Welcome to the next instalment of our Craft Beer 101 series. Today, we’re diving into the culture and revolution that is craft beer, exploring the community and events that bring us all together. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, there’s something awesome about the way craft beer has brought a whole selection of individuals together. So, grab a pint, and let’s dive into the social side of craft beer!
Beer Festivals and Events Around the World
Oktoberfest, Germany
When it comes to beer festivals, Oktoberfest in Munich is the granddaddy of them all. This 16-18 day festival attracts millions of visitors each year, all eager to experience the festive atmosphere, traditional Bavarian music, hearty food, and, of course, plenty of beer. It’s a celebration of Bavarian culture and a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. Oktoberfest isn’t just about the beer; it’s about the entire experience – the lederhosen, the dirndls, the oom-pah bands, and the sense of being part of the festival that comes from sharing a stein with pretty much everybody.
Great American Beer Festival, USA
Held annually in Denver, Colorado, the Great American Beer Festival is one of the largest beer festivals in the United States (which as you know is a pretty big place itself) Featuring thousands of beers from hundreds of breweries across the country, it’s a paradise for beer lovers. The festival also includes educational seminars and beer-related competitions. It’s an opportunity to taste a wide variety of beers, from experimental brews to classic styles, and to meet the people behind them. The event celebrates the diversity and creativity of the American craft beer scene.
The Great British Beer Festival, UK
Organized by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), this festival takes place in London and showcases a vast selection predominantly focused on cask real ales, ciders, perries, and international beers. It’s an excellent opportunity to sample traditional British beers and learn about the craft from brewers and experts. The festival is held at Olympia London, and it’s not just about drinking beer; there are games, live music, and food stalls offering British and international cuisine, making it a well-rounded experience.
London Craft Beer Festival, UK
The London Craft Beer Festival is all about the craft beer revolution, featuring breweries from around the world. Held at Tobacco Dock, it offers a unique setting with its blend of historic and modern architecture. The festival includes unlimited tastings (can be a little dangerous, so need to pace yourself) of a wide range of beers, from IPAs and stouts to sours and lagers. Attendees can also enjoy live music, food from top London chefs, and the chance to meet brewers and learn about their beers. It’s a must-visit for anyone passionate about craft beer.
Belgium Beer Weekend, Belgium
Held in Brussels, Belgium Beer Weekend celebrates the country’s rich beer heritage. With over 400 beers available to taste, including many rare and unique brews, it’s a must-visit for any beer aficionado. The event also features parades, live music, and a historical setting that really make the whole experience. Belgium’s deep-rooted beer culture is on full display, offering a chance to taste traditional Trappist ales, lambics, and more while enjoying Brussels’ Grand Place.
The Role of Taprooms and Breweries in Local Communities
Breweries have become more than just places to brew the beer, now a lot of brewries (including our own) have opened their doors to the public to enjoy a pint via what has become know as a “Taproom”; for the majority the brewries will be pouring their own beer which is fresh from the tanks and occasionally even supporting other breweries getting in “guest beers” normally only open on set days for short periods of time so become a real “location bars”. Although not only a great place to sample fresh and on occasion limited edition brews, they have become great community hubs and support the local area with:
Social Gathering Spots
Taprooms provide a casual and welcoming environment where locals can gather, socialize, and make new friends all there for the sole reason to want to enjoy great beer. They often host “special” nights, live music, and other events that bring people together. It’s strange that they are not like a “normal pub” you often find taprooms filled with people playing board games, watching sports, or just having good conversations. They usually serve as a third space, between work and home, where you can stop to enjoy a good beer (and food) between spots without the normal pub environment.
Supporting Local Economy
Breweries often support locally, supporting farmers by providing them with the spent grain and other local businesses either by supplying them with the beer itself or street food vendors as a spot to come on a taproom. They also create jobs and attract tourism, boosting the local economy. Also by keeping their supply chains short and local, breweries contribute to a sustainable economy. Many breweries also partner with local food trucks and restaurants, providing a great relationship that benefits both businesses and the people who come visit. I understand all of this sounds a lot for simple taproom but the reach it has really does impact that many individual people.
Events Opportunities
Many breweries offer tours and tasting sessions (soon to be on the cards for us, keep your eyes peeled) where visitors can learn about the brewing process, the ingredients used, and the history of the brewery. This educational aspect helps people to understand craft beer and makes it more accessible. Breweries often provide insights into the science and art of brewing, helping beer enthusiasts appreciate what goes into brewing different beer styles and the hard work involved.
Craft Beer Clubs and Societies
Joining a craft beer club or society is a great way to connect with other beer lovers. Here are a few notable ones:
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)
CAMRA is a UK-based organization dedicated to promoting real ale and protecting traditional British pubs. Members receive a wealth of benefits, including access to exclusive events, discounts, and a subscription to the CAMRA magazine. CAMRA campaigns vigorously for the quality and choice of beer and helps to support local pubs.
Local Beer Clubs
Many cities have local beer clubs where members can share their latest homebrews, swap recipes, and organize brewery visits. These clubs are a great way to meet like-minded people and expand your beer knowledge. They often host tasting events, educational sessions, and social gatherings so you can catch up with other beer heads like yourself (or just go out and enjoy a good pint)
Collaborations Between Breweries
Collaborations or “Colabs” between breweries is a common place within the craft beer brewery world, a fairly new concept in the beer area and shows the cooperative spirit of the craft beer community, where brewies are not in competition with one another but more there to support one another. These colabs normally result in some pretty unique brews that showcase the strengths of each brewery involved. These are the main reason why collabs came about:
Creativity and Innovation
Collaborations allow brewers to experiment with new techniques and ingredients, often leading to some pretty incredible beers. By combining their expertise and having someone new to bounce ideas off, breweries can produce beers that might not have been thought of by themselves. Also by having the public reach of both breweries, being able to distribute to more bars and of course their own taproom allows the ability to be a little more “adventurous” then if they were to attempt it alone.
Shared Knowledge
Brewers can learn from each other, as normally only working within the small team they can then share their expertise and improve themselves. So all in all Collabs help to provide ways for brewers to share their brewing techniques and insights which just further promotes the culture of community in craft beer.
Craft Beer Culture as a whole
Craft beer culture has become about more than just great beer; (although this is a large part of it) it’s about community, creativity, and collaboration. Enjoying beer festivals, visiting taprooms, joining beer clubs, and enjoying collab brews, you can be fully involved yourself in the craft beer world.
Cheers to the craft beer community and the events that bring us all together! Stay hoppy, friends!