Why Craft Beer

Craft beer is many different things to many different people and most beer lovers have a story of discovery to share. Craft beer has been described variously as ten minutes of pleasure, pure happiness in a glass, full flavored, authentic, archetypical, an intellectual beverage that is to be savored not swilled and much, much more. It is enjoyed for everyday celebrations and is viewed by many as one of the special things in life that makes the day taste and feel a little better. It is also regarded as living liquid history. Each glass displays the creativity and passion of its maker and the complexity of its ingredients. Craft beer is treasured by millions of beer lovers who see it as not merely a fermented beverage, but also something to be enjoyed in moderation (see Savor the Flavor), shared and revered. It is a versatile beverage, often enjoyed over a discussion of the important issues of the day and sometimes used as an ingredient in cooking.

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Rick Blankemeier 12.16.09

As the Denver Craft Beer Examiner, it's extremely difficult to come up with just one reason why I choose craft beer, but here it goes: Craft beer combines the elements of art, science, tradition, and progressiveness in ways that transcends all other beverages. This nexus of seemingly polar opposites leads to something wonderful; a beverage with limitless potential. Many would call this period of time, "The Craft Beer Renaissance". I contend that we've moved past the Renaissance and started the Reformation - respecting brewing traditions of old, but moving on towards brewing new, unique and better craft beer. Using the Reinheitsgebot as a suggestion rather than dogma (or artistic censorship as Sam Calagione likes to say). I choose craft beer because it brings traditional opposites together - both concepts and people. When opposites combine forces, truly wonderful things happen. Cheers!

William Ballweber 02.17.10

Variety and Creativity. One sip involves all senses working independently yet together to create a million images in my mind. I often imagine the grains, hops, brewers, memories of friends, places, and on special occasions I imagine that I am the beer. Craft Beer always offers a new experience for the person who looks for it.

"Just as wine drinkers vary their selection by season and what they are eating, a growing number of beer drinkers want their beverage to work with what and when they eat."
– NBC Today Show, November 2009