Is craft beer stronger than regular beer? In most cases, when you drink high-alcohol beer, it’s craft beer. Regular beer is usually produced in batches, is usually pale yellow, and can be consumed chilled in large quantities. Craft beers focus more on flavor and nuance and often have a higher alcohol content than regular beers. If you want to know the real difference between craft beer and regular beer, read on to learn more.
What is regular beer?
When people hear “regular beer,” they usually think of some generic light beer brand. But, every country has its own beer that is produced in large quantities. Some could qualify this further and say regular beer is any cheap beer like Busch, Narragansett, Budweiser, etc.
Large corporate breweries, also called macrobreweries, produce large quantities of regular beer. The focus is not on the quality of the beer, but on how it can be distributed around the world. Small breweries rarely use premium grains, hops or malts, often resorting to cheaper alternatives.
Any light beer is considered a “regular beer”. Regular beer has a lower alcohol content, so you can drink it as much as you want without worrying about getting drunk.
What is craft beer?
The term “craft beer” now only applies to beverages brewed in traditional ways. Grain, water, malt, hops and yeast are all required. Beer can have other ingredients in it, but they must contribute to the flavor. Once a brewery uses any method to reduce manufacturing costs, the beer is no longer considered craft beer.
Limiting annual production to no more than six million barrels is another standard for craft breweries. Keep in mind that not all small breweries produce microbrews. Beer production determines the difference between macro and micro. Mass-produced beers are watered down to reduce brewing costs, while craft beers are brewed more with flavor and quality in mind than efficiency.
Is craft beer stronger than regular beer?
When it comes to craft beer, the alcohol content can be much higher. According to experience, the alcohol content of craft beer is usually no less than 7%. Some craft beers can cost as much as some spirits. In beer stores, I have seen craft beers with an alcohol content of 30%, and even craft beers with an alcohol content of up to 40%.
Making craft beer is a more delicate process than mass-producing beer. Craft beer brewers are able to add more flavor to their beers, allowing room for higher alcohol content.
The alcohol content of mass-produced ordinary beer is usually between 3-5%.
The difference between craft beer and ordinary beer
Production differences
“Regular beer” is bottled in batches at large breweries, which use ingredients designed to make it easier to produce large batches of beer while also lowering costs and increasing profits.
Craft beer is produced on a much smaller scale, using only traditional beer ingredients. Regular beer is produced to reduce costs by adding inferior ingredients and other measures such as adding more water and less grain.
Craft beer tastes better
Craft beer enthusiasts will tell you that the mass-produced beer that most people consume is “watery” compared to craft beer.
Craft breweries often put more effort into their beer recipes, giving their craft beers unique flavors and characteristics.
These craft breweries are often thought to care more about their craft than the large, regular brewers.
Alcohol content
Is craft beer stronger than regular beer? The answer is yes. Some craft beers may have lower alcohol content than regular beer, but the vast majority of craft beers have higher alcohol content than regular beer. You have to be careful when drinking craft beer because one bottle of craft beer can be as good as 2-4 bottles of regular beer, depending on the brand.
More varieties
The taste of craft beer is very unique compared to most regular beers, and you will get a new taste experience every time you try a different kind of beer. As mentioned before, craft breweries are putting more time and effort into brewing these beers, with interesting results. There are thousands of different craft beers, each with a unique taste.
Cheaper price
There is a big difference in price between regular beer and craft beer. Depending on the type of craft beer you drink, it may also be a bit more expensive than drinking regular beer due to its higher alcohol content.
Is craft beer healthier than regular beer?
Craft beers contain more calories than commercial beers due to the ingredients and methods used to make the beer. Craft beer may have the same or fewer calories than traditional beer because people tend to drink less due to the increased alcohol content.
Research suggests craft beer may even be healthier than wine. Antioxidants in general, and red wine in particular, are praised for their health benefits, especially those on the heart.
There was a lot of interest in developing beers that were lower in calories and carbs, so small breweries were quick to follow suit. But, until then, it’s sparkling water. Craft breweries are more concerned with the flavor and depth of their beer. So, these beers contain more sugar and calories than standard beers.