For those who, like me, are still wrapping their minds around the concept of “craft beer”, then this little piece on what craft beer really is and what it entails is definitely a place to start! I’m a craft beer novice, myself, but I’ve learned a thing or two about it with the help of Mr. Google, talking to a few craft beer enthusiasts, and it doesn’t help to be married to a brewer as well.
Beer has always been a part of Filipino culture. But what do we really know about the craft and art that should go with it? Sure we’ve seen glitzy ads on billboards of rock stars and beautiful women all clad in bikinis of beers that claim to be “the best”— but how do we know the difference when all we’ve really been exposed to is, as Stone Brewing Co. would put it, “tasteless fizzy yellow beverage”?
Believe me, I’ve had it out on beer for the longest time. I hated the smell, I hated the taste, and I couldn’t believe how anyone could “love” it. All that’s changed when I discovered craft beer while traveling and I thought to myself, ‘I’ve been had!’ There is much more than just choosing between the original and light beer varieties that macro breweries offer. Craft beer, as stated in our Brewmaster’s blog post, comes in quite a number of styles and varieties.
The Goliat (my personal favorite) and of course, a trip to the Philippines would not be complete without having one of Katipunan‘s infamous beers! The Goliat and Dear Fred are only two of the many craft beers that Irie Gastropubliko in Cebu offer.
Bottom line is craft beer is not your everyday run-of-the-mill beer. And it certainly tastes damn good/better!
What I’ve learned thus far is that craft beer has three very distinct characteristics that sets it apart from mass-produced beer.
Firstly, craft beer is produced in a limited amount that enables the brewer to have emphasis on flavor and brewing technique. This is the defining character that makes craft beer exclusive and special, even.
Craft beer heaven! At 99 Bottles in Singapore– a retail shop that specializes in craft beers from around the world.
Secondly, craft brewers maintain integrity by what they brew and their general independence, free from a substantial interest by a non-craft brewer.
And lastly, the most important factor, a craft brewery must adhere to traditional brewing methods. Beer is made out four main ingredients: malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Macro breweries have been known to substitute ingredients with rice and corn to cut back on production costs.
While these macro breweries see increased profits, they are sacrificing where it really counts: taste. Craft brewers, on the other hand, spend a lot of time focusing on the quality of their beers. Craft brewers are a passionate bunch. They put their heart and soul into each batch they make.
And although we talk about tradition, it is important to note that the hallmark of craft breweries is innovation. Craft brewers interpret historic styles with unique twists and develop new styles that have no precedent.
I’m quite fascinated about the world of craft brewing and I’m sure some, hopefully most, of you are too. If this blog post has inspired you in any way to learn more about craft beer or share your ideas, don’t hesitate to contact either Taylor or me via our email addresses:
Taylor: brewmaster@thecebruery.com
Toni: beeroness@thecebruery.com
Tagay!
