Craft vs Draft Beer

Craft vs draft beer is a hot topic among beer lovers. While both have distinct flavor profiles, many people are unsure which is better and why. If you’re a beer enthusiast, it’s essential to understand the similarities and differences between the two before deciding on your preferred choice.

Craft vs Draft Beer

Beer has been around for centuries and is one of the most popular drinks in the world. While there are many different types and brands of beer, not all of them are created equal. When it comes to flavor, these beers reign supreme. These two have distinct taste profiles that set them apart from other beers on the market.

Any concerned beer lover will want to learn how these two types of beer are made and the ingredients that differentiate them. You don’t want to remain in the dark about your favorite beverage, as understanding the brewing method can only make beer taste that much better.

Before I check the similarities and differences between these beers, let’s first explore how each beer is brewed and the ingredients used.

Craft Beer

Craft beer is one of the most popular beers on the market. It is an artisanal product brewed in small batches using traditional methods. The brewing method of this beer is usually done by hand, which gives the brewers more control over the final product and allows them to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

One of the most distinguishing factors of this beer is the use of premium, natural ingredients that are often locally sourced. This gives the beer a unique flavor not found in mass-produced beers. In addition, craft brewers often use traditional brewing methods that have been passed down for generations.

Using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods often produces a more expensive beer than mass-produced beer. However, many beer lovers believe the higher price is worth it for craft beer’s unique flavor and quality. The local ingredients come with a cost; however, that’s a testament to the passion and dedication of craft brewers.

Advantages

• The brewers use traditional methods to brew it. This gives the beer a unique flavor not found in mass-produced beers.
• The beer is brewed in small batches, which allows the brewers to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
• The beer is made with premium, natural, locally sourced ingredients. This gives the beer a unique flavor not found in mass-produced beers.
• It does not require special equipment since it is brewed by hand.

Disadvantages

• The beer is usually more expensive than mass-produced beer because of the higher quality ingredients used.
• It can be challenging to find since it is brewed in small batches and not widely distributed.
• The brewing process of beer is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than mass-produced beer.

Draft Beer

Draft beer is brewed in large batches, stored in kegs, and served from a tap. Brewing this beer is similar to craft beer; however, there are some key differences. For instance, draft beer is typically brewed with adjuncts, which are cheaper and lower-quality grains.

The use of adjuncts allows for a larger batch of beer to be brewed at a lower cost. In addition, brewing this beer is usually done by machine, which is faster and less labor-intensive than brewing craft.

Most beer enthusiasts like beers served from a tap because it gives the beer a fresher taste. The kegs also help keep the beer carbonated, another advantage of this beer. If you are a brewer and constantly use a keg, ensure that you have an excellent quality CO2 tank and regulator. This will help you keep your beer carbonated and tasting fresh.

Advantages

• The beer is brewed in large batches, which makes it easier to find and more widely available.
• The beer is brewed with adjuncts, which are cheaper and lower-quality grains. This allows for a larger batch of beer to be brewed at a lower cost.
• The brewing process is usually done by machine, which is faster and less labor-intensive.
• The beer is served from a tap, which gives the beer a fresher taste.
• Kegs are hygienic and help keep the beer carbonated, which gives the beer a fresher taste.

Disadvantages

• The use of adjuncts results in a lower quality beer than craft one.
• The brewing process is usually done by machine, resulting in a less flavorful beer.
• If you are a brewer, you must have a good quality CO2 tank and regulator to keep the beer carbonated. This can be an expensive investment.

Comparison Between the Two

With a proper understanding of each, it’s easy to see that both have differences and similarities that make them outstanding in their ways. The following is a comparison of the two types of beer:

Similarities

• Both are beers known by most people because they are popular.
• Both have a brewing process that takes time and uses specific ingredients, though the ingredients may differ.
• Both have an alcohol content measures ranging from light to dark since they are brewed using different ingredients.
• Both craft and draft can be found in different parts of the world, though the craft one is not as widely available.
• Both have a unique flavor because of the different ingredients used in their brewing process.

Differences

• Craft beer is brewed in small batches, while draft one is brewed in large batches
• Craft beer is made with premium, natural, locally sourced ingredients, while the draft is brewed with adjuncts, which are cheaper and lower-quality grains.
• The brewing of craft is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than mass-produced beer, while the brewing process for draft one is usually done by machine, which is faster and less labor-intensive.
• Craft beer is more expensive than draft beer.
• Most beer enthusiasts prefer craft because it has a more complex flavor than the draft. However, the draft is more widely available than a craft one.

Major Distinguishing Factor

The brewing procedure is the primary distinguishing factor between the two types of beer. The brewing process for craft one is more time-consuming and labor-intensive, while the brewing process for draft beer is usually done by machine, which is faster and less labor-intensive. This results in a difference in flavor, with the craft one having a more complex flavor than the draft one.

When to Use Craft Beer

The best time to use this type of beer is when you want to have a more flavorful beer. This is because the brewing process allows for more complex flavors. It also pairs well with food since the flavors can stand up to more decadent dishes.

When to Use Draft Beer

The best time to use this beer is when you want a more widely available and less expensive beer. This type of beer is also a good choice when you want a beer that is lighter in flavor. If you are looking for a beer to drink while watching a game or socializing with friends, draft beer is a good choice.

Which Is Better: Craft or Draft Beer?

The best beer here is craft beer. The beer has a more complex flavor because of the brewing process. It also pairs well with food since the flavors can stand up to richer dishes.

These two types of beer are both excellent in their ways. It all depends on what you are looking for in a beer. If you want a more flavorful beer, craft beer is excellent. If you want a more widely available, draft beer is the best choice. Cheers!