What is the Difference Between Craft and Regular Beers?
The beer aisle can be overwhelming. With craft beers, regular beers, IPAs, lagers, stouts, and dozens of other options, choosing the right brew often comes down to one fundamental question: should you go craft or regular? Understanding the difference between these two categories can transform your beer-drinking experience and help you find drinks you’ll truly love.
What Defines a Craft Beer?
In Canada and most of the world, craft beer is generally defined by three key criteria:
1. Small Production Volume
Craft breweries produce relatively small quantities of beer compared to massive commercial breweries. In Canada, a brewery typically must produce less than 400,000 hectolitres per year to be considered “craft.”
2. Independent Ownership
True craft breweries are independently owned, with no large beverage corporation holding a controlling stake. This independence allows craft brewers to experiment freely without corporate constraints.
3. Traditional Brewing Methods
Craft brewers typically use traditional brewing techniques with quality ingredients. They focus on flavour, innovation, and authenticity rather than mass-market appeal.
What is Regular (Commercial) Beer?
Regular beer, often called commercial or macro beer, is produced by large multinational corporations using highly automated processes. Examples include Budweiser, Coors, Molson, and Labatt. These beers are designed for mass appeal, with consistent flavour profiles, lower production costs, and widespread distribution.
Key Differences Between Craft and Regular Beers
Flavour and Complexity
Craft beers typically offer bolder, more complex flavour profiles. Brewers experiment with different hops, malts, yeasts, and adjuncts like fruits, spices, or coffee. Regular beers prioritize a balanced, easy-drinking profile that appeals to the broadest possible audience.
Ingredient Quality
Craft brewers often use higher-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. They might use whole-flower hops, specialty malts, and pure water from specific sources. Regular beers commonly use adjuncts like rice or corn to reduce costs and produce a lighter taste.
Alcohol Content
Craft beers tend to have higher alcohol content (often 5-9% ABV or more), while regular beers usually hover around 4-5% ABV.
Price
Craft beers generally cost more — sometimes significantly more — due to higher-quality ingredients, smaller production scale, and more intensive brewing processes.
Variety
The craft beer world offers seemingly endless variety, with new styles, seasonal releases, and limited editions constantly hitting the market. Regular beer brands typically maintain a smaller, consistent lineup.
Local Character
Craft beers often reflect their region of origin, using local ingredients and embodying local brewing traditions. Regular beers maintain consistent flavour across all markets.
Which One Should You Choose?
The answer depends entirely on what you’re looking for:
There’s no wrong answer — both have their place. Many beer enthusiasts enjoy both, choosing craft beers for tasting and savouring, and regular beers for casual social drinking.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a regular beer loyalist, Calgary’s beer scene has something for everyone. At YYC Dial a Bottle, we stock a wide range of both craft and commercial beers from local Alberta brewers to international classics. Whatever your preference, we deliver fast and price-match competitors to ensure you get the best deal. Call us at 403-809-3309 or order online for prompt liquor delivery across Calgary.