Guest Post: Kendall College Craft Beer Infographic

Learn about the the growth of the craft beer industry from this infographic from the hospitality program at Kendall College.

Text provided by Matthew Zajechowski.

It’s no secret that craft beer has been enjoying a renaissance. To see evidence of that, you don’t need to look any further than the wide variety of labels taking up space in the beer aisle at the grocery store, or the regional and seasonal offerings at local bars, or all of the small, independent breweries popping up around the country. The American Brewers Association counted 2,403 American microbreweries in 2012, and in less than 2 years, that number has jumped to more than 2,700. That’s by far the most breweries we’ve had in this country since the brewery boom of the 1880s.

Part of the reason craft beer has enjoyed so much success in recent years seems to be because beer drinkers are becoming more adventurous. Fuller-flavor beers have become particularly popular, with IPAs being the most popular choice. Because there are so many different breweries experimenting with different flavors, consumers are getting more opportunities to try new things.

While microbreweries don’t have the same marketing budget as the Big Breweries, they’ve been thriving on word-of-mouth and the social atmosphere they provide. Most microbreweries offer tours and tastings, and some even have bars and restaurants attached to them so that friends can meet up to try new beers together. Many people enjoy dining out at a restaurant and pairing a craft beer with their food.

How You Can Get Involved in Craft Beer

Several colleges, including Chicago’s Kendall College, currently offer a concentration in Beverage Management in order to prepare students for careers both inside the brewery and on the business side. If you’re interested in learning more about getting into the craft beer industry, you should also reach out to organizations like Pink Boots Society, a group specifically for women beer professionals. With so much opportunity for growth in the industry, both men and women should be able to be a part of the
craft beer revolution.

 

 

Beers of the Week: Southampton Keller Pils and Yards Love Stout

Southampton Publick House Keller Pils (5% alcohol): This German style pilsner from Southampton Publick House in New York pours a semi-hazy golden yellow with a white, two-finger head that doesn’t last. Considering Keller Pils is an unfiltered beer, the overall clarity is better than expected. Aromas of bready malt, grass, hay, pepper, lemon, honey and lingering floral earthiness all lend themselves to the overall fragrance. The taste is a bit more refined than the aroma. Keller Pils is clean and crisp with citrusy, hop bitterness at the forefront that is balanced with pilsner malt. This brew is a bit hoppier than other pilsners, but it works!

If you’d like to read more about the difference between filtered and unfiltered beers, click here.

Yards Love Stout (5.5% alcohol): This nitro stout from Yards Brewing Company in Philly is DELICIOUS! Love Stout pours a dark chocolate black with a frothy mocha head that lingers until the last drop. The robust aroma reeks of dark chocolate, roasted malts, dark roast coffee and a bit of saltiness. It reminded me of those sea salt chocolate bars that have recently become popular. Love stout has a creamy, medium body with roasted malt flavor, chocolate and earthy hops all blended together perfectly on the palate. The nitro tap helps makes this brew delectably smooth and adds to the overall drinking experience.

Both of these beers were purchased at the Morris Tap & Grill; click here to see what other delicious drinks and meals it hs to offer!