’t have recognised the term Craft Beer. That’s not to say they don’t make great beer and some of The Boilerhouse beers from Lees are very crafty e.g. Berliner Weiss Sour and their Scotch Ale, Does Nessie Like Haggis?
In this blog post, we explore how craft beer differs from regular beer, the various types available, and why it's become a staple for those seeking a more authentic and flavourful drinking experience.
Understanding Craft Beer
Craft beer combines artisanal skill, creativity, and a dedication to quality. At its core, craft beer is produced by small-scale breweries that focus on quality, flavour, and traditional brewing methods, distinguishing their products from those of larger, mass-producing beer companies.
Craft beers are often characterised by their emphasis on quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and the personal touch of the brewmaster. These brewers are not afraid to experiment, often incorporating unusual ingredients or revisiting long-forgotten styles. This leads to a diverse range of beers, each with its unique profile.
While some breweries have set up in modern industrial units, others have made use of existing spaces and we buy beer from converted cattle markets, decommissioned reservoirs and even old airfields.
The resurgence of the craft beer market is rooted in a desire to return to more traditional brewing methods and to experiment with flavours. Craft breweries in the UK have been leading the charge, showcasing a vast array of styles and tastes that challenge the conventional beer narrative.
Craft breweries typically operate on a smaller scale than their commercial counterparts. This not only allows for more experimental and limited-edition brews but also fosters a sense of community. Craft beer enthusiasts often share a passion for discovering new brews, supporting local breweries, and enjoying the unique flavours that craft beer has to offer.
How is Craft Beer Different from Regular Beer?
Craft brewers tend to prioritise quality over quantity, focusing on small-batch production that allows for more attention to detail. Where regular, mass-produced beers often have a higher water content, craft beers are not as diluted, bringing forward the unique flavours of the ingredients and brewing process. Craft beers can often have ABVs of 7% and higher, but their typically smoother and fuller textures can better mask any unpleasant chemical tastes.
Several multinational breweries have seen the rise in popularity of small, independent craft brewers and have either rebranded their existing products or bought out the competition.
Marston’s brewery (owned by Danish giants Carlsberg) spent £1 million rebranding their portfolio of products to ‘reach out to their younger drinkers’. This involved renaming existing beers e.g. Burton Bitter became Saddle Tank and redefining their best-selling Pedigree as an ‘amber ale’.
Once hip, independent London brewers Brixton and Beavertown are now owned by Dutch giants Heineken, while Dark Star, founded in the cellar of a Brighton pub is owned by Japanese company Asahi. They also own Chiswick-based Fuller’s too!
Established as a small business in the tiny Cornish fishing village of Rock in the mid-1990s, Sharp’s brewery produces the Doom Bar brand. While the name and the heritage evoke images of sleepy, southwest England, the beer is now mass-produced 260 miles away in Staffordshire and is owned by the people who make Carling lager.
The ingredients in craft beer are chosen with care, often focusing on the highest quality hops, malt and yeast in combination with fruits and spices. This creative freedom is what often sets craft beer apart from regular, more homogenised beer options.
This smaller-scale production in the craft beer scene is about independence and a commitment to maintaining a hands-on approach to brewing. This allows for limited-run beers and a closer connection to the local community.
Types of Craft Beer Explained
Ales are among the most popular types of craft beer in the UK. Known for their robust flavours and aromatic qualities, ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast. This category includes several sub-types, such as:
● IPA (India Pale Ale): famous for its strong hop character and higher alcohol content. IPAs often have a citrusy, piney or floral aroma.
● Stout: renowned for its dark, rich flavours with hints of coffee, chocolate or caramel. Stouts are full-bodied and can range from sweet to dry.
● Porter: similar to stouts but generally lighter in body and flavour, porters often have notes of roasted malts or chocolate.
Lagers are another cornerstone of the craft beer world. Brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, lagers are known for their clean, crisp taste and lighter colour. They are often more approachable for those new to craft beer. If this is your thing, our Craft Lager case is a must
Craft brewers often create speciality beers. These can include:
● Sour beers: known for their acidic and tart flavour, often brewed with wild yeast or bacteria.
● Seasonal brews: crafted for specific times of the year, like spiced winter ales or refreshing summer brews.
● Fruit beers: infused with fruit flavours, offering a sweet and tangy experience.
Each type of craft beer offers a unique taste and experience. From the hoppy bite of an IPA to the smooth richness of a stout, the variety is endless.
The Craft Beer Community
Craft beer enthusiasts are known for their eagerness to share knowledge and experiences, whether it's through social media groups, forums, or local tasting events. This community thrives on discovering and sharing new brews, brewing techniques, and flavour profiles.
By choosing craft beer, consumers are often supporting small, independent businesses. This support helps to support local, independent breweries in a market that is dominated by global brands.
Beer festivals and tasting events offer an opportunity to sample a variety of craft beers, meet the brewers, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. They're also a fantastic way for newcomers to explore craft beer and learn directly from experts and lovers of beer.
The Art of Brewing Craft Beer
At the heart of craft beer brewing is a spirit of innovation. This creative freedom allows for a diverse range of unique beers. The brewing process is typically hands-on, with brewers deeply involved in every step of the process. This involvement ensures attention to detail, quality control, and a personal connection to every batch.
Using locally sourced ingredients is another good way to showcase the flavours and characteristics of different regions of the UK. This not only supports local agriculture but also adds a unique, local twist to their beers, further enhancing the craft beer experience.
Craft Beer’s Impact on the Beverage Industry
The rise of craft beer has significantly impacted the beverage industry in the UK and beyond, reshaping consumer preferences and industry standards. Beer drinkers are increasingly seeking quality, variety, and unique flavour profiles.
Many craft breweries consider environmental sustainability in their brewing processes. This includes practices like using renewable energy, recycling water, and implementing waste reduction strategies. Craft beer consumers often value these sustainable practices, and therefore find that supporting craft breweries is morally a better choice.
Monty’s brewery in mid Wales send their spent grain from the brewing process to local farmers and they’ve even provide beer to massage the cows with. Staffordshire based Freedom Brewery commissioned a reed and willow terraced water treatment system to filter all the waste water and make it clean enough to put back into the stream that runs by the brewery.
While craft beer began as a largely local phenomenon, it's now a global trend. Craft beers from the UK are finding their way into markets around the world, showcasing the quality and diversity of British brewing on the international stage.
How to Find Your Favourite Craft Beers
For those looking to explore the many beer styles on offer, Best of British Beer is your perfect tool. We are dedicated to showcasing the finest craft beers the UK has to offer. From classic ales to bold new experimental brews, our selection is curated to provide an unmatched experience for every palate. With the Best of British Beer’s craft beers selection, you have the opportunity to discover quality beers from breweries located on your doorstep that you may never have known about otherwise.
● Subscriptions: enjoy a regular delivery of handpicked craft beers, tailored to your taste preferences. It's a fantastic way to discover new favourites and keep your beer selection exciting and varied.
● Beer Gifts: looking for the perfect gift for a beer enthusiast? Our gift boxes are thoughtfully assembled, offering a range of craft beers that are sure to delight any recipient.
● Exclusive Access: gain access to limited-edition beers and special releases, giving you a taste of rare and sought-after brews.
Our team is passionate about craft beer and is always on hand to offer advice, recommendations, and insights into the latest trends. Whether you're new to the world of craft beer or a seasoned enthusiast, Best of British Beer is here to guide you through every step of your journey. Visit our website to explore our offerings and join a community that celebrates the best of British brewing.
