Craft beer can be an exciting world to explore, and as a beginner connoisseur, it's important to know the basics.

With the growing number of craft breweries, it's hard not to try a craft beer when you go out for dinner with colleagues. If you're just starting as a connoisseur, it's essential to know some basic information about craft beers. This blog post aims to provide you with ten things you need to know as a beginner connoisseur.

1. What is craft beer?

The term "craft beer" refers to beer made by small and independent breweries. These breweries use traditional brewing methods, creating unique flavors and aromas. For a beer to be classified as a craft beer, it must be produced in quantities of six million barrels per year or less.

2. The ingredients in craft beer

Craft beers are made with the same basic ingredients as any other beer. These ingredients include water, hops, malted barley, and yeast. What makes craft beer different is the way these ingredients are used and combined.

3. Understanding beer styles

There are many different styles of beer, and it's important to know the differences between them. Some of the most popular styles include IPA (India Pale Ale), stout, porter, and pilsner. Each style has its unique characteristics, such as flavor, alcohol content, and color.

4. The importance of glassware

Believe it or not, the glassware you use to drink your beer can affect your experience. Ideally, you should use a glass that is designed for the style of beer you're drinking. The glassware's shape can affect the aroma, taste, and appearance of the beer.

5. The ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of a beer

The ABV of a beer refers to the percentage of alcohol in the beer. It's important to know the ABV of a beer because it can affect how much you drink. Some craft beers have a high ABV, while others have a lower ABV.

6. The flavor wheel

The flavor wheel is a tool used to identify the different flavors of beer. It can help you distinguish between the different flavors, such as malty, sweet, bitter, and sour. Knowing the flavor wheel can help you appreciate different beer styles.

7. The brewing process

The brewing process is the method used to make beer. It includes several steps, such as milling, mashing, boiling, fermentation, and conditioning. Understanding the brewing process can help you appreciate the work that goes into creating craft beers.

8. The importance of freshness

Craft beer is best when consumed fresh. Unlike mass-produced beer, which can sit on shelves for months, craft beer is best consumed within a few weeks of being bottled or canned. Always check the date on your craft beer to ensure it's fresh.

9. Pairing beer with food

Like wine, beer can be paired with food to enhance the flavors of both. Certain beer styles complement specific food flavors. For example, an IPA can be paired with spicy food, while a stout can be paired with desserts.

10. Beer festivals

Attending beer festivals is an excellent way to explore different craft beers. At beer festivals, you can taste many different styles of craft beer, learn about the brewing process, and meet other beer enthusiasts. 

Craft beer can be an exciting world to explore, and as a beginner connoisseur, it's important to know the basics. Understanding the ingredients, styles, ABV, glassware, and the flavor wheel can help you appreciate the different flavors and aromas of craft beers. Knowing the brewing process and the importance of freshness can help you make informed choices about which craft beers to try. Pairing beer with food and attending beer festivals can enhance your craft beer experience. Remember, the most important rule of being a connoisseur is to enjoy and appreciate the craft beers you choose to drink.