Beer is an alcoholic drink that is truly appreciated all over the world. This drink can well come from large brewing companies. However, beer production is within the reach of small manufacturers who produce craft beer or artisanal beer.
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What is craft beer?
It is not easy to determine the definition of craft beer, as this drink has specific characteristics. However, craft beer is produced by artisanal breweries that have the following characteristics:
- use of pure malt for beer production based on a traditional recipe
- production of 1,000 to 10,000 hectoliters per year
- a small and loyal customer base
- natural beer without additives and new fermentation after bottling
- taking care of the malting of barley.
Thus, considering these characteristics, we can easily define artisanal beer as the beer produced by an artisanal brewery.
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The rise of craft beer
The phenomenon of craft beer began to gain popularity about fifteen years ago. This new way of producing beer comes from the United States. Craft beer can be produced by any beer enthusiast who wishes to enhance the taste and colors of beer.
The craft beer revolution truly began in the United States after the end of prohibition in 1978. It became possible to brew beer and sell it from home. Despite the competition from large brewing companies, this concept continues to thrive worldwide.
The different types of craft beer or artisanal beer in France
Artisanal beers in France fall into three categories: Trappist beers, regional or special beers, and beers from microbreweries or family breweries.
· Trappist beer
This is a beer made by Trappist monks under high fermentation. The order of Trappist monks was established in 18921 in France. After a period of cessation of brewing activities in the early 20th century, the production of this beer was relaunched in 2011. The Trappist beer available in France is brewed by the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Scourmont in Chimay and marketed by the Abbey of Mont des Cats.
· Regional or special beer
These beers are produced with characteristics specific to each region. Made with high fermentation, these special beers have a better flavor. The alcohol content of these specialty beers can match that of a luxury beer. These beers are much more reserved for tasting by connoisseurs and enthusiasts. A special beer can mark a season of the year or a special occasion.
· Beer made by a microbrewery or family brewery
This beer is produced in a small artisanal brewery. Emerging in the 1980s, French microbreweries numbered nearly 600 breweries in 2013. These breweries can belong to families or small establishments. Although they produce artisanal beer, a microbrewery has a production not exceeding 1,000 hectoliters per year.