A couple of weeks ago we raise on these pages the issue of the definition of craft beer. As expected, the comments were not long in coming and a heated debate begun, looking for an effective and comprehensive definition of what “craft” is. Although some aspects considered crucial by all (or almost all) were established, the discussion remained far from arrange a definitive verdict. Not that I expected the opposite: the post was only a way to nourish the discussion, hoping that it might be useful for its participants.
May
10
'10For a definition of craft beer – part two
Apr
13
'10The Birrificio Italiano won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup 2010 with its VùDù
The results of the World Beer Cup, one of the major beer competitions in the world, were released in the weekend. The 2010 edition saw the participation of no less than 3,330 beers brewed in 44 different countries, divided into categories following the guidelines of the Brewers Association which organizes the event. Well, Italy has achieved a great result with the Birrificio Italiano Vùdù, first in the German-Style Dark Wheat Ale category, better known as Dunkel Weizen, German typical dark wheat beer.
Apr
10
'10Cataloging beer styles: how far is it worth the effort?
As reported by Charlie Papazian, in recent days the U.S. Brewers Association has released the latest revision of Beer Style Guidelines, i.e. a set of detailed guidelines set out to catalog the different beer styles in the world. It’s always a very interesting document, which is also used as reference for the annual contest connected to the Great American Beer Festival, the most important brewing event in the US. In the document (downloadable in pdf format ) are listed a good 140 different styles, some of which belong to the great classics of the world brewing art, though often these are simple variations on the theme, with so slight differences that it is natural to ask what meaning certain distinctions may have.
Mar
18
'10In the U.S. craft beer keeps growing, but someone is not happy…
Last week the Brewers Association has published economic data relating to the craft beer sector in the United States. Once again, in spite of the international economic situation, the segment shows an enviable health, testified by impressive numbers. One data above all: compared to 2008, the craft beer market grew by 7.2% in volume and 10.3% in dollars, surprising even the most optimistic analysts.
Sep
2
'09Craft beer trends in US, UK and Germany
Despite of the differencies between countries, we can say that worldwide craft beer is enjoying a decent time, albeit with exceptions. Apart from beer cultures on the rise (including the Italian one), the country that seems more attracted to the craft revolution is United States, where penetration of quality products has reached unexpected levels. As reported recently by Beernews, the Brewers Association has revealed that the market is always growing, constantly noting new records.
