Craft Beer Connoisseur: My Journey Through The Brews

I've always considered myself a beer connoisseur, but lately, I've been intrigued by the burgeoning world of craft beer. With its unique flavors, innovative brewing techniques, and local charm, the craft beer movement has captivated my interest. As a self-proclaimed beer enthusiast, I'm eager to delve into this burgeoning scene and explore the diverse array of artisanal brews on offer. From robust IPAs to nuanced sours and everything in between, I'm excited to embark on a journey of discovery, savoring the intricate flavors and stories behind each carefully crafted beer. So, join me as I navigate the vibrant landscape of craft beer, sharing my experiences, tastings, and the fascinating tales of the passionate brewers who are reshaping the beer industry.

Online craft beer shops

There are many online craft beer shops to choose from, each offering a unique selection of beers. Here are some options to consider:

Beyond Beer

Beyond Beer is a craft beer shop based in Hamburg, Germany, offering a carefully curated selection of German and international craft beers. They define craft beer as "artisan-brewed beers, brewed with the best quality ingredients by small breweries". In their online shop, you'll find an exclusive range of beer specialties from around the world, including creative options for every taste. They offer different beer styles, such as hop-driven ales (Pale Ale, IPA), classic Belgian beers, stouts, porters, lagers, and weissbiers, as well as non-alcoholic options. Beyond Beer provides detailed descriptions of each beer, along with food pairing recommendations, to help guide your online purchase.

Craftbeer-Shop

Craftbeer-Shop is an international online retailer specializing in craft beer. They offer a wide range of craft beers from various regions, including New Zealand, Spain, Asia, and America. With over 1,200 different craft beer options available, they claim to have the largest selection of craft beer available online in Germany. Craftbeer-Shop offers a variety of services, including probierpakete (trial packages), kennlern-sets (introduction sets), fachliteratur (specialist literature), and online biertastings (beer tastings) with a professional biersommelier (beer sommelier). They also emphasize their commitment to sustainability, using 100% Ökostrom (green energy) for logistics and recyclable packaging.

Honest & Rare

Honest & Rare is an online craft beer store that supports small, regional breweries. They offer a wide selection of craft beers, from fruity IPAs to strong stouts, produced by independent breweries and manufacturers. Honest & Rare emphasizes the impact of the craft beer movement, which has revitalized the beer scene in Germany and worldwide. Their craft beer shop allows you to explore a diverse range of products, and they deliver your beer order directly from the brewery, ensuring the greatest freshness.

Beer52

Beer52 is an online shop that delivers craft beer and wine sourced from the world's best craft breweries and independent winemakers. They support independent producers and offer a carefully curated selection of craft beers and small-batch wines. Beer52 provides free delivery in the UK for orders over £50 and accepts various payment methods, including VISA, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, and Google and Apple Pay. They also ensure safe and secure packaging for all deliveries.

Beer Merchants

Beer Merchants is a craft beer bar and bottle shop based in Hackney Wick, East London, with an online store offering craft beer delivery. They have 20 keg taps and 2 cask pumps featuring beers from some of the world's best breweries. In addition to craft beer, they also offer cheese and meat platters from artisan producers. Beer Merchants provides recyclable packaging for their deliveries and offers free delivery in the UK for orders over £60.

HonestBrew

HonestBrew is an online craft beer shop offering free shipping in the UK for orders over £40. They provide same-day dispatch for orders placed before 2 pm.

Craft beer gifts

Beer Boxes

Beer boxes are a fantastic option for gift-giving, and companies like Craft Beer Kings and CraftShack offer a wide range of options. You can choose from a variety of themes, including IPA, Hazy IPA, Dark Beers, Sour, Stout, and even gluten-free options. These boxes typically include a selection of craft beers, and some companies also offer personalisation options, like a gift note, to make your present extra special.

Beer Subscriptions

For a gift that keeps on giving, consider a monthly beer subscription. This is a great way to treat someone to a regular supply of craft beers from independent breweries. Subscriptions can often be tailored to the recipient's preferences, whether they're a fan of IPAs or prefer a variety of styles.

Glassware and Accessories

If you're looking for something a little different, why not gift some unique glassware? Beavertown offers a set of four bold and cheerful glasses featuring their distinctive motifs. For something more personalised, you could opt for a bottle opener, like the Ace of Spades Metal Bottle Opener, which can be engraved with the recipient's initials. Other accessories include beer cap coasters, available on Etsy, which can be filled with craft beer caps to create a colourful, tiled coaster.

Books

For the beer enthusiast who wants to learn more about their favourite beverage, a book is an excellent choice. "Brew from Scratch" by James Morton is a step-by-step guide to crafting good beer at home, with customisable recipes and essential tips on bottling and storing.

Craft beer boxes

One of the main advantages of craft beer boxes is the convenience of having a selection of beers delivered right to your doorstep. You can choose from different subscription services that cater to specific preferences, such as the popular IPA or explore other styles with a mixed craft beer box. Some services even offer customisable options, allowing you to select the styles you want to try.

When choosing a craft beer box subscription, consider factors such as the variety of beers offered, the frequency of delivery, and any additional perks or educational materials provided. Some popular options include The Original Craft Beer Club, Beer Drop, and Craft Beer Kings, each offering its unique selection of beers and features.

So, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned craft beer aficionado, craft beer boxes provide a fun and exciting way to explore the diverse and delicious world of craft beer.

Craft beer on tap

There are many options available for those looking to buy craft beer on tap. For those looking to set up a tap system at home, there are a variety of beer taps, kegs, and kegerators available online. For example, you can buy a keg party pump with a beer faucet and beer hose, or a kegerator tower with double tap beer tower dispensers.

If you are looking to go out to a bar to enjoy craft beer on tap, there are many options across the United States. For example, in California, Taplands in Santa Clara offers 25 continuously rotating handles, including one or two of their own beers produced by the onsite nanobrewery. In New York, Covenhoven has 16 rotating taps and upwards of 300 cans and bottles. In Georgia, the Brick Store Pub in Atlanta's Decatur suburb prides itself on being a true, salt-of-the-earth hub for the residents and beer seekers alike.

There are also apps available to help you find craft beer on tap near you. For example, the TapHunter app helps you find great beer, spirits, wine, and cocktails nearby.

Craft beer in bottles

When it comes to buying craft beer, bottles are a great option and remain the dominant package chosen by craft brewers. There are a variety of bottles to choose from, and you can find craft beer in bottles at online stores, delivery services, and your local bottle shop.

Types of Bottles

Craft beer bottles typically come in two main types: glass and plastic. Glass bottles can be either pry-off or swing-top, both of which are excellent for long-term beer storage. They are easy to clean and effective at preventing oxygen from getting into the beer, which helps maintain its quality and freshness. Plastic bottles, such as the Mr. Beer 740mL and ½ liter PET bottles, are a more durable option as they cannot be shattered and allow you to perform a squeeze test to check for carbonation.

Online Stores and Delivery Services

Several online stores and delivery services offer a wide range of craft beer bottles. CraftShack, for instance, provides a variety of craft beers, including sours, IPAs, stouts, and more. Craft City is another online store that offers a diverse selection of craft beers, spirits, and cocktails.

Local Bottle Shops

If you prefer to buy your craft beer in person, bottle shops are a great option. Bottlecraft, for example, is a beer shop and tasting room with an extensive selection of hard-to-find beers from around the world. Their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect brew, and you can even enjoy a drink in their bar or take away.

So, whether you opt for the convenience of online shopping and delivery or the experience of visiting a local bottle shop, there are plenty of options available for purchasing craft beer in bottles.

Frequently asked questions