If you’re the kind of person who notices everything that’s a little different at your local watering hole, you’ve no doubt noticed a change in what’s available behind the bar. Where you once saw some of the biggest brewing companies on the planet, you now see some rather obscure craft beer offerings. While processing these changes, you have probably asked yourself an important question: what is craft beer?
The truth is that the answer to that question is incredibly complex. There’s no real way to answer that question, and it’s this inherent elusiveness that perhaps gives craft beer its mystique. That said, even if you can’t pin down an exact definition of what craft beer is, you can get a better idea of what it brings to the table by weighing it against the intricacies that go along with it. with making wine.
Okay, wine fans. Before you lose control, understand that this article is for you. If you love wine, from making it to pairing it with different foods and everything in between, you’ve taken some time to learn the intricate details of wine. There is a refinement to enjoying wine, so you ‘enjoy’ it rather than ‘drink’ it. The same can be said for craft beer.
It’s not the same kind of thing you do handstands in barrels for. You take the time to really taste each ingredient. Now, this all sounds great, but to some, it can be downright snobbish, and if we’re being honest, these people are right. Enjoying a good wine or beer is simply about enjoying a product derived from someone’s personal passion for creating something inspiring and beautiful.
So, wine lovers, here is a basic guide to understanding craft beer not only as a drink but also as a convivial elixir for the masses:
Find a place near you – You don’t have to go far to find a bar, restaurant, or even a movie theater that serves great craft beers. Find a place where you feel comfortable and get ready to learn.
ask a lot of questions – One thing people avoid in life is asking questions when they don’t know something. For. The only way to learn something is by asking.
go out and taste – Be willing to try new things. You can even use the flavor profiles of beers you’re familiar with to find beers that aren’t too ‘out there’.
Give flavors more than a chance – Even if you don’t like something at first, give it a try later. You may be surprised at how your taste buds adjust to the flavors in the beer. Do you remember the first time you tried beer? Most people get discouraged and remember the bitterness. That’s no longer the case, which means you can’t throw something away after trying it just once.
Craft beer, like wine, is complicated and beautiful. That said, it can also be enjoyed with friends and family, as well as those who appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into making a truly great product. It can be a bit intimidating to venture out and try something that deviates from the flavors you’ve known growing up, but isn’t that what makes life so interesting?