Have you noticed that craft beer is everywhere these days? If you’re a beer lover, you have no complaints about this trend in the brewing industry. Luckily for all of us, it looks like craft beer is here to stay. Most bars have at least a few craft beers on offer, and Stella Blu is no exception. Ask what we have on draft next time you’re in!

Why have bars everywhere embraced craft beer? Let’s find out.

It started with the home brewers.

In the 1970s, many states made home brewing legal. This made it much easier for home brewers to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to develop their craft beers and unique flavors. Many of these home brewers had an entrepreneurial spirit, and small, independent breweries started popping up.

Craft brewing really took off in the ‘90s.

Until the 1980s, most American beers were mass-produced light lagers. Around this time, a few breweries started to make flavorful, high-quality beers that were distinct from other American beers. The most notable of this contingent were the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and the Boston Beer Company, the makers of Sam Adams. These companies are still big names in beer today, which is a testament to their brewing foresight.

In the ‘90s, more breweries opened and the popularity of craft beer skyrocketed. Beer drinkers everywhere became more interested in trying new and unique beers, especially from local breweries. Today, crafter beer makes up over a quarter of American beer sales by volume.

The Popular Varieties at Your Favorite Bars

Craft brewing brought many beer styles into the mainstream. These are just a few of the most popular:

India Pale Ale: IPAs are where most people’s minds go when they think of craft beer. Hoppy and bitter, these beers can range from light and refreshing to dark and heavy. In New England, the hazy IPA is also very popular, which is why they’re often known as New England IPAs.

Porter and Stout: Rich and dark, these beers often feature the flavors of coffee, chocolate, fruit, and spice. Stouts started as an offshoot of porter, but they are stronger and have a more robust flavor.

Sour beer: Tart and acidic, sours tend to explore fruity flavors. They are great summertime beers and pair well with salty and savory foods.

Everyone loves a cocktail, but sometimes you’re in the mood for a beer. Ask what we have on draft next time you visit Stella Blu!