Craft beer has a unique and distinctive flavor that sets it apart from mass-produced beer. Craft brewers are passionate about the taste and quality of their beer, investing time and energy to ensure that their beer is of the highest quality. So what makes craft beer different from regular beer? It all comes down to the ingredients used and the method of production. Craft brewers prioritize quality and uniqueness. Craft beer is full-bodied and flavorful, while regular beer is lighter and more subtle.
This difference in flavor also affects the price and calorie count of beers. Among those who enjoy an alcoholic beverage, craft beer drinkers may be the healthiest. In a survey of 1,978 adults of drinking age by The Harris Poll and Nielsen, 80 percent of people who drink at least one craft beer a month consider themselves health-conscious, compared to 76 percent of non-craft drinkers. This small margin was consistent across a series of questions asked.
According to the Brewers Association, most Americans now live within 10 miles of a craft brewery. Buying local helps keep money in your community, which not only supports your local brewers but also boosts your local economy. It's unlikely that the same beer you want to drink in front of a fireplace at Christmas is the same beer you want to drink while sunbathing in the summer sun. And while craft beer usually contains more calories than regular beer, craft beer enthusiasts are more likely (39%, versus 25%) to choose lower-calorie non-alcoholic beverages to make up the difference. We can't talk about craft beer without first discussing regular beer, as the term 'craft' is rather vague. Since craft beer is brewed in smaller batches with higher quality ingredients, its alcohol by volume (ABV) is usually higher than regular beer.
Health Benefits Craft beer offers some important health benefits due to its high-quality ingredients. It contains antioxidants, proteins, and vitamin B complex. Craft breweries across the country are also getting involved in promoting healthy lifestyles; for example, New Belgium's Tour de Fat celebrates two-wheeled vehicles powered by humans, Sam Adams created a special Boston Marathon Beer, Deschutes organizes races at their brewery, and Sierra Nevada sponsors the professional cycling race Tour de Utah. Lowest Cost Most craft beers are at least twice as strong as the “beer water” sold by big breweries. If you haven't visited a local craft brewery yet, you'll be amazed at how creative beers can be. Drinking craft beer regularly (in moderation) can provide these benefits due to its high-quality ingredients.
In fact, craft beer has become so popular that its market has more than doubled in the past two decades; in 1996, craft beers from the U. S. were made by small local and independent brewers who work hard to create rich and unique flavors that macrobrewers rarely achieve in their large breweries. In short, craft beers tend to contain more alcohol than mass-produced diluted beer such as Budweiser or Kokanee. Bart Watson, Chief Economist for the Brewers Association said that this survey backs up previous data that has shown a connection between craft beer and a healthy lifestyle. There are so many things to talk about when it comes to craft beer and it really is an interesting topic for conversation.
When you choose to drink craft beer, you are allowing yourself to have more variety in terms of styles and flavors. With its exceptional taste, high quality ingredients, low cost, and positive impact on your local community, there's no reason not to be proud of your choice of craft beer.
