When it comes to beer, there's no shortage of options available. But one of the most significant distinctions in the world of beer is between craft beer and commercial beer.

These two categories represent different approaches to brewing, and understanding what sets them apart can enhance your appreciation of this beloved beverage.

Craft Beer: Artistry and Independence

Craft beer is often associated with independent, small-scale breweries that prioritize quality, flavour, and unique brewing techniques. Here are some key characteristics that set craft beer apart:

• Independence: Craft breweries are typically independent, small, and often family owned. They have the freedom to experiment and create unique brews without corporate constraints.

• Emphasis on Flavour: Craft brewers prioritise flavour and quality over mass production. They often use traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients to create distinct and flavourful beers.

• Variety and Creativity: Craft breweries are known for their innovation and experimentation. They produce a wide range of beer styles, from IPAs and stouts to sours and barrel-aged brews.

• Community Engagement: Craft breweries often have a strong connection to their local communities. They may collaborate with local businesses, host events, and contribute to the culture of their area.

• Limited Distribution: While some craft breweries distribute their beers regionally or nationally, many focus on local sales, which can make their beers harder to find outside of their immediate area.

Commercial Beer: Consistency and Mass Production

Commercial beer, on the other hand, represents the larger, more mainstream side of the beer industry. Here are the distinguishing features of commercial beer:<

• Mass Production: Commercial breweries produce beer on a massive scale, often using automated processes. They aim for consistency in flavour and quality across batches.

• Wide Distribution: Commercial beers are widely distributed and readily available in bottleshops, liquor stores, convenience stores, and bars across the country and even internationally.

• Standardized Flavour: Commercial breweries often prioritize producing beer with a consistent flavour profile, which can lead to a more uniform taste across different batches.

• Limited Variety: While commercial breweries may offer a range of beer styles, they tend to focus on a smaller selection of core brands that appeal to a broad audience.

• Ownership: Many commercial breweries are owned by large beverage conglomerates, which can influence their production decisions and marketing strategies.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between craft beer and commercial beer ultimately depends on your preferences, however only craft beer enthusiasts often seek unique flavours, experimentation, and a sense of community.

Only Craft Beer has got you covered with over 60 independent Australian breweries ready to deliver straight from the brewery to your door. 

Sourcing and purchasing your beer online at Only Craft Beer, you will be helping the local community of Independent Brewers as you are buying directly from the local brewery and at the same time you will enjoy a fantastic beer, which each one is unique with different flavours, aromas and taste. Only Craft Beer is helping Australian Independent Brewers deliver their beers across the country at affordable shipping costs.

Still in doubt? Do not hesitate to ask us which beer you would like or use our comparison tool to decide your next favourite beer.

This is why Only Craft Beer is passionate about independent breweries.

Only Craft Beer’s model is all about connecting you to independent breweries, cutting out distributors, wholesalers and warehouses so you get beer delivered to you directly from the brewer. You get more beer for your hard earned money, and the independent breweries receive a bigger cut. Win win!

OCB helps smaller breweries in regional areas to gain access to new markets, and send their beer to people they couldn’t otherwise distribute to. That’s why you’ll see beers here that you aren’t available at your local bottle shop.

There are around 700 independent breweries in Australia, and you have direct access to near 60 of them right here. It’s never been easier to support independent breweries.

So what are you waiting for?

Buy independent. Support locals. And taste the benefits when fresh beer shows up at your front door.