The increasing obsession for craft beer among beer drinkers is evolving day by day, making it challenging to select the best craft beer.
Earlier, American beer culture was all about the prominent three (Bud, Miller, and Coors), but it has steadily expanded its emphasis to a prospering collective of small-batch specialty brews with flavors for every taste and occasion.
From hops to malts to ales, craft beer now puts up an outstanding 14% of the beer industry in America, and the amount of craft production in the nation has shot up, far outpacing beer production in general.
What is a craft beer?
Craft beer is described as a beer that is produced by small, independent breweries that utilize traditional brewing methods and ingredients. These breweries constantly focus on developing distinctive and flavourful beers that stand out from the mass-produced, mainstream beers dominating the market.
With the increase in craft beer popularity, it is becoming difficult to figure out where to find the best selection of craft beers, especially at a local craft store. However, it would help to look at a few parameters when trying to find the best craft beer selection at a local craft store.
What are the factors to consider when looking for the best craft beer store?
Store location:
The best craft beer selection at a local craft store will differ depending on the store's location and the preferences of the store's customers. However, the quality of the ingredients, the brewing process, and the overall taste and aroma of the beer are also essential to consider.
Knowledgeable staff:
Secondly, look for a store that has a knowledgeable staff. The staff should be able to answer questions about the different beers they have and should be able to make suggestions based on your preferences. They should know about the brewing process and the various ingredients used in each beer.
Quality of ingredients:
Another important parameter for selecting a good craft beer is the quality of the ingredients. The best craft beers are produced with high-quality malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. These ingredients are carefully chosen and blended to create a unique and flavorful beer. Some craft breweries also use fruits, spices, and herbs to add more flavor and complexity to their beers.
Brewing process:
Another essential factor to consider is the brewing process. The best craft beers are brewed in small batches using conventional brewing methods allowing for more control over the brewing process and more experimentation with different ingredients and techniques. Furthermore, many craft breweries use open fermentation tanks, allowing more interaction between the yeast and the beer, resulting in a more complex flavor profile.
Taste and aroma:
The overall taste and aroma of a craft beer is also significant aspect when choosing the best craft beer. The best craft beers have a perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and acidity and a unique aroma of the ingredients used in the brewing process. The best craft beers should be well-carbonated, with a nice head on the beer and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Preservation methods:
Another vital factor is the store's storage and preservation methods. The store should have a cool and dark place to store the beers and rotate their stock regularly, ensuring that the beer is always fresh. They should also have an excellent system to ensure that the beer is stored correctly, such as using proper bottles or cans and keeping the beer at the right temperature.
Events and tastings:
Lastly, it is always a good idea to check out the store's events and tastings. Many craft stores will hold events and tastings where customers can try different beers and talk to the brewers themselves, which is a great way to learn more about the beers you are interested in and can be a lot of fun.
Which are the Best craft beers you must discover at your local craft store?
Here are some of the best craft beers that you should try if you are a beer enthusiast
Allagash White:
Allagash White is a Belgian-style wheat beer that is very favorite among craft beer lovers.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale:
Its distinctive piney and grapefruit aromas from whole-cone American hops have mesmerized beer drinkers for decades and made this beer a masterpiece.
Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout:
An authentic blue craft beer with a little bite to it, brewed right in the heartland of America, Goose Island Bourbon County Brand stout is a perfect choice for every craft beer lover.
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA:
Hazy Little Thing IPA delivers the perfect blend of simple flavors and a smooth taste.
Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale:
This pale ale is highly praised amongst beer enthusiasts as the best way to end a long, stressful day, making it one of the top craft beer choices.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the best craft beer selection at a local craft store depends on various parameters discussed above. So, next time when you visit a local craft store, make sure to keep these parameters in mind when selecting your favorite craft beer.
