Craft Beer 101: A Guide For Beginners

Really like the cheap brews you sip at happy hour but are looking to take your game up a notch? Give craft beers a whirl. Not only are they a more sophisticated drink (as opposed to a Bud Light or PBR), but the flavor possibilities are virtually endless.

For those just starting out, it's important to know that a small independent brewer really is. According to the Brewers Association,  American craft breweries are:

• Small with an average production of 6 million barrels or less. 
• Independent in that less than 25% of the business is owned or controlled by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.
• Traditional in recipe with flavors derived from standard or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. 

Where Should I Start?

Good question. Since there are so many varieties of craft beer, it really will come down to a process of figuring out which taste you prefer. (A very fun process of elimination, in our opinion!) Typically the most approachable styles for beginners are blonde ales or German-style lagers. Those in search of a bolder taste may opt for an amber ale, IPA or porter ale. And like we always say at our Shaw restaurant and beer garden: practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to developing a palette for craft brews!

To explore the many different types of craft beers, as well as their specific attributes, check out this beer finder compliments of CraftBeer.com here.

Regardless of where you are in your beer-drinking journey, TAKODA has an option just for you. Check out our entire list of beers here. ​

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