“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” That quote, often misattributed to Benjamin Franklin, still holds water—or more precisely, beer. And in 2024, what people are pouring into their glasses more than ever is craft beer. This isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a shift in how people relate to flavor, quality, and the culture around brewing.
At Drifter Brewing Systems, we work with independent brewers around the world—from remote towns to thriving cities like Cape Town—who are shaping the future of beer, one small batch at a time. Here’s what craft beer really is, why it’s different, and why so many people are proudly turning away from watered-down lagers and toward beers with personality.
What Is Craft Beer?
A Definition Grounded in Independence and Quality
Craft beer is beer made by small, independent brewers who prioritize quality, flavor, and traditional brewing techniques over mass production. According to the Brewers Association, a craft brewery is one that produces fewer than 6 million barrels a year, is independently owned, and uses traditional or innovative ingredients as the basis for its brewing process.
This means that craft beer isn’t just about being small. It’s about being intentional. These brewers aren’t cutting corners by using artificial additives or brewing shortcuts. Instead, they’re leaning into complexity, nuance, and creativity—often experimenting with bold ingredients like licorice root or treacle sugar to create flavor profiles you won’t find in a can of generic lager.
Craft Beer vs. Regular Beer
Why It Tastes Better
Let’s say it plainly: craft beer usually tastes better. It isn’t diluted to meet the expectations of a mass audience. It’s designed to stand out, whether you’re sipping a citrusy pale ale or a barrel-aged imperial stout. Craft brewers work with higher-quality hops, malts, and yeasts. They spend time refining recipes. There’s no committee dictating safe flavor choices—just people brewing what they believe in.
Regular Beer Prioritizes Volume, Not Value
By contrast, most mass-market beers are made with cost-efficiency in mind. That means scaled-up recipes, lower-grade ingredients, and a brewing process designed to maximize output. Ingredients are sometimes stabilized with preservatives like sodium metabisulfite, and the end result is often a thin, forgettable lager that you’ll struggle to describe five minutes after finishing it.
Craft beer doesn’t just taste better. It feels better. It’s a conversation starter, a bridge between brewer and drinker. And more often than not, it comes with a story.
Ten Reasons More People Are Choosing Craft Beer
It Has a Story to Tell
Every craft beer is born from a process that includes risk, creativity, and care. Whether it’s a saison fermented with wild yeast or a winter stout infused with spice, there’s a narrative behind every pint. When you drink craft beer, you’re drinking a philosophy.
More Alcohol, More Value
Many craft beers offer a higher ABV than mass-produced ones. You’re not paying for water. You’re getting flavor, body, and strength in a compact pour. A double IPA might hit 8% ABV, and you’ll feel satisfied with one or two, instead of five forgettable lagers.
It Evolves With the Season
Craft brewers embrace seasonal variation. Pumpkin beers in autumn, crisp wheat beers in summer, and dark, bold porters in the dead of winter. There’s no “one size fits all.” You get a beer that complements your climate, your meal, your moment.
Better for the Community, Better for the Planet
Buying local craft beer supports regional economies. Many breweries source ingredients nearby, employ locals, and reinvest in their communities. It’s not just a drink—it’s a supply chain built for resilience. And most craft brewers lean toward sustainable practices. Many offer Draught Beer in reusable kegs or refillable growlers to reduce packaging waste.
The Craft Beer Scene Around the World
From Cape Town to Vietnam
Globally, craft beer has exploded. In places like Vietnam, a vibrant brewing scene took off in the 2010s, led by expats and locals alike. In breweries Cape Town and elsewhere across Africa, we’ve seen craft culture grow from small garage setups to fully equipped operations turning out award-winning beer.
Every region brings its own flair. Brewers adapt recipes to local climates, cultural preferences, and native ingredients. The result? A rich tapestry of flavors and beer styles that reflect place and people.
Finding the Right Craft Beer for You
Start With What You Already Like
If you like crisp lagers, try a craft pilsner or Kölsch. Like strong flavor? Reach for a porter or dry-hopped pale ale. The joy of craft beer is that it rewards curiosity. Visit a local taproom, talk to the brewer, and sample a few styles side-by-side.
Pair It With Food, Friends, and Good Conversation
Craft beer isn’t just a solo act. It pairs beautifully with cheese boards, smoky BBQ, or even a spicy curry. But it also shines in conversation. Discuss the aroma. Ask someone what they taste. It brings people together in a way that few other drinks do.
Why Craft Beer Matters
Craft beer matters because it reflects care. It tells you that someone chose their ingredients carefully, brewed with intention, and invited you to taste something unique. At Drifter Brewing Systems, we’re proud to support brewers who believe in this process. Whether we’re building systems in Cape Town or commissioning tanks abroad, we know that when a brewer chooses quality, everyone wins.
So next time you reach for a pint, make it a craft beer. Your taste buds, your community, and maybe even your brain will thank you.
Cheers to the craft.