craft beer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal in everyday contexts, but can be technical or formal in business/industry writing.
Quick answer
What does “craft beer” mean?
A beer that is produced by a small, independent brewery using traditional methods, often emphasising quality, flavour and artisanal character.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A beer that is produced by a small, independent brewery using traditional methods, often emphasising quality, flavour and artisanal character.
A segment of the beer industry and a cultural movement defined by small-scale production, independence, innovation, and a focus on the brewer's skill and unique ingredients, often as a counterpoint to mass-produced, commercial lagers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical and the concept is equally widespread. The term is a direct borrowing from American English, where the 'craft beer revolution' was most prominent. In the UK, 'real ale' is a distinct, overlapping, but not synonymous traditional category.
Connotations
In both: artisanal, authentic, high-quality, flavourful. Slight risk of perceived pretentiousness or trendiness.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties within food/drink/hospitality contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “craft beer” in a Sentence
drink/enjoy/taste a craft beerbrew/produce a craft beerstock/serve craft beerThe bar specialises in craft beer.There's a growing market for craft beer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “craft beer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The brewery crafts a delightful range of IPAs.
- He crafts his own beer in a shed.
American English
- They craft several seasonal beers for the fall.
- She learned how to craft a perfect stout.
adverb
British English
- The beer is crafted traditionally using local hops.
- It's a carefully crafted pale ale.
American English
- This IPA is expertly crafted for bold flavour.
- They brew their beer craftily in small batches.
adjective
British English
- The craft beer movement has changed British pubs.
- We visited a craft beer taproom in Manchester.
American English
- Craft beer sales continue to grow.
- Portland is a major craft beer city.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions of market trends, consumer preferences, brewery acquisitions, and the economic impact of the craft sector.
Academic
Used in sociology (food/drink cultures), marketing studies (niche branding), and economics (industrial organisation).
Everyday
Talking about going to a pub, buying drinks for a party, or discussing personal taste in beer.
Technical
In brewing circles, may involve precise definitions related to production volume, ownership structure, and brewing methods set by industry bodies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “craft beer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “craft beer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “craft beer”
- Using it as a countable noun without an article or determiner (e.g., 'I drink craft beer' – correct for the category; 'I'll have a craft beer' – correct for a single serving; but 'He owns craft beer brewery' is wrong – needs 'a' or 'the').
- Capitalising it as a proper noun when not part of a specific brand name (e.g., 'We sell craft beer', not 'Craft Beer').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While ales are very common in craft brewing, the term includes craft lagers, pilsners, stouts, and other beer styles. The key is the scale and philosophy of production, not the specific style.
'Real ale' is a British term for beer that undergoes secondary fermentation in the container from which it is served (e.g., a cask), is unfiltered and unpasteurised. 'Craft beer' is a broader term focusing on the brewery's scale and ethos; it can be real ale, keg beer, or bottled.
Higher costs come from smaller-scale production, often more expensive ingredients (speciality malts, aromatic hops), lack of economies of scale, and potentially more labour-intensive methods.
This is a major debate. Purists argue that ownership independence is core to the definition. Industry bodies often set production volume limits. Many argue that once a brewery is bought by a large corporation, its beer, regardless of recipe, ceases to be 'craft' in spirit.
A beer that is produced by a small, independent brewery using traditional methods, often emphasising quality, flavour and artisanal character.
Craft beer is usually neutral to informal in everyday contexts, but can be technical or formal in business/industry writing. in register.
Craft beer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɑːft ˈbɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkræft ˈbɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “['a craft beer snob' (derogatory) – someone overly particular about craft beer]”
- “['jump on the craft beer bandwagon' – to start following the trend opportunistically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a skilled potter (a CRAFTsman) carefully shaping a unique pot. Now imagine a brewer using similar skill and care to create a unique BEER.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEER IS AN ARTEFACT / BEER IS A HANDMADE PRODUCT. This frames beer not just as a consumable, but as the output of skilled craftsmanship, carrying the values of the maker.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic associated with 'craft beer'?