According to SurveyMonkey, 63% of people now prefer beers produced by small independent breweries over large, mainstream ones – a testament to the incredible rise of craft beer in recent years. But with so many options out there on the market, and higher demand than ever before – how do you choose the right craft beer?
Check the Packaging
What’s the first impression you ever get of a craft beer? It’s not after your first bottle, it’s not even after your first sip – it’s the first glimpse of it sitting on a shelf. Something about that craft beer needs to appeal to you over its competitors. Many craft beer sellers nowadays are opting for stripped-back packaging and labels to imply that the beer speaks for itself. If that speaks to you and makes you want to find out more, you’re on your way to finding the beer for you.
Where’s itFrom?
Find out where the beer was brewed – this can tell you much more about a beer than a simple label or bottle. Many cities or regions have stereotypes associated with them which can act as a hook and help you to choose a killer craft beer. For example – Germany is famous for its beer, so craft beers like Affumicator and WeihererWeizenbock, which are both brewed in Germany, have the backing of the German reputation for excellent beer. Alternatively, you can use other assumptions about a place. “Brixton sounds like a cool place, so I’ll choose Brixton Beer,” or alternatively, “I’m open to new ideas so I’ll choose a craft beer from Israel.”
Personality
Choose a beer with personality. We often buy products to tell the world something about ourselves, or reaffirm an element of our own personality. Are you a Starbucks kind of person, or an artisan coffee shop type? Do you choose Apple gadgets, or HTC devices? The same concepts can be applied to craft beer. If you’re attracted to the confident, cool aura of the Einstok range, or the super-traditional element of Meantime London Stout, go with your instinct!
Mealtime Preferences
You’re probably aware that craft beer, much like wine, goes better with certain foods than it does with others. Certain brews are better suited for particular palates – that’s just the way it is. When choosing a killer craft beer, do consider the food pairings that might be on the menu. A few short examples – pale ale is best with meaty pies and burgers. IPAs are quite bitter, making them the ideal companion for spicy dishes. Stout is surprisingly good with raw oysters, and Scotch Ale goes perfectly with rich, chocolatey desserts. Choose wisely!
Keep Your Options Open
The last tip is simple. Don’t limit yourself to one specific category of craft beer. Sure, you may have found a few IPAs that you really like, but that shouldn’t mean you drink only IPAs from now on. Broaden your horizons when it comes to craft beer – you may be pleasantly surprised!
