What is Craft Beer? A Growing American Beer Culture

With a strong presence across the 50 states and the District of Columbia, craft breweries are a vibrant and flourishing economic force at the local, state and national level. As consumers continue to demand a wide range of high quality, full-flavored beers, small and independent craft brewers are meeting this growing demand with innovative offerings, creating high levels of economic value in the process. – Bart Watson, Staff Economist for the Brewers Association

I had the opportunity to chat with Julia Herz, Craft Beer Program Director at the Brewers Association, Publisher of CraftBeer.com and certified Cicerone (beer sommelier).  The Brewers Association represents about 3,000 American craft brewers, which is the majority of brewers in the United States.  So what exactly is craft beer?

A craft brewer is defined as beer produced at an independently-owned brewery that makes about 6 million barrels (a barrel is 31 US gallons) per year.  The majority of Americans live within 10 miles of a brewery in every region of the United States.  Not only does this help to advance craft beer culture, but this industry collectively contributes almost 34 billion dollars to the U.S. economy (as of 2012), employs about 108,440 people directly at breweries and brew pubs, and over 360,000 people via brewing community-related jobs.  Emerging markets in the craft beer industry are strong, as laws are evolving and making it easier for craft breweries to open their doors.  However, there’s already a booming craft beer market in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.  About 30% of the world’s hop supply comes from this area, which has optimal weather and growing conditions for cultivating hops.  There are about 50 beers styles made in US that encompass 15 style families including belgian, dark lagers, brown ales and many more.

If you’re planning a summertime barbecue, brown ales are great place to start.  Also recommended are Scottish style ales, which have malt forward flavors and sweetness similar to barbecue and sours beers, which have acidity that helps flavors in grilled roasted and smoked meats shine even brighter.  Lower acidity in beer helps to calm down richness and saltiness of food, so you can taste more of the other flavors.  When pairing craft beer with food, it’s important to find flavor harmonies between your beer and barbecue sauce, as well as your meats and fish that are grilled, roasted or smoked.

Julia, a longtime home brewer, admits that there are lots of approaches to drinking beer but her favorite tip is to tell people to pour their beer into a glass. “The consumer will enjoy the full aromatics and flavors that the brewer intended,” says Herz.  If you’re a beginner beer drinker, Herz recommends paying attention to the wine and other spirits you favor. She believes that craft beer picks up where wine leaves off; lots of choices and different beers for different occasions is the best way to approach your choice of beer. Try a craft beer today!

Cheers!

Ashlee

Photo Credit: drinks.seriouseats.com

Guest Post: Traveling Off the Beaten Path – 3 Reasons to Visit Sicily

By: Alexandra Tyson

Visiting Sicily is still regarded as a travel experience off the beaten path for non-European adventurers.  Due to years of Mafia control, visitors have shied away from this Italian island; however, a resurgence in tourism is making Sicily a top destination in the Mediterranean region. Sicily will welcome you with warmth and a passionate sense of pride.  Its people are notoriously gestural, yet gentle and hospitable.  For instance, the family who owned the apartment where I stayed cooked multiple authentic Sicilian meals for me–gratis!  This same family’s next door neighbor took me around Palermo on the back of his Vespa, allowing me to see breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and sea.

There are so many more wonderful things to say about visiting Sicily, but here are the top 3 reasons why I think you should:

AFFORDABLE CUISINE & SPIRITS

Food and drinks are very affordable! Sicilians pride themselves on being able to enjoy artisan cuisine and spirits without breaking the bank.  If you are a seafood enthusiast, this is the place for you! Generous plates of the freshest seafood prepared in a variety of ways will never exceed $30.  Pizza, homemade pasta, and other traditional dishes cost even less! Wine is mainly served by the half-bottle (wine-by-the-glass is foreign to Sicilians) and is sometimes cheaper than bottled water! Cocktails are always prepared with the freshest ingredients, such as the Sicilian version of a mojito, which includes rosemary instead of mint and a purée of the island’s indigenous melon.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Each area of this small island is different, offering attractions and activities that cater to a variety of interests.  In Palermo, you will experience a unique mix of European, Arab, and African culture against the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea.  Other notable towns include Catania, Mount Etna, Aeolian Isles, and Taormina.  Buses and trains throughout Sicily are quite efficient and inexpensive, making travel between its cities very easy.

AMAZING BEACHES

The beaches could rival many Caribbean destinations.  The water is calm and crystal clear with a temperature that is significantly warmer than most Mediterranean beaches.   I ventured to Mondello which is fifteen minutes outside of Palermo and accessible by public bus.  This beach of powdery white sand is open to the public, but the private beach clubs are well worth the price.  For $25 a day, you get a cabana or set of sun lounges that can be shared between four people.  These clubs have amenities such as bathrooms, cocktail service, and security workers who look after your belongings as you take a dip in the refreshing sea.

English is not widely spoken so asking a Sicilian for assistance is an experience in itself–you may find yourself surrounded by five or six people all trying to help you locate the right street or cafe!  So be open to its boisterous magic and let Sicily awaken you as it did for me!