All your questions answered on how to sip the ultimate crafty and brew-tiful creation

Are you tired of sipping the same old bland, watered-down beers? Enter the world of craft beer, where flavour is king and every sip is an adventure! Don't worry, we won't make you sit through a beerology lecture. Instead, grab your hops and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the awesomeness of craft beer!

What's Craft Beer, Anyway?

Craft beer is like the cool kid at the party—the one with wild flavours and a rebellious spirit. It's not your average, mass-produced beer, it's made by passionate small breweries that value quality over quantity. Think of it as the rock 'n' roll of the beer world!

Born out of a desire to break free from the monotonous beers, it all began in the 1960s and 70s when some courageous pioneers in the United States, like Fritz Maytag and Jack McAuliffe, challenged the brewing norms and opened the doors to a new era of beer craftsmanship. These trailblazers ignited a revolution and soon, enthusiasts all over the world caught the brew bug.

Fast forwarding to the scenario today in India, this market was once dominated by the giants of mainstream beer. The craft beer movement found its way to India in the early 2000s, and it quickly won hearts and palates. The country's rich culinary traditions and diverse cultural influences provided a fertile ground for craft brewers to experiment with multiple unique options.

Beer Styles: Pick Your Poison!

Hops, malt and yeast are the holy trinity of beer. Hops—the green cone-shaped flowers—add a floral, citrusy, or piney zing, while malt brings sweetness and colour to the party. Yeast transforms sugars into alcohol and CO2. It's like a chemistry experiment gone deliciously right (and probably the only experiment that interested the whole world).

From the hoppy goodness of IPAs (India Pale Ales) to the rich and roasty stouts, craft beers have more styles than Instagram has filters!

1. India Pale Ales (IPAs): IPAs are the rockstars of the craft beer world. Bursting with hops, these brews deliver an explosion of tropical, piney aromas and a bold, bitter kick.

2. Stouts: If IPAs are the rockstars, then stouts are the dark and mysterious poets. These black beauties boast a rich, velvety texture with flavours of coffee, chocolate and roasted malts.

3. Sour Beers: Sour beers are the wild rebels, turning tradition upside down with their tart and tangy profiles. They're brewed using wild yeast or bacteria, which create that signature puckering sensation.

4. Amber Ales: Amber ales are the friendly neighbours you can always count on. Balanced and approachable, they boast a beautiful reddish-amber hue and a malt-forward profile.

5. Pale Ales: Pale ales are the laid-back beachgoers of the family. Less hoppy than IPAs but still bursting with flavour, pale ales offer a harmonious balance between hops and malt.

6. Belgian Ales: Belgian ales are the quirky globetrotters, known for their unique yeast strains that impart fruity, spicy and sometimes funky flavours.

7. Pilsners: Pilsners are the crisp, clean-cut friends you can count on for a refreshing experience. Originally from the Czech Republic, these lagers showcase a delicate balance between malt sweetness and herbal, floral hop notes.

Tasting Tips: Be a Beer Sensei

Ah, the art of tasting craft beers! It's not just about chugging a pint; it's about savouring the flavours and aromas like a true beer connoisseur. Here are some tasting tips to elevate your craft beer experience:

1. Sight: Pour the beer into a clean glass and take a moment to bserve the colour and clarity. Is it a golden hue, amber, or dark as night? The appearance can hint at the beer's style and ingredients.

2. Aroma: Gently swirl the beer in the glass to release its aromas. Put your nose close to the glass and take a deep sniff. You might pick up on fruity, floral, malty, or hoppy notes. Let your imagination run wild and see what scents you can identify.

3. Temperature: Make sure your craft beer is at the right temperature for tasting. Chilling hides some flavours, while warmth can enhance them. Typically, ales are best served slightly chilled, while stouts and porters can be enjoyed a bit warmer.

4. Sip, Don't Gulp: Take a small sip and let the liquid coat your entire mouth. Allow the drink to dance on your palate. Swish it around, like you're wine tasting, to fully explore the complexities of the beer.

5. Flavour Profile: Is it bitter, sweet, sour, or a delightful mix of all three? Pay attention to the balance between the malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Some beers might have subtle notes of caramel, chocolate, or even hints of fruitiness.

6. Mouthfeel: Consider the beer's texture. Is it light and effervescent, smooth and creamy, or full-bodied and robust?

7. Aftertaste: The finish of the beer is just as crucial as the first sip. Does it leave a lingering bitterness, a sweet goodbye, or a pleasant dryness? The aftertaste can reveal more about the beer's quality and craftsmanship.

The Recommendations

Kati Patang

Sushegado Beer

Gateway Brewery Co

Doolally

Toit

Goa Brewing Co

Effingut

Great State Aleworks

White Owl Brewery

Above all, savour the experience! Tasting craft beer is about enjoyment and exploration. Embrace the adventure, try new styles, and share the experience with friends—it's all part of the craft beer journey!