Craft Beer by Maxlrainer
Bavarian craft beer since 1636
As an Upper Bavarian Heimatbräu, we cultivate an artisanal brewing culture that only a privately owned company can do. Our focus is on quality and on the claim to offer the greatest possible outstanding variety of beer within the framework of the Bavarian Purity Law, which is unparalleled in its variety of taste and brewing creativity.
Of course, we are a little surprised about the large media presence of the specialty beer scene under the term "craft beer", which has been on everyone's lips for several years. After all, we understand our beers - mind you within the framework of the Bavarian Purity Law - as such craft beers - and have been since 1636. But how did the craft beer trend actually come about and what does it mean for us?
he official definition of craft beer
According to today's understanding, "craft beer" has its origin in the USA. Simply put, craft beer is craft beer. But this definition is too simple, too daring and leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Officially, the U.S. Brewers Association defines "craft beer" as beer "from a brewer who brews in small quantities and independently of corporations in the traditional way." By American standards, however, "in small quantities" means an output of up to 6 million barrels. Since 1 barrel corresponds to 119.24 liters, this results in an output of 715.4 million liters of beer, or 7.15 million hectoliters. By way of comparison, the output of Germany's largest beer producers is around 6 million hectolitres. Accordingly, every German brewery would be a craft beer brewery per se
he official definition of craft beer
According to today's understanding, "craft beer" has its origin in the USA. Simply put, craft beer is craft beer. But this definition is too simple, too daring and leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Officially, the U.S. Brewers Association defines "craft beer" as beer "from a brewer who brews in small quantities and independently of corporations in the traditional way." By American standards, however, "in small quantities" means an output of up to 6 million barrels. Since 1 barrel corresponds to 119.24 litres, this results in an output of 715.4 million litters of beer, or 7.15 million hectolitres.
By way of comparison, the output of Germany's largest beer producers is around 6 million hectolitres. Accordingly, every German brewery would be a craft beer brewery per se.
An American trend - born out of the "beer necessity"
The craft beer phenomenon has its origins in the 1970s, when American beer drinkers basically only had the choice between 3 types of beer, all of which did not enjoy a good reputation at the time. From this "desperation" more and more "homebrewers" emerged, some of which developed into "microbreweries" and also successfully sold their beers nationwide in the respective region.
What is typical for craft beer varieties?
For craft beer producers, the focus is on beer taste and the creative use of ingredients. While some craft beer manufacturers refer to the Bavarian Purity Law, other manufacturers deliberately move away from it. It's about clearly distinguishing yourself from the established types of beer in terms of taste. The creative brewers do not attach importance to the fact that these beers are suitable for the masses. Also the "thirst quenching" is not in the center. The strong aromas they tease out of the raw materials are too special and require a suitable occasion and / or a suitable dish. In addition to many small, creative and capable brewers, Germany's large breweries have now also jumped on the trend. New brands with chic design were created for their own product line. These beers enter the markets via the established distribution channels. The actual quality of the beers, however, is difficult for the layman to judge due to the unusual taste of their own. Has the beer now been crafted by a brilliant brewer with the best ingredients, or is it a mass beer that has been "refined" with chocolate, coffee or chrisanthemums? It is difficult for the layman to judge.
The Bavarian beer market - unique in the world
Ultimately, the creative craft beer scene has given new meaning to the product beer and has approached wine in many ways. Small, private breweries like us are also benefiting from this trend. Incidentally, the traditional Bavarian brewing culture comprises around 40 varieties and has therefore always been creative and "crafty" – and ultimately unique in the world in its diversity.
Sustainable trend or fad?
The IPA, Stout or Porter, which have recently become increasingly popular in the market, are a real enrichment of our beer culture, which is already characterized by diversity. They make an important contribution to raising the image of beer as a whole. Beer culture is again perceived as such in Germany. Of course, there is also nothing wrong with a certain joy of experimentation. Whether the craft beers will replace palatable, Bavarian quality beers in the long run is the question. With all due respect to the creativity that every good brewer is responsible for despite the supposed restriction to the ingredients of the Bavarian Purity Law - even within this "ingredient corset" it requires the highest art of brewing to brew traditional beers with an independent character. We have dedicated ourselves to this type of craft beer here in Maxlrain and are of the opinion that we can offer our customers a taste experience of a special kind with 15 unique types of beer. For our beers, the correct translation of craft beer is: handwerkliche, Bayerische Braukunst.
