Beer is primarily made from barley malt and wheat malt, with hops added during the brewing process to enhance its flavor. Due to differences in raw materials and brewing methods, beer can generally be categorized into industrial beer and craft beer. So, what sets these two types of beer apart?
 
Differences Between Craft Beer and Industrial Beer
Brewing Ingredients
Craft beer is brewed exclusively with malt, hops, yeast, and water, without any artificial additives. Compared to industrial beer, it contains a higher malt and hops content, resulting in a richer wort concentration.
Industrial beer, on the other hand, also uses malt, hops, yeast, and water but may substitute part of the malt with rice, corn, or starch to cut costs. This often results in lower wort concentration and a lighter taste.
 
Fermentation Time
Craft beer is less concerned with production costs, allowing for longer fermentation periods. Traditional craft beer may ferment for up to two months, leading to a higher wort concentration and richer flavor.
In contrast, time is money for industrial beer production. Its fermentation process typically lasts about seven days, resulting in less thorough fermentation, lower wort concentration, and a milder taste.
 
Fermentation Process
Craft beer and industrial beer use different fermentation methods.
Craft Beer: Most craft beer adopts the "Ales" method (top fermentation). The yeast works at the top of the fermentation tank and floats above the liquid. The fermentation temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, typically in smaller tanks. After fermentation, craft beer is usually unfiltered and unpasteurized.
Industrial Beer: Most industrial beers use the "Lagers" method (bottom fermentation), where yeast settles at the bottom of the tank. The fermentation temperature is generally below 10°C. Large fermentation tanks are used, and the beer is filtered and pasteurized to extend its shelf life.
 
Storage Time
The storage methods and durations for craft and industrial beers vary.
Craft beer is often unfiltered and unpasteurized, making it less durable. Its shelf life is typically short, sometimes as brief as a few weeks.
Industrial beer undergoes filtration and pasteurization, granting it a longer shelf life—ranging from 1 to 2 years, with some extending even further.
 
Production Scale
Craft beer emphasizes diversity, small-scale production, and uniqueness. Most craft breweries start as microbreweries, and many remain small due to their specialized focus. In the U.S., regulations stipulate that craft breweries must not be controlled by industrial beer companies, and industrial breweries cannot own more than 25% of a craft brewery's shares.
Craft beer production is intentionally kept low to maintain quality and uniqueness. For example, U.S. craft breweries are limited to an annual production of 6 million barrels.
In contrast, industrial breweries often produce at a scale tens or hundreds of times larger, prioritizing efficiency and broad appeal. This large-scale production often results in milder flavors to cater to the general public.
 
Style and Nutritional Value
The differences in brewing methods and ingredients lead to significant variations in style and nutritional value.
Craft Beer: With a greater variety and quantity of malt, hops, and yeast, craft beer can be brewed into diverse styles such as wheat beers, stouts, amber ales, and fruit beers. Globally, there are over 100 distinct craft beer styles. These beers are characterized by rich aromas, high wort concentration, and full-bodied flavors, offering higher nutritional value. However, they are also more expensive. Alcohol content typically exceeds 11%, with some reaching up to 20%.
Industrial Beer: With its streamlined brewing process and single-style focus, industrial beer offers a mild taste, high carbonation, and low alcohol content. Its wort concentration, hop levels, and nutritional value are also lower, making it more affordable.
 
Drinking Experience
Due to their distinctive flavors, the consumption styles of craft and industrial beers differ.
Craft beer, with its rich taste and higher alcohol content, is best enjoyed slowly to savor its complexity.
Industrial beer, being lighter in flavor and lower in alcohol, is more suited for casual and quick drinking.
 
These are the key differences between industrial beer and craft beer. If you're tired of drinking industrial beer and are ready to brew your own craft beer, feel free to contact us. We provide turnkey brewery equipment solutions and have professional brewers ready to help you create your craft beer masterpiece.
 
Still have a problem on choosing the brewery equipment? We can help with your final decision. If you are looking for a turnkey solution for craft beer brewing system, please contact us. We are looking forward to working with you. Send an email now: [email protected]