The Difference Between Craft Beer and Regular Beer: Here's What You Need to Know
Ever wondered what the difference is between craft beer and regular beer? If you’ve walked into a craft beer shop or looked at beer selections online, you might have noticed the fancy labels and names for craft beers. But what makes them different from the regular beers you see everywhere?Well, it’s not just about the design of the bottle or the price tag. There is a lot more to it! Let us break down everything you need to know about craft beer and regular beer. Whether you are a seasoned beer lover or new to the world of hops and barley this will help you understand why craft beer is so special.
What Is Craft Beer?
At its core, craft beer is beer that is made by small, independent breweries that focus on quality, flavour, and creativity. Unlike mass-produced beers, which are made by large companies and are all about consistency and cost-efficiency, craft beer makers put a lot of thought into their recipes. They experiment with different ingredients, techniques, and flavours to create unique brews.One of the key factors that make craft beer stand out is that it’s made in smaller batches. This allows the brewer to pay attention to every little detail, from the type of hops used to how the beer is fermented.
What Is Regular Beer?
Now, let’s talk about regular beer (sometimes called "mainstream beer" or "commercial beer"). These are the beers you’re most likely familiar with: big brands that you can find everywhere. Think of beers like Budweiser, Carlsberg, or Heineken.Regular beers are usually made by huge brewing companies that produce large quantities of beer for mass consumption. The focus is less on innovation and more on creating something that’s affordable and easy to drink. Regular beer is often brewed with fewer ingredients and simpler processes, which makes it more consistent but less exciting than craft beer.
The Key Differences Between Craft Beer and Regular Beer
1. Flavour and Variety
This is probably the biggest difference between craft beer and regular beer. Craft beers are known for their bold and unique flavours. They come in a wide range of styles, including pale ales, stouts, IPAs (India Pale Ales), sours, and many more. Craft brewers love to experiment with different hops, malts, and yeasts to create beers that taste different from anything you’ve had before.On the other hand, regular beers usually have a more uniform taste. They’re made to appeal to a broad audience, so they tend to be light, crisp, and easy-drinking, with not a lot of complexity. Regular beers might have a more neutral flavour that’s not as adventurous.
2. Ingredients
While both craft and regular beers are made from the basic ingredients of water, hops, barley, and yeast, craft beer brewers love to get creative with their ingredients. They often use specialty malts, various hop varieties, and even fruit, spices, or herbs to add complexity and depth to their brews.Regular beers use rice or corn to keep the cost down as well as make the beer lighter. This leads to a cleaner, less flavourful beer with fewer layers of taste.
3. Alcohol Content (ABV)
Craft beers generally have a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) than regular beers. While most regular beers have an ABV of around 4% to 5%, craft beers can range from 3% to 12% or even higher, depending on the style. Some strong craft beers, like Imperial Stouts or Double IPAs, can have ABVs upwards of 10%!This means that craft beers tend to pack more punch, both in terms of alcohol and flavour. It’s not uncommon for craft beer drinkers to experience a variety of flavours and aromas with every sip.
4. Brewing Process
The brewing process for craft beer tends to be more hands-on and experimental. Craft brewers often have smaller-scale equipment and work with less automation. This gives them more room for creativity and exploration. They may even experiment with different fermentation techniques, barrel-ageing, and wild yeast to create unusual flavours.In contrast, regular beer is made with larger, more efficient brewing systems. These companies focus on consistency, and brewing large amounts of beer at once means they can cut costs and maximise production.
5. Price
Because craft beer is made in smaller batches with higher-quality ingredients, it’s typically more expensive than regular beer. You might pay a bit more for a bottle or pint of craft beer, but many beer lovers find the extra cost is well worth it for the unique experience.Regular beers, on the other hand, are usually cheaper because they’re mass-produced. You can buy a six-pack of regular beer at a lower price, but you might miss out on the exciting variety and depth of flavours that craft beers offer.
How to Buy Craft Beer
If you’re interested in trying craft beer, it’s easy to order craft beer online these days. With a few clicks, you can order craft beer online from your favourite craft beer shops and have it delivered right to your door. Some online shops even offer subscription boxes so you can try a new selection of craft beers each month, perfect for those who love to discover new brews.
Tips for Choosing Craft Beer:
- Start with a style you like – If you enjoy sweet drinks, try a milk stout or a fruit beer. If you like hoppy flavours, go for an IPA.
- Check the ABV – If you’re new to craft beer, try beers with a lower ABV (around 4-5%) before diving into stronger ones.
- Explore different breweries – Different breweries offer different flavours. Don’t be afraid to try something new!
Get the best craft beer today at Baggot Street Wines
The world of beer is vast and exciting, and while regular beers have their place, there’s a whole new world waiting for you in the world of craft beer. Whether you’re just starting to explore craft beers or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s always something new and delicious to discover. Next time you visit one of your local craft beer shops or order craft beer online, remember that you’re not just buying a drink – you’re experiencing a unique story, a labour of love, and a whole lot of flavour. Cheers!
