What is Craft Beer? A Journey into Independent Brewing

Ask ten beer lovers what is craft beer and you’ll probably get ten slightly different answers. For some, it’s small-batch brewing. For others, it’s bold flavours, independent breweries, weird can art, hazy IPAs, barrel-aged stouts or beers made by people who care far too much about hops - in the best possible way.

For me, craft beer is about discovery. It’s that first pint that makes you stop and say, “Hang on, beer can taste like this?” It’s the difference between grabbing whatever is cold from the fridge and actually looking forward to what you’re about to pour.

This guide, What is Craft Beer? A Journey into Independent Brewing, is here to explain what craft beer means, how it differs from mainstream beer, which styles to try first, and why independent brewing has changed the way so many of us drink beer.

What is Craft Beer?

Craft beer is beer made with a focus on flavour, creativity, quality and brewing identity. It is often produced by independent breweries rather than large multinational beer companies, although the exact definition can vary depending on who you ask.

In simple terms, craft beer usually means beer that has been brewed with more personality. That might mean using unusual hops, experimenting with yeast, creating bold flavour combinations or revisiting traditional styles with a modern twist.

The main thing is that craft beer tends to put flavour first. It’s beer designed to be noticed, talked about and enjoyed, rather than just something cold to hold at a BBQ — although it does that job nicely too.

Why Craft Beer Feels Different from Mainstream Beer

The first thing most people notice about craft beer is the flavour. A mainstream lager might be crisp, light and easy drinking, but a craft beer can take you in almost any direction: tropical IPA, chocolate stout, zesty sour, piney pale ale, malty red ale or a clean modern pilsner.

Craft beer often feels different because independent breweries are usually more willing to experiment. They can brew smaller batches, test new ingredients, respond to trends quickly and build a loyal following around their own style.

It’s not always about making beer stronger or stranger. Some of the best craft beers are simple, balanced and beautifully made. The difference is care, character and a sense that someone has properly thought about what’s going into your glass.

Craft Beer, Craft Ale and Real Ale: What’s the Difference?

Craft Beer

Craft beer is the broad term for beers made with creativity, flavour and brewing independence in mind. It can include lager, IPA, stout, sour beer, pale ale, wheat beer and more.

Craft Ale

Craft ale usually refers to ale styles made by craft breweries. This could include pale ale, IPA, bitter, stout, porter, red ale or Belgian-style ale.

Real Ale

Real ale is beer that continues to ferment naturally in the cask or bottle and is served without added gas. It is often associated with traditional British pubs and cask beer.

Craft beer and real ale can overlap, but they are not the same thing. Real ale is more about the method of conditioning and serving, while craft beer is more about the brewing approach, independence and creativity.

For a wider beginner-friendly breakdown of beer styles, read our Introduction to Beer.

What is a Craft Brewery?

A craft brewery is usually an independent brewery focused on quality, flavour and originality rather than mass production. These breweries often build their reputation around distinctive recipes, small-batch releases, local identity and a closer relationship with drinkers.

Some craft breweries specialise in hazy IPAs. Others are known for lagers, stouts, sours, barrel-aged beers or modern takes on classic British styles. That’s part of the appeal. Each brewery has its own personality.

If you’ve ever followed a brewery because you liked one beer and then found yourself checking every new release, congratulations. That’s how they get you.

The Main Types of Craft Beer to Try First

One of the best things about craft beer is the range of styles. There is no single “craft beer taste”, which is why it’s worth trying a few different types before deciding what you like.

Craft IPA

IPA is one of the most popular craft beer styles. It’s hop-forward, aromatic and often packed with citrus, tropical fruit, pine or floral notes. If you’re new to craft beer, a session IPA or hazy IPA is a great place to start.

Explore our IPA Beer Collection if you want to dive straight into the hoppy stuff.

Craft Pale Ale

Pale ale is usually more balanced than IPA, making it a brilliant beginner style. Expect light malt, gentle bitterness and bright hop flavour.

Craft Lager

Craft lager proves that lager does not have to be boring. A well-made craft lager can be crisp, clean, refreshing and full of subtle flavour.

Browse our Lager Collection for classic and modern lager styles.

Craft Stout

Craft stout is dark, rich and full of roasted flavour. Depending on the beer, you might find notes of coffee, chocolate, vanilla, oats, caramel or dark fruit.

For dark beer fans, explore our Stout Beer Collection.

Craft Sour Beer

Sour beer is tart, refreshing and often fruity. It can be a brilliant style for people who think they don’t like beer, especially if they enjoy sharp, zesty or wine-like drinks.

Alcohol-Free Craft Beer

Alcohol-free craft beer has improved massively in recent years. You can now find alcohol-free IPAs, lagers, pale ales and stouts that still deliver proper beer flavour.

Take a look at our Alcohol-Free Beer Collection for no and low alcohol options.

Why Hops Matter So Much in Craft Beer

If you spend five minutes around craft beer, you’ll hear people talking about hops. Hops are the flowers used in brewing to add bitterness, aroma and flavour. In modern craft beer, especially IPA and pale ale, hops are often the star of the show.

Different hops can bring different flavours, including:

• Grapefruit
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Passion fruit
• Lemon zest
• Pine
• Resin
• Floral notes
• Herbs
• Stone fruit

Once you start noticing hop flavours, beer becomes much more interesting. Also slightly more dangerous for your bank balance, but we’ll pretend we didn’t say that.

Is Craft Beer Always Strong?

No, craft beer is not always strong. This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

Some craft beers are high in alcohol, especially double IPAs, imperial stouts and barrel-aged beers. But many craft beers are designed to be easy drinking, including session IPAs, pale ales, lagers and alcohol-free craft beers.

The best advice is simple: check the ABV before you buy. A 4.3% session IPA and a 9% double IPA are very different beasts, even if the cans both have excellent artwork.

British Craft Beer and Independent Brewing

British craft beer has grown massively over the past decade. Across the UK, independent breweries have helped push beer into new territory, creating everything from hazy pale ales and modern lagers to rich stouts, fruited sours and low alcohol beers.

What makes British craft beer exciting is the mix of tradition and experimentation. The UK already had a strong brewing heritage, with bitters, porters, stouts and cask ales. Craft brewers built on that foundation while adding modern hops, new techniques and global inspiration.

Today, British craft beer can mean a beautifully balanced pale ale, a bold Manchester-brewed IPA, a dark winter stout or a crisp lager made with serious precision.

How to Choose Your First Craft Beer

If you’re new to craft beer, don’t start with the wildest, strongest can on the shelf just because it has a cool label. Start with the flavours you already enjoy.

If you like crisp and refreshing drinks, try craft lager or pilsner. If you enjoy citrus and tropical fruit, try pale ale or session IPA. If you like coffee and dark chocolate, try stout. If you prefer sharp, fruity flavours, try sour beer.

Mixed cases are also a great way to explore different styles without committing to a full case of one beer. Browse our range to discover your new favourites.

Why Buy Craft Beer from Beerhunter?

At Beerhunter, we love beer that has a story behind it. Whether it’s a modern IPA, a traditional stout, a limited release, a world beer classic or an alcohol-free craft option, our range is built to help customers discover something worth drinking.

Whether you’re searching what is craft beer, exploring independent brewing for the first time, or looking for your next fridge filler, Beerhunter makes craft beer easy to discover and even easier to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Craft Beer

What is craft beer?

Craft beer is beer brewed with a focus on flavour, quality, creativity and brewing identity. It is often made by independent breweries rather than large-scale multinational producers.

What makes a beer a craft beer?

A beer is usually considered craft when it is made by a brewery focused on quality, originality and flavour rather than mass production. Independence, small-batch brewing and creativity are often key factors.

What is the difference between craft beer and regular beer?

Craft beer usually has more flavour variety, creative ingredients and brewery personality. Regular mass-market beer is often brewed for consistency, simplicity and broad appeal.

Is craft beer the same as craft ale?

Not exactly. Craft ale is a type of craft beer, but craft beer can also include lager, stout, sour beer, wheat beer, alcohol-free beer and more.

What are craft beers?

Craft beers are beers made with a focus on quality, creativity and distinctive flavour. They can include IPAs, pale ales, lagers, stouts, porters, sours, wheat beers and more.

What is a craft brewery?

A craft brewery is usually an independent brewery that focuses on flavour, quality, originality and smaller-scale brewing rather than mass production.

What craft beer should I try first?

If you’re new to craft beer, start with a pale ale, session IPA, craft lager or wheat beer. These styles are flavourful but usually approachable.