The global popularity of beer can be attributed to its remarkable versatility and accessibility, serving as a beloved beverage choice worldwide. With its rich cultural significance and moderate alcohol content, beer has firmly established itself as a go-to drink for many people.
Because of its widespread consumption, you can find a diverse range of beer options available, including craft and regular beer, each offering unique advantages. These two types of brews have been around for quite some time, and while they might seem similar at first glance, they differ in several significant aspects. Today’s comparison will uncover their differences, strengths, and weaknesses, providing you with the necessary insights to choose a winner in this duel of deliciousness.
Accessibility
One fundamental aspect that distinguishes craft beer from regular beer is accessibility. Accessibility influences how and where consumers can find and enjoy these two beer categories, as well as the cultural significance attached to each.
Craft Beer
Craft beer, while widely popular, is often characterised by its relatively limited accessibility. Craft breweries typically produce on a smaller scale, and their distribution networks may be more localised. This can make craft beer less readily available in some regions, requiring enthusiasts to seek out specialty beer shops, and brewpubs, or directly visit the brewery itself.
However, you have the option to support local Brisbane craft beer breweries and indulge in beers that carry the unique essence of this vibrant city. You can conveniently do this by purchasing the distinct and flavourful craft beers Brisbane offers online. What’s more, you even have the opportunity to experience their exclusive collection in person by visiting the store located in Sydney and trying some of the craft beers Brisbane breweries make.
Regular Beer
Regular beer is notable for its widespread accessibility. It is produced on an industrial scale, leading to extensive distribution, and ensuring its availability in various settings. Regular beer can be found in grocery stores, convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and virtually anywhere alcoholic beverages are sold.
Production Scale
The scale of production is another factor that sets craft beer and regular beer apart. This aspect has a profound impact on the characteristics, quality, and availability of these two categories of beer.
Craft Beer
Craft beer is renowned for its emphasis on small-batch production. Craft breweries typically operate on a smaller scale, crafting limited quantities of beer in comparison to their mainstream counterparts. This focus on small-batch production allows craft brewers to pay meticulous attention to each batch, ensuring quality and uniqueness.
Regular Beer
On the other end of the spectrum, regular beer, often referred to as mainstream beer, is characterised by its mass production. Large multinational corporations are behind these beers, and they operate on an industrial scale to meet global demand. These breweries churn out enormous quantities of beer to supply the international market.
Consistency and efficiency are paramount in the world of mainstream beer. These brands are renowned for their dedication to ensuring that every can or bottle of their beer maintains the same taste, regardless of where or when it’s consumed. This uniformity is achieved through rigorous quality control and adherence to standardised recipes and production processes.
Ownership
Ownership is another critical factor that distinguishes craft beer from regular beer. The ownership of a brewery can significantly influence the beer’s production philosophy, distribution, and the values it represents.
Craft Beer
Craft breweries are usually independent and locally owned. This means they are not part of large corporations or conglomerates. Craft breweries prioritise local connections and community involvement. Many source their ingredients locally and collaborate with nearby businesses.
Regular Beer
Regular beer brands are often owned by large multinational corporations. These conglomerates have acquired numerous well-known beer labels, allowing them to produce large quantities of beer and distribute it globally. This ownership structure prioritises cost-efficiency and broad distribution.
Flavour and Variety
Craft beer is renowned for its diverse and complex flavour profiles. Craft brewers often experiment with innovative ingredients and brewing techniques, resulting in a wide range of unique flavours. These beers can offer a richer, more intricate taste experience, from fruity and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
In contrast, regular beer, while offering consistent taste, often leans towards lighter and less complex flavour profiles. It’s often characterised by a straightforward and easy-drinking taste, evident in the crispness of lagers and pilsners. These beers are designed to have a broader appeal, making them suitable for a wide audience. The variety within regular beer styles is more constrained compared to the extensive options offered by craft beer.
Ingredients
In craft beer production, there’s a strong emphasis on the quality and innovation of ingredients. Craft brewers frequently opt for premium, unique, and locally sourced components. They often experiment with a variety of hops, specialty malts, and boosters, such as fruits, spices, and herbs. This freedom in ingredient selection enables craft brewers to create distinctive and experimental flavour profiles.
Regular beer, on the other hand, leans towards standardised recipes and ingredients to maintain consistency. While ingredient quality remains important, there’s generally less emphasis on exotic or specialty components. Large-scale brewing operations prioritise efficiency and cost-effectiveness, leading to the use of common malt, hops, and yeast varieties. The primary goal is to achieve a consistent taste across their product lines, which might limit the diversity of ingredients used in regular beer production.
Strength
Craft beer often boasts a wide range of alcohol content, with brews spanning from sessionable and light to robust and high in alcohol. Craft brewers are known for pushing the boundaries, creating some of the most potent beers that can have alcohol by volume (ABV) levels well into the double digits. This diversity in strength allows craft beer enthusiasts to explore a spectrum of options, from easy-to-drink to potent, bold brews.
In contrast, regular beer typically falls within a narrower range of alcohol content. The majority of mainstream beers have moderate alcohol levels, with typical ABV percentages ranging from 4% to 6%. The focus in regular beer production is often on producing beers that are approachable, refreshing, and easy to consume in larger quantities. While there are exceptions, the overall strength of regular beer is notably more consistent and moderate compared to the extensive range found in craft beer.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the winner of this duel between craft beer and regular beer is entirely determined by your individual preferences. The choice comes down to your personal taste and what you seek in a brew. So, whether you savour the artistry of craft beer or prefer the familiarity of regular beer, the ultimate decision is yours to make. And, of course, whichever type of brew you pick, make sure to enjoy it responsibly.
