Craft beer has continued to become more and more popular with each year. Where beer once had a fairly blue-collar image, craft beer has given it the major makeover it needed. What’s more, craft beer gives beer drinkers more options. Craft breweries have sprouted up all over the country. Likely, you have one close by your home.

While the weather warms up and you search for something refreshing to enjoy on the deck with your grilled meats and your friends, you can wax philosophical about craft beer. Here’s why it has become so popular, and why, despite the price, it will continue to do so.

– It’s stronger

With an emphasis on craft beer’s fermentation process, these beers contain more alcohol. On average, they can have 5 to 10% alcohol by volume. That means you can sip it and enjoy it much like wine instead of guzzling down can after can for that buzzy feeling.

– Quality ingredients

Craft beers tend to be more locally-sourced than big brands. They go for high-quality, organic ingredients. This makes all the difference in taste.

– Endless varieties

We love that craft beer offers so many options in both flavors and types. The clever concoctions created by your local craft brewer might just be enough to put their microbrewery on the map.

– It just tastes better

No disrespect to the big brands, but when it comes to craft beer, there’s a more intricate level of taste going on here. With unique flavors, bolder tastes, and a higher alcohol content, it’s like magic in a bottle. It’s the kind of beer you want lingering on your palate.

– It pairs beautifully with food

Even those that adore a good wine and cheese pairing have found an equal amount of love in their hearts for craft beer and food pairings. Check out your local breweries and you might be surprised to find a pairing you can participate in. Or you can pick up a 6-pack of local craft beer and find out what matches with that particular brand and have your own classy craft beer tasting party.

Craft beer has completely changed the perception of beer. And on another note, it’s great for the economy too. Because anyone that wants to create a craft beer can do so, there are new breweries popping up by the hundreds every year. When you buy a local craft beer, you’re supporting your community while enjoying something that was hand-crafted for you out of local ingredients. With the demand for craft beers continuing to grow, expect to find more and more options on your supermarket shelves. Or, go right to the source and find your local brewers to try a flight of their finest.