An Introduction to Craft Beer

Beer. To many, beer only means one thing. A light, carbonated, yellow drink that has a bit of flavor to it, but all in all it’s a thirst quencher. But to others, to others beer is something completely different, a world of unique flavors and aromas, dozens of different styles, hundreds of different breweries. To these people, beer is as complex as fine wine or something you want to sip and savor like a quality spirit. These are the aficionados, the beer geeks, the craft beer lovers, and the hop heads. To these fans, craft beer is a lot of different things. There are so many different levels of beer drinker and I want to turn you into one of them.

There are those who frequent beer bars searching out the latest limited release. Comparing the latest batch to how it was drinking one week fresher is a regular occurrence. They are looking for the next big punch of flavor, the unique new experimental hops, or the latest spin on classic styles. You’ll find these people frequenting all the coolest beer bars and spending most days at the local beer shop finding the next big thing.

Then there are the collectors. These are the folks who are buying multiples of the most recent $20 bottles, or pricier. They aren't even going to drink it. They are holding onto it, waiting, hoping for just the right moment to pop the cap. Only then will they enjoy the mellowed flavors, the subtle complexities, the differences between a fresh bottle and an aged bottle. Cellaring isn’t just for wine.

Homebrewers. When you just can’t find the flavor combination you are looking for and you are ready to infuse just about anything into your beer, it’s time to make your own. Homebrewers are the next level of beer drinker; the beer maker. It’s an intense passion that they put into their craft and no one is prouder when sharing their beer. Although they may not always be successful, they are always trying something new. It’s all about innovation.

This may sound very familiar to some of you. Get rid of all the beer terms and it may sound a lot like wine drinkers. It’s true, we all have something in common; the search for great flavor. Beer has become more than that pale, yellow carbonation you might be used to. This is the start of something new. I want you to learn why craft beer has become the major industry it is today. I want you to know what ingredients contribute to each individual flavors. I want you to taste what everyone else is talking about.

This is the (not-so) new revolution of craft beer and it’s high time you join in.

Jared Kent, C.B.S.

Grapes & Grains Beer Specialist