Research shows that men are the dominant alcohol drinkers, making up 63% of US drinkers. Research also shows that 70% of alcohol enthusiasts are 35 to 54 years old.
If you enjoy drinking beer, you may be interested in several different kinds. If this is the case, you may be wondering about the difference between craft beer and regular beer.
This is a good question to ask since these are the two most common options. Craft and domestic beers describe two categories that confuse many people.
Keep reading to find out the difference between the two.
What Is Domestic Beer?
The most common type of beer is domestic beer.
Often called regular beer, it includes a variety of common beer brands you can find almost anywhere.
Domestic beers are mass-produced and often utilize cheaper ingredients. They have a standard beer taste that most people have grown accustomed to.
Every country has its own version of domestic beer, as there are many different companies. But American domestic beer is more well-known with notable brand names.
Because domestic beer is not very high-quality, it is often a bit weaker. The beer is quite watery and pale, with a lower percentage of alcohol volume.
What Is Craft Beer?
But what’s the difference between craft beer vs beer?
Craft beer is also called traditional or artisanal beer, but is made from higher-quality ingredients.
These beers are often brewed with yeast, malts, hops, and grains. Other ingredients may also be added for flavoring purposes.
A lot of smaller breweries create craft beer made from local sources. But larger breweries can also produce craft beer, as long as it maintains its high quality.
If the brewery adds something to bring down the cost, it becomes a domestic beer. Most craft breweries also produce less beer every year because it is carefully cultivated.
These beers aren’t mass-produced and are made with more traditional methods and recipes. This produces a richer and more nostalgic type of beer.
It doesn’t taste like the mainstream options most people drink due to their affordability.
Major Differences
Now that you understand these beers, what really sets them apart from one another? Understanding their major differences will help you make the best decision.
After all, the majority of beer drinkers have specific preferences. Here are some examples of why you may prefer craft beer or domestic beer.
Taste
Compared to craft beer, domestic beer is often watery and less flavorful. The ingredients are not of exceptional quality, so it does not have that rich beer flavor.
Sometimes domestic beer even has a slightly sour aftertaste. When it comes to craft beer, the taste is more traditional and has a richer flavor.
You are able to enjoy a classic glass of beer with a variety of specialty flavors. Craft beers also use a greater variety of grains to achieve a greater balance.
Appearance
When it comes to craft beer, the colors will depend on the type you choose. This could range from light shades of yellow or brown to much darker shades.
There also aren’t as many carbonated bubbles, allowing for a crispier taste. This is very different from domestic beers, which are often very carbonated and pale.
Health
If you are comparing craft and domestic beer, you may also be considering something else. Some people worry about the health aspects of drinking their favorite beers.
A lot of domestic beers are starting to cater to the health-conscious crowd. This may seem like a good thing, but it only waters down the beer even more.
Craft beer provides full-bodied beer that contains more calories. This is often a worthwhile trade since craft beer is much more satisfying.
Most people also tend to drink less craft beer since it has more alcohol and flavor. It is also important to remember that calories don’t always mean healthy.
A lot of domestic beers have a variety of additives since they are mass-produced. They are often created to last more than six months on the shelf.
Price
One of the main reasons why domestic beer flourishes is its affordability. A lot of beer drinkers tend to go for the cheapest option that is the most accessible.
Domestic beers are cheap and can be found anywhere that sells alcoholic beverages. Whereas, craft beer is a little more expensive because of the labor-intensive process and variety of higher end ingredients.
Craft beer also needs to be purchased from a brewery to get the best options.
Beer Guide: What’s the Difference Between Craft Beer Vs Beer?
If you are a beer enthusiast, you may be wondering what’s the difference between craft beer vs regular beer? This is a common question since the lines can often be blurred.
Domestic beer is a mass-produced beer that you usually see at stores. Craft beer is made from high-quality ingredients and comes from breweries.
When you’re ready to enjoy craft beer alongside a delicious meal make a reservation today online or call 402-344-0200!