Craft beers are truly changing the Aussie alcohol landscape, thanks to a combination of factors such as the alcopop tax and the growing number of local producers. The shift from quantity to quality and the changing consumer tastes have seen the craft beer movement flourish. More and more Australians are seeking craft beer for different reasons – taste the difference, engage with the people behind the beer and brewery, support small local businesses, or simply have an authentic drink. Even though the Australian craft beer scene has grown over the past few years, many people have yet to discover craft beer.
What Do You Need to Know About Craft Beer?
Craft beers are made by small local and independent brewers who work hard to create rich, unique flavours. Most craft brewers are passionate about the flavour and taste of their beer, so most craft beers have a richer and more distinct taste than watery mass-produced beers. If you want to try something new and different in these pandemic times, when most bars are closed, you can visit an online craft beer store and select from an extensive collection of local craft beers.
But visiting a beer shop can be overwhelming for a newcomer. There are many different beer styles and brands to choose from. In Australia, there are thousands of delicious craft beers with every craft brewery trying to create a unique blend of ingredients to give beer lovers a beer worth talking about. All you need to do is find a well-supplied beer store and get yourself a beer made with a little extra love and magic, instead of being produced in mass by some of the mainstream beer producers.
Craft Beer for Every Season
Craft beers give you more choices than the common beers sold by major brewers. You can choose your beer depending on the season or the event you’re in. Often, the breweries create specific styles for specific seasons or use seasonal ingredients, such as pumpkin in the fall, to create tasty seasonal brews. This keeps the craft beer world fresh and up-to-date, creating excitement for new tastes and flavours.
Health Benefits
Craft beers offer some health benefits because they contain antioxidants, vitamin B complex and protein. Moderate consumption of a good craft beer can contribute to your health and some of the benefits it provides include the following.
- Lower rates of cardiovascular disease,
- Lowe instances of diabetes
- Lower risk of joint issues
- Improved bone density due to the presence of bone-developing element – silicon
- Increased high-density lipoprotein levels, which help lower cholesterol
Supporting Local Businesses
Drinking locally made craft beers helps you to support the economy of the community where you live. Craft breweries are small and local and add to the culture of a community.
More Alcohol
The average ABV (alcohol by volume) content of a craft beer is 5% to 10%, but some have an ABV as high as 40%. Beer produced in bulk by the giant corporation has an ABV of 4% to 6%. Simply put, you will need fewer pints of craft beer at each drinking session.
Food Pairings
With the extensive range of craft beer styles and flavours out there, you can choose a craft beer to pair perfectly with almost any food you can think of. Craft beer is the new wine when it comes to food pairings. The wine influence on beer basics can be found in how we choose the best glass to highlight the attributes of different beer styles. The long harrow shape of pilsner glass, for instance, mirrors the champagne flute, which was designed in the 1750s to preserve carbonation and concentrate its delicate aromas.
Sustainable Brewing
Most local brewers work hard to maintain environmentally sustainable practices. They practice composting, offer spent grain to local farmers and some use alternative sources of energy. Many craft brewers try to promote sustainable brewing by using renewable energy and promote the use of growlers that can be reused as well as filling your keg.
Tips on How to Enjoy Your Craft Beer
Take More Than One Sip When Trying a New Beer
Aromas can be tempting and flavours can be complex. Make sure to take your time when trying a new craft beer. Take more than one sip before and let it all hang out a while before you decide if you like the beer or not.
Enjoy Your Beer at the Right Temperature
While many believe that beer is best enjoyed as cold as possible, that’s not always true. The sensation of coldness inhibits the tongue’s taste receptors and by over-chilling your beer, you are numbing your palate to any nuances of flavours. Some beers really open up if served just slightly chilled, so make sure to check the recommended temperature before drinking your next beer.
Always Use the Correct Glassware
Pouring your beer in the correct glassware can help you learn to enjoy our beer more as it maximises the flavour. Believe it or not, the right glassware can enhance your beer by keeping it cooler or providing more are for it to breathe.
And remember to not drink on an empty stomach. Eating some food before or while drinking your beer changes the way your body metabolises the alcohol. So, instead of feeling tipsy after our first beer, you’ll be able to have another beer or two. Always make sure to drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive.Cheers!
