What Is Craft Beer?
For years, "cerveza artesana" or craft beer sounded like colourful labels, illustrated cans and small bars with chalkboards full of initials such as IPA, NEIPA or BA. Today, the term is part of the global vocabulary and has changed how we consume, talk about and think about beer. But what exactly does "craft" mean? Is it a recipe, a brewery size, a philosophy... or all of those at once?
A clear definition: small, independent and authentic
According to the Brewers Association in the United States, a craft brewery must meet three essential conditions: it must be small, independent and authentic. That means:
- Small: limited production (<= 6 million barrels per year).
- Independent: less than 25% of the company may be owned by a non-craft brewing group.
- Authentic: it preserves traditional methods and embraces innovation without depending on industrial production.
In Europe, the definition is not legal or unique, but national associations, such as AECAI in Spain, agree that what matters most is independence and transparency; for us, constant innovation and experimentation are essential too.
A brief history
The modern movement began in the 1970s and 1980s in the United States and the United Kingdom, when small brewers decided to recover forgotten styles and traditional techniques. Over time, it spread worldwide: today there are more than 10,000 microbreweries in Europe, according to The Brewers of Europe.
In Spain, the phenomenon consolidated after 2010, driven by homebrewing culture, festivals and consumer curiosity. Today, craft beer represents a growing part of the premium market and specialist ecommerce.
| Characteristic | Industrial Beer | Craft / Artisanal Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Mass production | Small batches, craft control |
| Flexibility | Standardised recipes | Continuous experimentation |
| Transparency | Brand marketing | Batch details, ingredients, date |
| Ownership | Controlled by large groups | Independent or founder-led |
| Local connection | Global orientation | Territorial and community identity |
Craft culture and community
Craft beer is, above all, a form of culture. It is not limited to the brewing process: it includes the community around it, festivals, taprooms, specialist shops and the aesthetics that accompany them. Behind many labels there is artistic and conceptual work that turns each can into a piece of visual identity. In the craft movement, design is not decoration: it communicates the brewer's philosophy.
Supporting craft is also an act of commitment: backing independent producers who defend creativity, sustainability and authenticity against industrial homogenisation.
Is artisanal beer the same as craft beer?
Not exactly. Although the terms are often used as synonyms, "artisanal" and "craft" do not always mean the same thing.
In Spain, the term cerveza artesanal usually refers mainly to the way the beer is made: manual or low-automation processes, natural ingredients and small-scale production. It is a more technical and production-focused idea, centred on how the beer is brewed.
The Anglo-Saxon concept of craft beer goes a step further. It defines a model of independence, authenticity and creativity, rather than one specific technique. A beer can be artisanal in how it is made and still not be considered craft if it belongs to a large industrial group or no longer preserves its own identity.
How to recognise authentic craft beer
For the curious consumer, there are a few simple indicators:
- Ownership: the brewery is independent and communicates who is behind it.
- Clarity: the label includes batch, ingredients and packaging date.
- Freshness: especially in hop-forward styles such as IPAs and Pale Ales.
- Territory: use of local ingredients or local inspiration.
- Overall care: from cold chain to presentation.
At Mascraft we apply these same principles when selecting each reference. If a beer is in our store, it is because it represents the essence of craft: independence, skill and authenticity.
Conclusion
Craft beer is not just a type of drink: it is an attitude, a response to standardisation. It is a way of doing things carefully, recovering creativity and choosing quality over quantity. For decades, most consumers assumed beer had to taste the same every time, and accepted giving up quality.
That imposed lack of expectation explains why in Spain an industrial draught beer is still accepted in a way nobody would tolerate when choosing wine. The craft movement seeks precisely to break that habit: to return to consumers the dignity they deserve through a product made with quality, healthier and better.
Because choosing craft is not paying more for the same thing; it is drinking better.
What does "craft beer" mean?
It is beer produced by independent breweries with control over the process and a focus on quality and innovation.
Is it the same as "artisanal beer"?
In Europe they are often used as synonyms, although "craft" tends to emphasise independence and creativity, while "artisanal" refers more to traditional methods.
Why do some big brands call themselves "craft"?
Because the term is not legally protected. However, many associations and consumers prioritise independence as the real criterion for what is truly craft.
Where can I buy authentic craft beer?
In specialist shops, local taprooms or platforms that select independent breweries, such as Mascraft.
What is craft beer?
Craft beer is beer brewed by independent breweries that prioritise quality, freshness and creativity over mass production and, for us, also constant innovation and experimentation in the art of brewing.
What is the difference between artisanal beer and craft beer?
Although many people use them as synonyms, artisanal describes the method: manual processes, no industrial filtering and no additives; while craft adds a layer of identity: independence, innovation and coherence between what is made and what is communicated. In other words, every craft beer is artisanal, but not every artisanal beer is craft.
How is craft beer different from industrial beer?
The difference is intention. Industrial beer seeks efficiency and uniformity: producing millions of identical litres at the lowest possible cost. Craft values the opposite: variety, style expression and the personality of each batch. Where one pursues consistency, the other defends character.
How can you identify authentic craft beer?
A truly craft beer is recognised by transparency. The label usually states the packaging date, ingredients and origin. The brewery shows who is behind it and does not hide behind a commercial brand. At Mascraft, for example, we select only independent breweries with their own production control and a real commitment to quality.
What legal requirements exist to produce artisanal beer in Spain?
In Spain, the law regulates what may be considered "beer" (Royal Decree 678/2016), but it does not define the terms "artisanal" or "craft". Any producer must register for the Special Beer Manufacturing Tax and comply with labelling, hygiene and food traceability rules. Artisanal remains, more than a legal category, a matter of practice and values.
How many craft beer styles exist and which are the most popular?
The global catalogue includes more than one hundred styles recognised by the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program), from Pilsners and Stouts to Lambics or Hazy IPAs. In Spain, IPA, Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Porter, Stout and fruity Sours are especially popular. The rise of craft has renewed the value of exploration: trying new styles is part of the experience.
How should craft beer be stored or served?
Craft beers need constant cold, minimal light and upright storage. Hop-forward beers, such as IPA, APA and NEIPA, should be consumed fresh (within six months); more robust styles such as Stouts or Barley Wines may evolve over time. Serving them in the right glass and at the right temperature (between 6 and 12 °C depending on style) makes a real difference.
Is craft beer more expensive or stronger because it is better?
It is often more expensive because its scale is smaller and its ingredients cost more, not because it has more alcohol. In fact, many current craft beers choose moderate ABV. What you pay for is not fashion, but skill: selected raw materials, longer fermentations and full process control.
What is the best temperature to serve craft beer?
It depends on the style. Light Lagers are best at 4-6 °C; Pale Ales and IPAs at 6-8 °C; darker or fuller-bodied beers such as Stouts at 10-12 °C. Too cold and aromas become muted; too warm and balance is lost.
What glass is best for each craft beer style?
The glass matters as much as temperature. Hop-forward styles benefit from tulip or snifter glasses that retain aroma; Lagers from tall, narrow glasses; Stouts or Barley Wines from wider glasses. Clean glassware with no detergent residue is essential to preserve foam.
What role do design and art play in craft beer?
In craft culture, visual art is part of the message. Labels and illustrations do more than catch the eye: they reflect the brewer's identity and the story behind each recipe. In many cases, a can is also an independent design piece communicating the brand's philosophy.
How do you pair craft beer?
There are no fixed rules, but intensity matters: an IPA works well with spicy or hot dishes; a Stout pairs with cacao desserts; clean Lagers suit lighter food. The aim is not to mask flavours, but to balance them.
Welcome to the craft world.
