If someone were to ask you to list all of the facts you knew about craft beer, how long a list do you think you could compose? Could you actually list anything of consequence about craft beers or the brewing process in general? The truth is that as knowledgeable as we’d like to be about one of our favorite beverages, we’re actually a bit in the dark about what makes beer, well, beer. Herein lies where craft beer brewers find their biggest source of frustration. All too often, certain terms get thrown into the mainstream, and even if they are incorrect or somewhat misinformed, they take on a life of their own. Think about the last time you had a beer different from your usual brand. Did you describe it as ‘hoppy’ or make mention of the ‘citrus notes’ on the finish? While you might sound well-trained in all things beer, you may very well be completely off. Here are a few more things craft brewers wish you knew a bit more about: General Terms and Definitions — We are living in a wonderful age when just about any knowledge you seek is a click away. Take the time to learn a little about the common terms and definitions used in the craft beer world and brewing in general. Even knowing a small amount can inform you enough to not be completely lost when discussing things with a brewer. It also shows the brewer you’ve got a legitimate interest in learning something rather than posing as someone who knows it all. More Than One Beer Style — IPA, porter, weisse, stout, and gose are just a handful of the number of beer styles that brewers produce. Brewers don’t expect you to know every style of beer out there, but at the very least, don’t just assume there’s a couple. Remember that brewing beer is centuries old (at the very least), so diversity in brewing styles is a given. How Much Work Is Involved — Brewing beer may seem like a dream job, and while those in the industry love their job, they also put in very long hours day in and day out. At the end of the day, they hope that enough people like their product so that they can make a living to support their family. Ask Questions — Quite honestly, craft beer brewers love talking shop with people that are new to the game. Ask questions based on what you like about certain beers to help guide you to something you may really like. Your questions may also be the perfect way for a brewer to help you try things that might be a little more adventurous. Craft beer is all about taking an old-world process & making it new again. In much the same way, you should approach these new creations without preconceived notions. Be inquisitive, and be open to new experiments. Who knows? You might come away with a new favorite beer, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you want top-tier craft beer in Madison, look no further than Flix Brewhouse today.
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