‘Craft beer’ is a term that gets bandied about on beer labels and menus everywhere. But what actually makes a beer a craft beer? And what does the ‘craft’ refer to? Allow us to explain:

What is a craft beer?

Often applied incorrectly, the term craft beer most commonly refers to a beer that has been brewed by a small-scale, independent brewery that produces only a small output each year. And yet, how we define ‘small output’ can get murky, because there is no set definition for what a small-scale operation really is. The topic has become a point of contention in the beer brewers’ community. Generally speaking, when we talk about craft beers, we’re referring to beers brewed by independently owned breweries that are not part of (or quietly owned by) a large corporation. It’s beer made by a brewery in which ‘craftsmanship’ is key.

In many cases, a craft beer company can be purchased by a large-scale operative – which begs the question: is the beer still considered a craft beer? In many cases, this is not the case as the beer becomes a mass-produced commodity and is therefore not technically a ‘craft’ product. This doesn’t necessarily indicate that the beer will no longer be a quality beverage – it simply suggests the beer is made by a large company and distributed widely, meaning it’s not ‘craft’ brew. However, many large beer companies will still label their brews as ‘craft beer’.

What to look for when choosing craft beers

For the best in small-scale, craft beers, it’s a good idea to seek out independent brewers that use locally sourced ingredients and produce innovative, interesting and limited-edition brews. Often, craft brewers will employ traditional methods to brew their craft beers, while getting creative with flavour combinations and styles.

In many cases, you’ll be able to visit these breweries, take a tour of their facilities, meet the makers and sample their wares to learn more about the craft of brewing beer.

Some great examples of Australian craft breweries include the delicious. Produce Award-winning Wildflower Brewing & Blending, Canberra’s BentSpoke Brewing Co, and Sydney’s Young Henrys and Batch Brewing Company – many craft breweries are now dappled widely across the country, with each state boasting its own small-scale craft beers.