History of Craft Beer
- By Steven Hooch
- Published 11/17/2011
- Food and Drink
- Unrated
Craft brewing and its product, the aptly-named craft beer, are popular for many reasons. The most notable reason lies in the fact that bottled beer brands virtually all smell, look and taste alike so much so that individuals with adventurous palates as well as beer connoisseurs can quickly become bored with the limited selections. We are, thus, thankful that craft brewers now keep our thirst for delicious craft beers sated every day of the year. This was not so in previous years when craft brewers were driven virtually out of business by the corporate giants in the beverage industry. But we are getting ahead of the story.
Market Shifts:
Immigrants from all over the world who came into the United States brought with them their unique traditions in making beer. As can be expected, the craft beer produced in commercial breweries had distinctive tastes, flavours and aromas that easily distinguished it according to the ethnic community that produced it. For example, brown ale was of English origin while black beer was clearly from the German community.
The delicious products of craft brewing were, indeed, beloved. In the late 1970s, the United States' brewing landscape significantly changed so much so that only light lager and imported beer brands dominated the market. Aggressive marketing campaigns switched the Americans' preference from many types of craft beers to low-calorie light lager beers, which still remains true to this day.
Home Breweries to the Rescue:
Fortunately, home breweries came to the rescue of the beer lovers, in a manner of speaking. Just as the commercial breweries ceased to produce the beloved craft beers of the good old days, home breweries slowly but surely gai
ned their footing in the market. After all, the best way to enjoy the delicious flavours, aromas and tastes of craft beer was to make your own versions of it, to replicate the process and to experiment with the original recipes.
Notable Events:
And so was re-born the craft breweries of today. Of course, there were many notable events that preceded such a renaissance, a few of which are discussed below.
In 1965, Fritz Maytag purchased Anchor Brewing Company. Maytag then proceeded to maintain several of the brewery's original beer traditions, thus, preserving an important part of the craft brewing industry.
In 1976, the New Albion Brewery was started by a dedicated home brewer with the intent of continuing the traditions that make craft beer the best in the market. Many home brewers were inspired to follow its lead, thus, resulting in an explosion of craft breweries in the early 1980s.
As the quality of the craft brewers' products increased, so did its market. Beer lovers enjoyed the full-flavoured beers of modern America that, in turn, were inspired by Old World traditions. Yes, many challenges were encountered along the way but with the spirit of true pioneers, the microbreweries persevered.
Market Momentum:
From the early until the mid-1990s, the microbreweries experienced a surge in its annual volume and sales. In 1991 alone, the industry grew by 35% with the highest growth registered in 1995 at 58%, by volume. Although the industry's growth considerably decreased to just 1-5% from 1997 to 2003, the surge in prior years was sufficient to place craft breweries in the consciousness of the American population.
Today, there are so many types of craft beer in the market so much so you can drink one type of beer for every day of the year. And that is why we love beer for dishes and desserts, too!
Market Shifts:
Immigrants from all over the world who came into the United States brought with them their unique traditions in making beer. As can be expected, the craft beer produced in commercial breweries had distinctive tastes, flavours and aromas that easily distinguished it according to the ethnic community that produced it. For example, brown ale was of English origin while black beer was clearly from the German community.
The delicious products of craft brewing were, indeed, beloved. In the late 1970s, the United States' brewing landscape significantly changed so much so that only light lager and imported beer brands dominated the market. Aggressive marketing campaigns switched the Americans' preference from many types of craft beers to low-calorie light lager beers, which still remains true to this day.
Home Breweries to the Rescue:
Fortunately, home breweries came to the rescue of the beer lovers, in a manner of speaking. Just as the commercial breweries ceased to produce the beloved craft beers of the good old days, home breweries slowly but surely gai
Notable Events:
And so was re-born the craft breweries of today. Of course, there were many notable events that preceded such a renaissance, a few of which are discussed below.
In 1965, Fritz Maytag purchased Anchor Brewing Company. Maytag then proceeded to maintain several of the brewery's original beer traditions, thus, preserving an important part of the craft brewing industry.
In 1976, the New Albion Brewery was started by a dedicated home brewer with the intent of continuing the traditions that make craft beer the best in the market. Many home brewers were inspired to follow its lead, thus, resulting in an explosion of craft breweries in the early 1980s.
As the quality of the craft brewers' products increased, so did its market. Beer lovers enjoyed the full-flavoured beers of modern America that, in turn, were inspired by Old World traditions. Yes, many challenges were encountered along the way but with the spirit of true pioneers, the microbreweries persevered.
Market Momentum:
From the early until the mid-1990s, the microbreweries experienced a surge in its annual volume and sales. In 1991 alone, the industry grew by 35% with the highest growth registered in 1995 at 58%, by volume. Although the industry's growth considerably decreased to just 1-5% from 1997 to 2003, the surge in prior years was sufficient to place craft breweries in the consciousness of the American population.
Today, there are so many types of craft beer in the market so much so you can drink one type of beer for every day of the year. And that is why we love beer for dishes and desserts, too!
Steven Hooch
Steven Hooch is a leading connoisseur for a variety of fine wines and ales. He has been sharing his insights and reviews for over 11 years striving to provide expert advice and information on a wide range of alcoholic beverages including craft beers.
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