Seattle breweries and craft beer go together like picnics and summer days. Thanks to innovative flavor combinations, a sense of community, and continual new developments, this industry is enjoying a moment years in the making; and it's not about to slow any time soon.
What Is Meant by the Phrase "Craft Beer?"
Whether you're popping the top on a can of Budweiser or touching your lips to a bottle of India pale ale (IPA), some degree of artisanship went into that beer's formulation. This is not to say, however, that all beer is made in the same way. Far from it, craft beer (CB) is brewed by a small, independent, and traditional brewer - a definition set forth by the Brewers Association.
In other words, CB doesn't come from one of the mega-brewery corporations that dominated this field just a few short years ago. Other hallmarks that characterize CBs include:
• The interpretation of historic styles with unique twists
• Beer flavors that have no precedent
• A focus on independence from big-name breweries and integrity
Dissecting the Definition
When defining a CB, what exactly does small mean? Again, we're going to turn to the Brewers Association in answering this question. To rightfully earn the title of CB, a beer must be produced by a brewery with production limited to 6 million barrels per year. Alternatively, a craft brewery can produce no more than 3% of the beer market, meaning that as demand and consumption grow, a craft brewery can likewise increase its output.
To fall under the independent label, only one-quarter of a brewery can be owned by any person who doesn't meet the criteria of a craft brewer. This is a little confusing, so to simplify, we'll say that 75% of ownership must be retained by full-fledged craft brewers.
The Word Traditional
Fortunately, this word is a little easier to work with. The Brewers Association explains CBs generally include innovative ingredients in their fermentation. Innovative indeed, as craft brewers like to take risks with ingredients that range from cayenne pepper to blood oranges.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. Today, CBs can hit the tongue with a punch or slide down the throat with a soft, refreshing spritz; it simply depends on the blend chosen by the brewer. Always, however, the goal with a CB is to establish a tasty base and then add imaginative ingredients to reach flavor perfection.
The Ongoing Popularity of CBs
Folks who wouldn't touch a plain can of pilsner are undeniably passionate about their CBs. What is the reason? Craft beer can be likened to art with its wide variety of flavors and styles. Of course, no discussion of consumable art would be complete without giving attention to the way CBs pair with food.
This is another reason beer enthusiasts love their craft beverages; the options available in terms of a delicious, well-balanced meal are all but endless. Dark and robust stouts, for instance, pair well with grilled vegetables. Sweet and fruity IPAs complement pork, while crisp amber lagers suit rice and risotto. Choosing the right food and drink combo will only amplify your CB enjoyment.
Constantly Changing
Craft brewers also understand that to stay relevant, one must constantly evolve. They're always looking for new ways to entice enthusiasts and part of the excitement in following the CB movement is simply waiting for the next blend to emerge.
Sense of Community
If craft brewers understand anything, it's that connecting with fans is just as important as the quality of their beers. This has ignited a sense of community that increasing numbers of people want to be a part of. These enthusiasts encourage each other to try new breweries & styles and take pride in the success of their local brewers.
Nowhere is this more apparent than with Seattle breweries, where drinking CBs is a way to enjoy conversation, compare experiences, and discover the most inventive beers imaginable. We can substantiate this claim with the fact that, according to information from the Brewers Association, Seattle ranks in the top five American cities for brewery numbers.
Seattle Breweries
The story of beer in our nation's Northwest is more about people and less about drinking. It started in the 19th century when German-style beers reigned supreme. Olympia and Rainier were local legends, and although both of those breweries have since closed, Seattle continues to be an integral thread in the overall beer fabric.
In the 1980s, craft brewing took hold of the city and, in those early days, pulsed with creative energy. Brewers collaborated and competed to churn out the most flavorful lager or hoppiest IPA. The traditional tastes of hops and grain were eventually replaced with herbs, fruits, spices, and more. And within this history, one finds the true meaning of craft beer: a recipe that is constantly tweaked and perfected within a community of supportive relationships.
The Impact of Craft Beers on Drinking
If you ask, many people might characterize beer as a cheap, lackluster drink found in dark bars. However, if we believe this opinion, we're selling ourselves and our history short. Beer in all forms has brought people together for as long as it's been produced. This is where CBs are really making their marks, changing the perception of beer from one enjoyed at grill-outs and sporting events to one suitable for any occasion.
Likewise, going to a local brewery or taproom can be done at any time, not just Friday nights, and by anyone of legal drinking age. All demographics are welcomed; single, married, young, and old can unite as they embrace the innovation and mastery behind CBs. Taprooms are, in fact, the new hubs of local neighborhoods as craft breweries continue to attract more and more people.
What About the Beer?
We know you're thinking it all starts with great beer and this point remains undeniably true. CBs provide a level of quality and complexity we wouldn't have today if homebrewers years ago hadn't quested for richer, deeper, and bolder flavors.
With that in mind, the future doesn't appear to be dimming on the bright light of CBs. Just the opposite, it's expected that IPAs as the "kings of craft" will continue evolving. Dry, brut-style flavors will always appeal to enthusiasts, but those with a growing appetite for juicier, softer IPAs will likely be treated to new fruit-forward flavors.
An Eye on the Future
Sour beers may also rise in popularity as CBs continue to attract traditional and non-beer drinkers alike. While sour may at first catch you off guard, the truth is this trait works well with such fruits as raspberries and blackberries that deliver different levels of sweetness.
Lagers, which are usually a little more complicated to make than ales, provide a sense of comfort to those only now experimenting with CBs. They'll likely remain important players in the CB market for many years to come, making them an easy transition from traditional, American-style beers into craft brews that are dryer, fruitier, and simply more flavorful.
Our taproom, winner of seven Washington beer awards in 2019, embraces the simple nature of brewing and drinking good beer. We're one of those Seattle breweries that started in a basement and now serve what you might call pretty good brews. See for yourself - make reservations or simply walk in and try one of the 13 beers on tap available at Lowercase Brewing.
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