Cheers to beers!

On International Beer Day, we take a look at the popularity of the drink and the new favourite — craft beer

Oktoberfest is a while away and National Beer Day in London got over in June. Why then is beer on everyone’s mind today Well, it is International Beer Day today and I’m quite certain everyone is waiting for the day to get over, so they can grab a frothy mug and celebrate. Masculine associations with beer are now passé and everyone is drinking beer. Most of us don’t need an excuse to guzzle a mug of this oldest, and one of the most popular alcoholic beverage. And today, sipping this brew seems apt.

Beer may have been produced in Mesopotamia some 5,000 years ago, but has pervaded every country and is enjoyed by everyone alike. However, the rich in flavour, creamy in texture, and firm in body beers are not all that people are opting for nowadays; even Wiesn Märzen is reserved only for Oktoberfest. Palates have evolved, and tastes and preferences have changed drastically.

Over the last few years, the number of imported beers available in India has grown — After Corona, there is now the Belgian Hoegaarden on tap, the German Schneider Weisse and Dutch Amstel.

Aroma, appearance, feel and finish are parameters to judge a good beer, and many beer drinkers have always enjoyed their stout, as it meets these benchmarks. After all, it boasts of more flavour, is usually well balanced and sometimes even has a higher alcohol content.

Today though, freshness takes precedence. The explosion of options is helping introduce beer to new drinkers and people are responding positively to the improved range and quality. Rather than having the same old classic brewed pint of beer, youngsters are looking for something new and appreciate innovation. The fact that by the time the bottled beer hits the supply chain, it loses its freshness, has popularised fresh craft beer.

After all, who does not want a fresh crafted beer as opposed to a pre-packaged one Craft beers are fresh and natural without artificial flavours, synthetic colours and preservatives, offering better flavour and novelty.

This is clearly the golden age for beer lovers. With microbreweries mushrooming and the focus being on quality, beer drinkers have never had it so good. Craft beers in small batches have caught on in Mumbai.

I was particularly fascinated by the stout brewed with roasted black barley and single estate coffee from South, crushed and infused into the beer during the brewing process. This one from Gateway Brewing Co. is what I call innovation. It’s a great approach to beer and on the occasion of International Beer Day, let’s raise a toast to the drink!