In celebration of the upcoming Craft Beer Week, we wanted to take a minute to outline what makes a craft beer. We believe that understanding what it is will provide a better appreciation of the process and results!
The term “craft beer” is a little more complicated than the general explanation. The good people at Hop & Vine in British Columbia found a standard definition in the Good Beer Guide: Breweries and Pubs of the Pacific Northwest stating that it’s “a small brewery using traditional methods and ingredients to produce a handcrafted, uncompromised beer that is marketed locally.”
Although this nails the essence of what a craft beer is, the product itself is deeper, richer and more nuanced than this. The end result of creating a craft beer often reflects the personality of the brewer, both in taste and aesthetic. Let’s just say craft beer usually has a lot more character. For this reason, more people are choosing to support local breweries as a way of supporting independent craftsmanship.
Craft beer has actually been around for decades. Before WWI, Canada had 117 independent breweries. However, by the early 1980s, only 10 were left with the 3 largest companies owning 96 percent of the market. During the '80s, most drinkers were sipping on light lagers and buying for quantity, not necessarily quality. Also around this time, a few people were getting tired of drinking the same beer as everyone else and sparked a movement that would gain momentum up to today. In 1984, Canada’s first official microbreweries opened with Granville Island in Vancouver, B.C. and Brick Brewing in Waterloo, Ontario. By the end of 2014, there were 520 breweries registered across the country.
That being said, some of the independent microbreweries have been bought and are now operated under major companies. Those ones have lost their “indie” status of microbrewery, but have been able to increase their volume which is bringing a bigger diversity to the beer scene. The beer produced is still considered “craft”, but some beer enthusiasts would claim that they aren’t the same anymore. There is still a divide amongst beer drinkers -- those who drink major labels, those who exclusively drink from microbreweries and the many in between. What it really comes down to is your tastes.
The Financial Post was able to pull some facts and figures about Canada’s craft beer scene. They put together a chart that leaves out a few details, but is a general look at the emergence of the product:
If you are still curious about the history of craft beer in each province, the Canadian Encyclopedia has covered the movement from East to West.
Lastly, why is craft beer so important?
A small, independent craft brewery/microbrewery/nanobrewery has the chance to combine a bit of science, creativity and fun! That being said, the journey isn’t always easy. Independent brands feel minor road bumps more intensely than major corporations. But, it’s our passion that drives it forward. At the end of the day, watching your next batch grow and seeing people enjoying your brew is worth the effort.
Did you know you can vote for your favourite craft beer? Just head to The Golden Taps Awards and place your vote!