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Beer is among the most popular beverage in the world, right after coffee and tea. There are numerous types of regular beer, as well as craft brews that people enjoy. Beer brands worldwide are coming up with their own brews, making it super exciting for beer enthusiasts to try new varieties.
We have talked at length about different varieties of wine on our blog. However, we have not paid enough attention to the drink most people love and even have daily - beer. There are plenty of great beer pairings you can make, which is why this beverage is a must for restaurants. Regardless of the cuisine you serve, you should add a few beer varieties to your beverage menu.
If you make the beers craft brews - even better! There is such a great variety of craft beers that you can serve, which will drastically improve your drink offers. A few bottles of good beer can make people keep coming back to your place and help you increase your profit significantly. So to help you choose what kind of craft brews to serve, we have compiled a complete list!
10 Craft Brews You Need to Serve at Your Restaurant
A good drinks selection is very important for the success of your restaurant. That’s why you need to pay special attention to each category of drinks. When it comes to beer, we recommend you look into gluten-free beer and non-alcoholic beer. This way, you will cater to the needs of a larger audience. Beer on tap is also good to have.
When it comes to craft brews, however, you need to keep in mind the 10 most popular kinds. They are all well-loved and customers would be happy to see any of them on your menu.
Key Takeaway: Craft brews have been on the rise in the last several years. To keep your restaurant ahead of the competition, you need to offer at least a few kinds of craft beer that pair well with the food you serve.
1. India Pale Ale (IPA)
Originating from England, IPAs are known for their strong hoppy flavor and floral aroma. They often have a higher alcohol content (ABV). American-style IPAs tend to be more citrusy and piney, while English IPAs are more balanced and malt-forward.
If you run a restaurant in the United States, it would be best to have American IPAs on your menu. But if you want to offer a larger variety, you can look into brands that offer English IPAs. Educate your waiters about the differences so they can recommend beer based on the customer preferences or their meal choice.
2. Stout
Stout is a dark, rich beer. It has flavors of roasted malt, coffee, chocolate, and sometimes hints of caramel or toffee. Guinness, an Irish dry stout, is one of the most famous examples, known for its creamy texture and dry finish. We highly recommend stocking up on Guinness beer, but you can also look into other brands offering stout.
Customers who love dark craft brews will surely enjoy a good stout. Make sure you have enough bottles in your beer inventory.
3. Pale Ale
Pale ales are characterized by their golden to amber color, balanced maltiness, and moderate hop bitterness. American pale ales often feature citrus and piney hop flavors. English pale ales, on the other hand, tend to be more malt-forward with earthy hop notes.
Pale ale is a common type of craft brew that is well-known by customers. Be sure you find good brands who make pale ale and stock up on it. It pairs well with such a huge variety of foods that it doesn’t matter what kind of cuisine you serve.
4. Belgian Witbier
Witbier, or white beer, is a Belgian-style wheat beer. It’s brewed with coriander, orange peel, and other spices. It's typically light and refreshing, with a cloudy appearance and subtle citrus and spice flavors.
Belgian Witbier enjoys great popularity in the United States and there’s a high chance customers will be asking for it. It’s easy to pair with meals and will help you improve the customer experience at your restaurant.
5. Saison
Saison, also known as farmhouse ale, is a Belgian-style beer. It’s known for its fruity and spicy yeast character, dry finish, and high carbonation. It's often brewed with a variety of grains and hops. That’s why it has complex and refreshing flavors.
Historically, this beer was brewed with lower alcohol levels. However, today you can find saison with mid to high ABV. If you already have lots of beer with higher alcohol levels in your offer, look for beer with a lower ABV.
6. Pilsner
Pilsner is a pale lager originating from the Czech Republic. It’s known for its crisp, clean taste, and floral hop aroma. German-style pilsners tend to be slightly more bitter, while Czech pilsners are more balanced and have a softer mouthfeel.
Again, it’s best to offer a wider variety. However, if you can’t stock up on both German and Czech pilsners, choose the one you personally prefer or think goes better with the food you offer.
7. Hefeweizen
Hefeweizen is a German-style wheat beer brewed with a significant proportion of wheat malt. That’s what gives it a cloudy appearance and a distinctive banana and clove yeast character. It's light, effervescent, and highly refreshing.
It’s a great beer to have on your menu, especially for people who enjoy German-style craft brews.
8. Porter
Porter is a dark and malty beer with flavors of roasted malt, caramel, chocolate, and sometimes coffee. It's less intense than stout but still offers a rich and satisfying drinking experience. It’s one of the best dark beers you can offer, so definitely consider adding porter beer to your offers.
9. American Amber Ale
Amber ales are known for their reddish-brown color, caramel malt sweetness, and moderate hop bitterness. They strike a balance between malt and hops. Of course, American people love a good American amber ale and it’s a common brew to see on beverage menus. If you are tracking the sales you are making with beverage inventory software, you probably know this one deserves to stay in your offers.
10. Double IPA (DIPA)
Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, are a stronger and more hop-forward version of the traditional IPA style. They often feature intense hop flavors and aromas, with higher alcohol content to match. For the sake of craft brews variety, it’s great to have DIPAs on your menu, too. It will appeal to people who look for beers with higher alcohol volume as well.
Frequently Asked Questions about Craft Brews
Do you want to know more about the most beloved craft brews in the United States? If so, here are some common questions we have answered in the paragraphs below!
What Is Craft Beer?
Craft beer is a type of beer that is produced by small, independent breweries using traditional brewing methods. It often emphasizes quality, flavor, and innovation. Many people today prefer craft brews over traditional types of beer.
Where Can I Find Craft Beer?
Craft beer is available at specialty liquor stores, craft breweries, brewpubs, bars, and restaurants that prioritize offering a diverse selection of beers. Many craft breweries also distribute their products to local retailers and bars.
Are Craft Beers Suitable for People With Dietary Restrictions?
Craft breweries often offer a variety of beer styles, including gluten-free and low-alcohol options, to accommodate people with dietary restrictions or preferences. It's essential to check the label or inquire with the brewery to ensure that a particular beer meets your dietary needs.