Craft Beer

Craft Beer has a specific character that isn't universally appealing and I respect that. Some people find the smooth aftertaste overwhelming. Served chilled it's at its most polarising — full flavour, no hiding. For those it clicks with, the payoff is enormous. I'm firmly in that camp and have been…

Over the past year I've tried 20 different expressions of Craft Beer, ranging from entry-level to premium. My conclusion: the depth of flavour is the most reliable indicator of quality across price points. Served neat, the differences are pronounced and educational. The best value wasn't the most e…

My first serious Craft Beer was a gift and it genuinely opened a new chapter in how I think about drinking. The complexity — especially the character — was unlike anything I'd experienced. Served on the rocks by the person who gave it, with an explanation of what I was tasting. That experience sent…

One of the things I love about Craft Beer is the regional variation. The same category produced in different parts of the world tastes completely different. The complexity on the palate shifts dramatically depending on origin, and served neat those differences are most apparent. If you've only trie…

I spent years not getting Craft Beer. Tried it a few times, found it fine, moved on. Then I had it served neat by someone who knew what they were doing and the smooth aftertaste landed differently. Something clicked. Since then I've been actively exploring the category and find it more rewarding th…

I use Craft Beer primarily in cocktails and it excels in that role — the nose comes through in a mixed drink in ways that complement rather than dominate. Served neat in a proper glass at room temperature it's fine but not where it shines for me personally. If you're building a home bar, having a q…

After 40 years of drinking Craft Beer I'm still finding bottles that surprise me. The category has more depth than it's given credit for by people who haven't explored it properly. Served chilled at its best, the smooth aftertaste continues to evolve in interesting directions. My advice to anyone s…

I expected more from this Craft Beer given the price point and the hype around the category. Served neat as recommended. The smooth aftertaste was underwhelming compared to bottles at half the price I've enjoyed. The premium end of this market has a lot of marketing attached to it that doesn't tran…

I resisted Craft Beer for a long time based on a bad early experience. Then a friend insisted I try a properly made version served in a proper glass at room temperature and everything changed. The nose I'd missed the first time was suddenly the point. Been drinking it regularly for about six months…

I've been a Craft Beer drinker for years and this category never gets old. The depth of flavour you get from a well-made Craft Beer is genuinely hard to explain to someone who hasn't tried it. I tend to drink it as a long drink with ice and find that's when it shows its best character. The smooth a…