Craft beer is making bubbles
Whether it is lager, a brown ale, a white beer or an amber ale, beer is one of the most appreciated drinks and is soon going to be on par with wine in French heritage. However, it is important to differentiate between industrial beer and its craft counterpart. They both are very popular but we are noticing a growing interest for craft beer in recent years. You can follow our tips to tell the the difference between both types and as a bonus, we will also share with you our special selection of the most popular craft beers.
Craft beer vs Industrial beer
Industrial beer is produced by major brands in large quantities and usually with machines, they also employ numerous staff. Craft beer on the other hand is brewed through traditional methods in significantly lower quantities. The brewing process for an industrial beer is very short, about 5 days, whereas it takes at least 6 weeks to brew a craft beer.
In contrast to industrial beer, the taste of craft beer can vary depending on the quality of ingredients or the container. For a brewer, the difficulty is to maintain a constant taste but it is also what makes the beer unique. Beer amateurs obviously prefer the authenticity and the quality of craft beers.
How do we explain this growing interest for craft beer?
In the last few years, the number of French breweries has noticeably increased. In 2010, there were approximately 340 breweries compared to 440 in 2012 and 600 in 2014. Currently, there are almost 800 breweries in France and this number should reach the 1,000 threshold in the next three years. With an annual consumption of 30 litres per person, French people remain far behind the Irish, Germans or Austrians, not to mention Belgians who are the largest consumers – they happen to produce a lot too.
The current enthusiasm for craft beer might actually come from North America where breweries have proliferated for more than 20 years. The economic situation also lead beer lovers to create a brewery in addition to their main activity. Indeed, most of brewers are passionate amateurs who wish to embark on this adventure. Riding the wave of the Do It Yourself, making its own beer is, above all, a passion which can become profitable.
Here is the Sextant selection!
We have selected some craft beers amongst the favourites in France.
Belgian beers:
– Chimay, lager brewed in a Trappist monastery.
– Kasteel Rouge, cherry beer for those who don’t like bitterness.
– Kwak, amber beer served in a special glass.
– Gouden Carolus Tripel, lager brewed following old processes.
Scottish beer:
– Brewdog Punk IPA (India Pale Ale), hopped lager.
English beer:
– Bombardier, lager brewed in the purest tradition at the heart of England.
French beer:
– Blanche du Mont Blanc, elected Best white beer in the world in 2015!