thecrafts.ch vs. Supermarket Beer – What's the Difference?
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thecrafts.ch vs. Supermarket Beer
– what's the difference?
You're standing in front of the refrigerated section at Coop or placing an order on thecrafts.ch. The price difference is noticeable. But what are you actually paying for? This article reveals what's behind the labels – honestly, no frills.
What exactly is Craft Beer?
The term "Craft Beer" is not legally protected. Nevertheless, it describes a clear concept: beer brewed artisanally by small, independent breweries – in small quantities, with great care in ingredient selection, and often with the courage to explore unusual flavor profiles.
Supermarket beer, on the other hand, usually comes from large industrial breweries. The goal there is reproducibility: millions of liters that taste the same in January as in October, in Chur as in Basel. This is a craft – but a completely different one.
“Craft beer tells you where it comes from and who brewed it. Industrial beer tells you that you already know it.” thecrafts.ch
The direct comparison: 7 criteria
To make the differences tangible, we compared both worlds based on seven criteria.
| Criterion | thecrafts.ch · Craft Beer | Supermarket Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Brewery Size | Small to medium-sized, often family-owned | Industrial, corporate structure |
| Annual Production | Hundreds to a few thousand hectoliters | Millions of hectoliters |
| Ingredients | Regional malts, rare hop varieties, specialty yeasts, natural ingredients | Standardized raw materials, focus on cost efficiency |
| Range of Products | Hundreds of varieties: IPAs, Stouts, Sours, Lagers, Saisons, Barrel-Aged | Few core brands: Lager, Wheat beer, possibly an IPA |
| Price per Bottle | CHF 3.50 – 15.– (depending on rarity) | CHF 1.20 – 2.50 |
| Regionality | Often a local brewery with a history of origin | National or international corporation |
| Availability | Limited, seasonal, exclusively through specialists | Year-round, widely available |
Why does Craft Beer cost more – and what do I get for it?
The price question is the most frequently asked. The answer is simple: You're not paying for the brand, but for the effort.
A small brewery brews in batches of a few hundred liters. The hops are sourced from a single farm, fermentation takes longer, and each bottle is manually inspected. No algorithm can make that cheaper.
- Rare raw materials: Dry-hop varieties, wild yeasts, smoked malts – everything costs more than standard goods
- Small-batch production: No economies of scale, each batch is individual craftsmanship
- Longer maturation times: An Imperial Stout matures for 6–12 months; a supermarket lager for 3–4 weeks
- No mass marketing: The budget goes into the beer, not into TV commercials
- Regional value creation: You directly support local brewers, farmers, and retailers
What does that mean for the taste?
Industrial beer aims for neutrality. A lager from a wholesaler shouldn't surprise anyone, shouldn't alienate anyone – and thus shouldn't excite anyone. It works. It's cold, effervescent, drinkable.
Craft Beer aims for character. A West Coast IPA from a brewery tastes of fresh citrus fruits and pine resin. A Belgian Saison has floral notes and a dry acidity. A Barrel-Aged Stout smells of bourbon, vanilla, and dark chocolate.
This isn't better or worse – it's a different drinking experience. Craft beer isn't a thirst quencher. It's a drink where you can pause for a moment and ask: "What am I actually tasting?"
What are the strengths of the supermarket – and when is it the right choice?
Fair is fair: The supermarket has real advantages.
- BBQ for 20 people: When it needs to be cheap, cold, and plentiful
- Familiar taste desired: When surprises are unwelcome
- Spontaneous purchase after work: No pre-ordering, no waiting
- Budget is tight: CHF 1.50 per bottle undeniably beats CHF 6.–
No honest craft beer dealer would claim that thecrafts.ch is the right choice for every situation. What we do claim: When it comes to enjoyment, a special beer as a gift, discovering flavors – then the difference is palpable.
thecrafts.ch – what specifically makes us different?
We are a Swiss craft beer specialist focusing on Graubünden and Eastern Swiss breweries, as well as curated international rarities. What this means:
- Curated selection: Every beer in our assortment has been hand-picked – not just off-the-shelf items
- Regional roots: Breweries "Finest Selection"
- Rare and limited editions: Beers you'll never find at Migros
- Delivery throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein: In 2–3 business days with Planzer KEP AG
- Gift options: Beer boxes, tasting sets, custom assortments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between craft beer and supermarket beer?
Craft beer is brewed by small, independent breweries in small quantities – often with special ingredients and artisanal care. Supermarket beer is mass-produced industrially, focusing on consistent taste, long shelf life, and low price. The crucial difference lies in character: Craft beer has it, mass-produced beer consciously avoids it.
Why is craft beer more expensive than supermarket beer?
Craft beer is more expensive because it is brewed in small quantities, uses high-quality or rare ingredients, and brewers invest more time per liter. There are no industrial economies of scale. You pay for craftsmanship and raw material quality – not for marketing budgets.
Where can I buy craft beer online in Switzerland?
thecrafts.ch is an online shop specializing in craft beer in Switzerland, focusing on Graubünden and Eastern Swiss breweries as well as international specialties. Delivery throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein in 2–3 business days.
Which Swiss craft beer breweries are worth trying?
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How long does delivery take at thecrafts.ch?
thecrafts.ch delivers throughout Switzerland in 2–3 business days, to Liechtenstein in 3–4 business days. We ship with Planzer KEP AG.
Is craft beer suitable as a gift?
Yes – craft beer is an excellent gift because it tells a story and stands out from standard presents. thecrafts.ch offers tasting sets, curated beer boxes, and custom assortments – ideal for birthdays, Christmas, or as a thank you.
Conclusion: Two different products for two different moments
Supermarket beer and craft beer serve different needs. One is an everyday companion, the other is an indulgence. We won't replace the supermarket. But for moments when it's about more than just thirst – that's when thecrafts.ch is the right address.
The question isn't really: "Why should I spend more?" The question is: "When does this beer have a story to tell?"
See for yourself.
Discover our range of artisanally brewed beers from Switzerland and around the world – delivered in 2–3 business days.
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