The Beer Money Conundrum: What Do I Buy?

When it comes to buying beer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, knowing when the beer was bottled or its best by date is crucial for ensuring freshness, especially for IPAs and pale ales. Storage temperature also matters, as hop oils in IPAs, for instance, lose their potency at room temperature. The type of retailer, such as a specialty bottle shop or a large supermarket, can impact the beer's quality and variety. Buying in bulk or creating mix-and-match packs may not always guarantee consistency in taste and freshness. Additionally, the time of year and the occasion can influence beer consumption and purchasing decisions, with summer and outdoor gatherings being popular for beer drinking. Lastly, understanding local liquor laws and restrictions is essential, as they vary across states and counties.

Taste is the most important factor when choosing a beer

Taste is subjective, but it is also the most important factor when choosing a beer. The craft beer industry has been booming in America over the last decade, and it's no secret that taste is a key driver of this growth. A recent survey of 2,000 Americans over the age of 21 who identify as regular alcohol drinkers found that 49% of respondents drink craft beer at least once a week, and 94% are drinking more craft beer now than they were last year.

The preference for a particular beer taste is influenced by a range of factors, including the ingredients used, the brewing process, and the post-brewing storage methods. The quality of raw materials such as barley malt, hops, yeast strains, and even water can significantly impact the final product's taste. For example, dark beers tend to be fermented, resulting in a coffee-like taste, while breweries often add fruit to their beers, creating a fruity flavour. Additionally, extra sugar or a high amount of malt in the beer can lead to a sweeter taste.

The brewing process is an art, and each brewer has their own techniques. Changes in time, temperature, and equipment selection during mashing, boiling, fermentation, and conditioning can all affect the taste of the beer. Yeast is an essential component in beer brewing, and different yeast strains and fermentation processes can produce unique flavours, from fruity esters to spicy phenols.

Post-brewing storage also plays a critical role in the development of beer taste. Factors such as temperature, light exposure, and duration of storage can impart subtle flavours and complexity to the beer.

When choosing a beer, it is essential to consider factors that can affect its taste. For example, IPAs and pale ales should be consumed fresh, preferably within a month of bottling, to ensure the best taste. Additionally, IPAs should be stored in the fridge, as hop oils, which give beers their fruity and piney flavours, lose their potency at warm temperatures.

People prefer beer from small independent breweries

When it comes to buying beer, people are increasingly opting for small independent breweries over big-name brands. This preference is driven by several factors that showcase the unique advantages of independent breweries.

Firstly, independent brewers are deeply invested in their communities. Their success is closely tied to the prosperity of the places they operate in, which incentivizes them to give back through charitable contributions, purchasing from local suppliers, and supporting local businesses. This fosters a sense of community and has a positive economic impact by keeping money circulating within the local area.

Secondly, independent breweries are known for their innovation and experimentation. They constantly push the boundaries of beer by trying new ingredients, brewing techniques, and styles. This results in a diverse range of beers, including hazy IPAs, sessionable sour beers, and hybrid styles. For beer enthusiasts seeking new and exciting flavors, independent breweries offer a treasure trove of unique and artisanal options.

The Indie Beer campaign, launched by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), underscores the importance consumers place on supporting independent businesses. The campaign includes a brewery checker and an assured mark to help consumers identify genuine independent breweries. This initiative has gained traction, with over 200 of SIBA's member breweries enrolling and adding the Indie Beer mark to their products.

Additionally, independent breweries often source local ingredients, such as wild yeasts, hops, or barley, further contributing to the distinct character of their beers. This local sourcing also has environmental benefits, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance ingredient shipping.

Lastly, the success of independent breweries has a positive impact on local tourism. Their unique offerings and contributions to the community attract visitors, boosting the local economy and enhancing the area's appeal.

In summary, people are increasingly opting for beer from small independent breweries due to their community involvement, innovative spirit, support for local businesses, environmental considerations, and the distinct character of their beers. This trend is likely to continue as consumers seek out authentic, artisanal products that contribute to thriving local economies.

Beer is a popular summertime beverage

There are many different types of beer that are well-suited to summer. Lagers and pilsners are classic choices, known for their crisp and refreshing qualities. IPAs can also be good summertime options, especially those that are designed to be less rich and have a lower ABV, so you can keep going through your summer activities. Fruited sessions, shandies, and goses are other examples of beer styles that have become popular in summer in recent years.

Some specific examples of popular summer beers include the Oberon Ale from Michigan, which is a refreshing wheat ale with a hint of spice, often garnished with an orange slice. The Kona Big Wave Golden Ale is another great choice for the beach, brewed with Citra and Galaxy hops for a fruity and juicy taste. The Montauk Summer Ale is a well-balanced seasonal beer with caramel malt and wheat, and a 5.6% ABV. For those who want a beer that's a little more unique, the Samuel Adams Porch Rocker is a radler, a mix of beer and lemon-flavoured soda, that's said to have originated in Germany as a drink for cyclists.

No matter your preference, there's a summer beer out there for everyone. So go ahead and grab a cold one, find a sunny spot, and enjoy the season!

Beer bottles are preferred over cans

Another reason for preferring bottles is that they are better for ageing certain styles of beer. Beer bottles, especially brown bottles, are also better at protecting the beer from oxygen and light. Brown bottles let in much less light than green or clear glass bottles, which can cause an unpleasant odor and flavor when ultraviolet light hits certain molecules in the beer.

However, cans are superior in terms of durability, ease of storage, and portability. They are also lined with polymer to prevent flavor contamination. Additionally, cans are lighter and more convenient for shipping. Ultimately, the choice between bottles and cans depends on personal preference and the specific style of beer.

Craft beer is viewed as a more sustainable product

Craft brewers are constantly developing methods to increase efficiency and ecological responsibility. For example, Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, installed a 192-solar panel array on its production brewery and adjoining pub. The new panels provide 20% of the brewery's energy needs on-site. Similarly, Arcadia Brewing Co. in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has implemented biofuel production, spent grain reallocation to local farmers, water conservation, and the installation of a car-charging station.

Craft brewers are also working to reduce their water consumption. The average water use ratio for a brewery is around seven barrels of water to one barrel of beer, but many craft brewers have ratios below three to one. For example, New Belgium Brewing Co. in Fort Collins, Colorado, uses just four gallons of water to make one gallon of beer. The company has also been recognised for its efforts in reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, including phasing out paperboard dividers from all bottled beer packages.

In addition to water conservation and waste reduction, craft brewers are also focused on reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Roadhouse Brewing in Wyoming has installed solar panels on its roof, and Henderson Brewing in Toronto sends its spent grain to bakers to make bread. These efforts are important, as researchers estimate that the production of alcoholic beverages, including beer, represents 0.7% of global GHG emissions.

While large, well-established beer companies may have an advantage when it comes to sustainability due to their efficient systems, craft breweries are leading the way in terms of innovation and commitment to environmental stewardship.

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