When you walk into a bar or restaurant, the beer menu can often feel overwhelming. Among the options, two terms that stand out are craft beer and draft beer. They might sound similar, but they aren’t interchangeable. In this comprehensive craft beer guide, we’ll break down the nuances of craft beer vs draft beer, helping you make a more informed and enjoyable choice.

What is Craft Beer?

Craft beer is a product of passion, creativity, and independence. Brewed by independent breweries, craft beer is typically made in small batches using high-quality ingredients and unique brewing techniques. These beers offer distinct flavors and aromas, setting them apart from mass-produced options.

According to the Brewers Association, a craft brewery is one that is small, independent, and traditional. This means craft brewers focus more on the artistry and quality of beer rather than scaling for mass production. Craft beers often experiment with ingredients, such as fruit, spices, or aging methods, giving rise to types of craft beer like IPAs, stouts, sours, and saisons.

What is Draft Beer?

Draft beer (also spelled draught beer) refers to how the beer is served rather than who made it. It simply means the beer is stored in a keg and poured using a tap. Draft beer can be either craft or mass-produced, depending on the brewery.

So, when you order a beer “on tap,” you’re asking for a draft beer. One of the major advantages of draft beer is beer freshness. Because kegs are sealed and often kept at optimal temperature and pressure, the beer retains its taste and carbonation better than bottled or canned versions.

The Difference Between Craft Beer and Draft Beer

If you’re wondering about the difference between craft beer and draft beer, here’s the key:

• Craft beer refers to who makes the beer and how it’s made (typically small-batch, independent breweries with creative recipes).
• Draft beer refers to how the beer is served (from a keg, on tap).

That means a craft beer can also be a draft beer, and a draft beer can come from a major commercial brewery.

Craft Beer vs Draft Beer: Flavor, Quality, and Experience

• Flavor: Craft beer often delivers bold, unique flavors. Draft beer can taste better due to its freshness, regardless of whether it’s craft or not.
• Quality: Craft beers emphasize quality ingredients and brewing techniques. Draft beers maintain quality through proper storage and serving.
• Experience: Enjoying a freshly poured draft microbrew in a relaxed setting brings a whole new dimension to your beer experience.

Why Choose Craft Beer?

There are several benefits of craft beer that make it worth a try:

• Supports local breweries and the community
• More variety and beer flavors and aromas
• Often higher alcohol content and richer ingredients
• Tells a story—every brewery has its own journey

How is Draft Beer Made?

The brewing process for draft beer is essentially the same as any other beer. However, draft beer is kegged instead of bottled. This allows for longer shelf life, better control of beer pouring and temperature, and less oxidation.

When stored and served correctly, draft beer often provides a smoother and more refreshing taste than its bottled counterpart. That’s why the tap beer vs bottled beer debate often leans toward tap in terms of freshness.

What Makes a Beer “Craft”?

Beyond being brewed by a small or independent brewery, a craft beer distinguishes itself by its attention to detail, boldness in experimenting with flavors, and non-reliance on automation. If you enjoy beers with personality and depth, exploring craft beer is a must.

What Should You Order? Craft or Draft?

If you’re at a bar and wondering, “should I order craft or draft beer?”, ask yourself a few things:

• Do you want a unique, flavorful experience? Go for craft beer.
• Are you after freshness and a smooth pour? Look for draft beer.
• Best of both worlds? Order a craft beer on draft.

How to Choose the Right Beer

Choosing the right beer and best craft beer bar restaurant can depend on the occasion, your mood, or your meal. Here are some quick tips:

• For beginners: Try lighter styles like a pilsner or wheat beer.
• With food: Match beer strength with food flavor. IPAs pair well with spicy dishes; stouts complement desserts.
• In new cities: Search for “best craft beer near me” or “Santa Rosa craft beer bars” to discover local gems.

How to Tell the Difference Between Craft Beer and Draft Beer

The simplest way to tell the difference is to ask the bartender or check the label. A draft beer will usually be listed as “on tap” or “draught,” while a craft beer is often identified by the brewery’s name and a unique style description.

If you’re browsing a menu and see unfamiliar names, don’t hesitate to ask for a sample or a craft beer guide.

Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen: Where Craft Meets Community

If you’re looking to explore both craft beer and draft beer in an inviting atmosphere, look no further than Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen in Santa Rosa. Our bar is known for offering one of the best craft beer selections in Santa Rosa, poured fresh on tap and curated by passionate beer lovers.

Whether you’re a seasoned hophead or new to the world of small-batch beer, our expert staff can guide you through our rotating tap list, seasonal specials, and food pairings.

Come visit us: Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen
Address: 614 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Phone: (707) 757-9294
Website: beerbaronbar.com

Want to learn more about who we are and what we serve? Check out our About Us and Contact Us pages.