Craft beer industry’s rise heralds variety

THE rise of the craft beer industry has changed the way beer lovers, and non-beer drinkers, consume beer.

The industry has made it possible for even non-beer drinkers to enjoy a more flavourful drink, with little or none of the bitterness we have become accustomed to with the usual beer, and more fruity notes.

The lower alcohol volume in some craft beers also means you can enjoy more beer, especially as the holidays draw near.

Local and international brewers have come up with some very interesting names and flavours.

Who would have thought that a pumpkin flavoured beer would work?

For a more crisp and refreshing taste – apple, citrus and cherry beers are always a good option and they are perfect for those long, hot days.

Last week beer lovers and aficionados in Cape Town enjoyed the ultimate beer experience at the Cape Town Festival of beer.

It is the largest festival of commercially available beer in the Southern Hemisphere, and every year mega and microbreweries showcase the latest beer trends.

Martin Tucker, founder of the festival, says sour flavours are becoming more popular in craft beer.

“We are seeing a new emergence in the market of sour beers, such as Frasers Folly’s Wild Raspberry and the Devil’s Peak Takes Two to Mango,” Tucker says.

Tucker says as the craft beer industry has grown, many of the small breweries are also increasing their sales nationally.

On the opposite end of the scale, Tucker says: “(Others) are either dying off, going under or have found their niche with a taproom and supplying a small area around them.”

Unlike bigger commercial brands, craft beer brewers usually produce their products in smaller quantities.

“The brewer is hands-on throughout the whole process, using the finest ingredients, (so the) beers (are) not usually in the style of the global mega-brewers,” Tucker adds.

With so many different beer styles available, Tucker says a good craft beer pairs “exceptionally well with food” and, in some cases, better than wine.

“If you have never tried (craft beer), (it) will enhance your experience of certain foods and occasions and, most of all, if you find one you like, you will probably be helping someone who needs the sales,” he says.

But how do you know if the craft beer you’re drinking is one of the good ones?

“If a beer is brewed to a certain style and you find all the characteristics of that particular style of beer in it and enjoy that, then you could say the job is done well.”