What is a craft beer and how is it different from a regular beer?

Craft beer is increasingly being consumed by Brazilians and is guaranteed to be present in distributors, bars and restaurants, and anyone who enjoys a good beer.

In fact, the beer It is one of the most beloved drinks in Brazil. For a long time, there were few brands and flavor variations. However, this has been changing for a short time now and we are absolutely certain that this is the new reality.

But what about the craft beer Is it very different from the common one? So in this article we will show you how craft beer is different from traditional beer.

After all, what is a craft beer?

Craft beers go through a production process distinguished, accompanied by its brewer.

In fact, this name “craft beer” It appeared as a way to differentiate itself from normal beers, due to its production focusing more on quality and not on quantities, prioritizing its production.

To the popular beers Industrially made products have a focus on producing in quantity, which speeds up their process so that they can produce a larger scale of products.

Another factor in the production of craft beer is the ingredients used, which are marked by the flavor they can offer. The beer producer seeks to select the best items that achieve the ideal quality, flavor and aroma.

Craft beer around the world

A Europe and the U.S, craft beers are a national passion that has existed for some time now, and they still win over many fans in their various versions.

According to the Brazilian Craft Beer Association (ABRACERVA), Brazil in 10 years jumped from 70 to 700 breweries, excluding those that are not registered. For example, there was an increase of 35%, in 2018 approximately 185 new breweries were opened in that same year.

Even though this increase in the commercialization of craft beer, many people continue to consume industrialized beers, finding it strange when they try certain flavors from the wide variety of craft beers.

Just to illustrate when tasting a craft beer of the type IPA and if you feel its bitter taste, many people do not assimilate its taste.

However, when people start to consume and enjoy the diversity of craft beers, there is no turning back…

You will always want to discover the flavors and take the different beers, which you would never imagine trying in your life, becoming a genuine connoisseur, who knows?

Craft beer: discover the diversity of types

There are a hundred styles of craft beers, which are what the types should be called, which are divided into 3 beer familiesn.

Beer families

Families are the first way to divide beers in general, they are:

• Ales: beers with a higher fermentation content, having numerous flavors and diverse aromas.
• Lagers: beers with a lower fermentation content commonly have a characteristic lightness and clarity.
• Lambics: beers that ferment spontaneously, their flavors are complex and very specific.

In addition to this division of families, we have the styles of craft beers, which are many and if we were to describe them here, you would hardly finish reading this. That is why we are going to talk about the main.

Discover the styles of craft beers

The ones that are most consumed around the world are Pilsen (or Pilsner), also lighter and lighter in tone.

A American Lager which is light, neutral and offers a refreshing flavor, without having a predominant ingredient, are the ones best known to Brazilians (Itaipava, Brahma, Devassa, among others).

Originally English, the Stout, is a darker beer, flavored with roasted grains, coffee and chocolate.

Bock, this beer is more full-bodied and alcoholic, with more malt intensity.

Wheat beers Weiss (or Weizen), have a more fruity aroma and a refreshing taste.

Being one of the most bitter, the IPA (or India Pale Ale), has a strong hop flavor and is very alcoholic.

A Pale Ale with a slight aroma and taste of hops, giving just the right amount of bitterness.

A Tripel It is also complex, mildly spiced.

At the same time, clear and dense, the  Witbier, have flavors of coriander and orange peel.

Helles, has a less expressive bitterness, standing out due to the malt.

Tips on how to pair with craft beer

The harmonization that values the balance with dishes with craft beer, you must create a flavor through the combination, surpassing each person's individual appreciation.

This way you have combinations more appropriate, trying to understand each characteristic of these foods, causing a result of flavors from one to the other.

As well as, the food with the beer need to line up in your mouth, offering closer intensities.

Ways to harmonize

For Balance

Balance requires a harmonization of “force” for “force”, so we have the lightness of beers with mellow dishes or strong beers that accompany intense dishes.

So notice in your beer: the level of alcohol, content of malt, bitterness, sweetness, toast, body and the acidity.

As for food: its fat, O sweetness, The seasoning, seasoning and the cooking (if baked, fried or grilled).

For example, combine the white fish with Pilsen, Kölsch or Witbier beers and a Pork Knee with Bock or Weizenbock style beers.

By proximity

These types of pairings are combined due to the similarity of aroma and flavor.

For example, combine the roast chicken along with Vienna and Lager style beer, as they have light caramel notes in both. The Small Gateau use Stout style beer, together the notes of cocoa and chocolate are accentuated.

By Contrast

In this harmonization method, components that contrast with each other are considered, but there is no overlapping flavors neither food nor beer, there is balance.

Above all, fat, alcohol, carbonation, sweetness and acidity are also elements that must make up beer as well as food that can be combined in a way that has more predictability, but this is not mandatory either.

That is, fatty foods can provide contrast due to their bitterness, much higher alcohol levels, acidity and carbonation process.

In fact, the sweet in desserts you can create contrast through acidity or bitterness.

These were all our tips and information about the craft beer, now have moderation and harmony!