The Difference Between Mass-Produced And Craft Beer
Is there really a difference between mass-produced and craft beer? You might think that they're all pretty much the same, but that's not actually the case.
There is a big distinction between the two, and it's important to understand what it is before you go buying your next six-pack. So let's take a closer look at the differences between mass-produced and craft beer.
The Recipes are Artisanal
When it comes to brewing beer, the decisions about what recipes to use are made by the brewer, not by marketing trends or focus groups. The brewer is the one who decides what ingredients to use and how to combine them to create a unique flavor profile.
While marketing may play a limited role in deciding which beers to brew, it's ultimately up to the brewer to decide what goes into each batch. Craft beers aren't brewed based on the opinions of focus groups regarding taste, extensive market research, or social media and influencer trends.
This allows for a great deal of creativity and flexibility, which is why craft beer is so popular. There are literally thousands of different recipes out there, so there's something for everyone to enjoy, whether you like your beer hoppy or malty, light or dark.
The Production is Relatively Small
In order to be considered a craft brewer, the total gallons of beer produced must be less than 6 million barrels per year.
This is a relatively small amount in comparison to the overall market share that craft brewers hold. In 2014, craft brewers held 11 percent of the overall market share for beer production in the United States.
In order to maintain this designation, craft brewers must produce a limited amount of beer each year. This allows them to focus on quality over quantity, and results in a higher quality product for consumers.
The Brewery Ownership is Mostly Independent
Craft breweries are also defined by their independence from large brewing companies. In order to be considered a craft brewery, less than 25 percent of the brewery must be owned or controlled by an alcohol industry member that is not themselves a craft brewer.
This definition helps to ensure that craft breweries are able to remain independent and produce beer according to their own standards. However, as the demand for craft beer continues to grow, it is likely that the definition of a craft brewery will continue to evolve.
Reach out to a company like Daveco Beer, Wine & Spirits to learn more.