Craft beer refers to beer brewed by small, independent breweries using traditional, artisanal methods. These breweries focus on producing unique and flavourful beers, often using high-quality ingredients and experimental brewing techniques. The craft beer movement originated in the United States in the 1980s and has since become a global phenomenon, with craft breweries and enthusiasts all over the world.
Craft beer is usually made from high quality ingredients such as hops and malted barley from the region and often includes a range of unique flavours and ingredients such as fruits, spices and herbs. Many craft breweries also emphasise sustainable and environmentally friendly brewing practices, with a focus on minimising waste and reducing environmental impact. The term 'craft beer' can be somewhat subjective and there is no universal definition or standard for what constitutes a craft brewery. However, in general, a craft brewery is a small, independent brewery that produces less than 6 million barrels of beer per year and is no more than 25% owned by a non-craft brewer.
Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years as many people look for unique and interesting flavours and support local, independent breweries. Some examples of popular craft beer styles are IPAs (India Pale Ales), stouts, porters, lagers and sour beers. Craft beer is beer made by small, independent breweries using traditional brewing methods, often with an emphasis on quality, taste and experimentation. Craft beer is usually made in small batches, using high quality ingredients and often with more attention to detail than mass-produced beers. Craft brewers may also experiment with unique and unconventional flavours, ingredients and brewing techniques to create beers that are different from mainstream beer brands. Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many beer lovers are looking for unique and flavourful beers that reflect the creativity and passion of the independent brewers who make them.
Belgian beer is known worldwide for its variety and high quality. Belgium has a long history of brewing, with beer production dating back to the Middle Ages. Belgian beers are usually made from high quality ingredients and often have unique, complex flavour profiles. Some of the most famous Belgian beers are:
Trappist beers: these beers are brewed by Trappist monks in monasteries and are known for their rich, complex flavours. There are currently only 11 Trappist breweries in the world, six of which are located in Belgium.
Lambic beers: These beers are made by spontaneous fermentation, which means they are fermented with wild yeasts that are naturally present in the air. Lambic beers have a sour, tart flavour and are often aged for several years in oak barrels.
Abbey beers: These beers are brewed by secular breweries but are inspired by the Trappist brewing tradition. They are usually strong, dark beers with a rich, malty flavour.
Seasonal beers: These beers were originally brewed for farm workers during the summer months and are known for their light, refreshing character and spicy, fruity notes. Belgian beer is often served in a special glass designed to highlight the flavour and aroma of the beer. Each beer style has its own unique glass shape. For example, Trappist beers are usually served in a goblet-shaped glass, while Lambic beers are served in a tulip-shaped glass. Overall, Belgian beer is a popular part of the country's cultural heritage and a must for beer lovers all over the world.
