If you’re not a beer drinker, one beer may seem just like the next. If however, you’ve been drinking beer since you were a teenager, then you no doubt have your favourites narrowed down. Depending on how old you are, you may already be set in your ways and not eager to try new things, especially when it comes to your beer.
However, it’s important to note that Australian craft beer and gluten free beer have really taken off in recent years. The craft beer market is no longer the niche fad it once was, but rather a growing industry in its own right.
The New Kid on the Block
A recent survey shows that about 33% of Australians have been drinking craft beer for between six and 10 years. According to an audit done by Deloitte, the Australian craft beer industry is growing at a rate of 10% every year. Does this mean Australian beer drinkers are onto something?
While it’s true that taste preferences vary, many avid beer drinkers are starting to favour craft beer. Let’s have a look at a few of the key reasons many global beer drinkers are making the switch.
1. A Better Taste
Making a bold statement like “it tastes better” may initiate a response such as “depends on who you ask”. But here’s one thing many people are agreeing on. Most craft beers boast a richer and more robust flavour than the average watery mass-produced beer.
The reason for a better taste comes from ingredients that aren’t mass-produced. Many breweries use fresh hand-picked ingredients combined with recipes that have been tweaked to create an exquisite flavour. Commercial producers on the other hand use cheap ingredients and machines to produce a generic beer.
2. More Nutritional Value
Very few people drink any sort of beer for its nutritional value. In fact, nutrient content may be the furthest thing from any beer drinker’s mind when they’re sipping on a cold one. But it’s no secret that the ingredients in craft beer have superior health benefits.
A few possible health benefits of consuming craft beer—in moderation—include:
- Improved bone density
- Lower risk of joint diseases such as arthritis
- Reduced instances of cardiovascular disease
- Increased HDL can help to lower cholesterol
3. Generally Cheaper
Since craft beers contain more alcohol than the usual commercial brands, you don’t have to drink as much. Looking at it from this perspective will definitely make it a cheaper option.
4. Different Options for Each Season
Many craft brewers create different beers suitable to the season they’re being sold in. Again this is more suited to people who don’t mind a little change in their routine. Regular craft beer drinkers agree that it’s quite refreshing to enjoy a different flavour with each season.
5. Support a Local Economy
When you buy a craft beer, chances are it was brewed in your country or even your town. It may even have been brewed by the guy sitting next to you at the bar. That means the money you spend on it goes back into the local community rather than in the pockets of global brands. Support local – buy a craft beer!
6. Support Environmentally Friendly Brewing
With the emphasis on sustainable farming these days, most local brewers are working hard to do their part for the environment.
Craft brewers understand that their success relies in the quality of their products. It’s therefore important to grow ingredients that will produce the best flavour since they don’t rely on as many artificial ingredients as commercial companies. Also, taking care of the land from which the crop is grown will ensure there’s another batch for next season.
7. Gluten-Free Options
Most craft beers either are gluten-free or have similar options available. This is a huge plus point for beer drinkers who have had to give up drinking beer due to Coeliac Disease or other gluten related conditions. Opting for a gluten free craft beer allows anyone of drinking age to enjoy a beer!
8. More Alcohol, Less Hangover
The majority of craft beers will offer you between 5 – 10% more alcohol. It’s also not unheard of to find a craft beer that offers up to 20% additional alcohol. Despite this, a few avid craft beer drinkers agree that you’re also less likely to get a hangover. This could be as a result of the ingredients, or it could just vary from person to person. You’d have to test this theory for yourself!
9. Wide Variety
More good news is that craft beer is available in a wide variety of options. Not only do brewers provide you with a few tasty variants, but some also go the extra mile by giving these beers strange and exotic names!
Final Thought
As we mentioned at the start, you might be set in your ways. There’s however, no reason why you can’t enjoy the best of both worlds. Add a little flavour to your day and try a craft beer or two. You may just find a new favourite!
