Craft beer in the test: Rügen IPA convinced, Kiel Pale Ales also

Craft beer in the test: Rügen IPA convinced, Kiel Pale Ales also

Pale Ale and India Pale Ale (IPA) are very popular in the colorful world of craft beer. These two styles are characterized by their different flavors and aroma profiles. While IPAs are known for their striking bitterness, Pale Ales bribe with their milder hop taste. But what makes this beer so special? More on this in the results of the latest tasting of Stiftung Warentest.

craft beer refers to beers, mostly produced in small, independent breweries. The art of brewing in these companies enables a variety of tastes and styles, which has strongly promoted the popularity of craft beers in recent years. Stiftung Warentest has put a total of twelve craft beers - six Pales ales and six IPAs - through their paces. The tasting took place in the current issue of "Test" (9/2024), in which ten trained examiners sensorively evaluated the beers.

The winner from the beer tasting

The results could hardly be clearer: the "overseas hop IPA" from the Rügen Insel brewery passed the tasting with flying colors. It received the maximum evaluation from the experts in the categories, aroma and taste. The examiners describe the beer aromas as "strong according to southern fruits" and notice a fine grade of smoke as well as hints of honey and sherry. With an overall grade of 1.6, the IPA secured first place in the test, but with a price of around nine euros per liter, it is also one of the most expensive beers in tasting.

Particularly noteworthy on this craft beers are the fruity notes that arise from special hops and the technique of "hops". This method allows the brewers to add additional hops to an already chilled beer, which intensifies the fruity flavors. According to Martin Zarnkow from the research center for brewing and food quality at the TU Munich, this brings a variety of flavors into play. Craft brewers also often experiment with other yeast tribes, which further increases the variety of flavors.

top pale ales in the test

The tasting of the Pale Ales also revealed exciting results. The two best rated beers did very well both in the sensory analysis and in the overall rating. The "Pale Ale" of the Kiel brewery "Lille" is one of them. It convinces with a pronounced hop -spicy, resinous aroma that smells of southern fruits such as Maracuja and pineapple. The taste experience is a bit more subtle, but still achieves an impressive overall grade of 1.9.

The second on the podium is the "Atlantic-Alay" of Störtebeker Braus specialties from Stralsund. With this beer, the testers mainly make up citrus and grass notes, supplemented by a strong but quickly decaying bitterness. With a price of only 2.78 euros per liter, it is also the cheapest beer in the test.

In the comprehensive analysis of the craft beers, not only the taste was rated; The health aspects of the products were also examined. It should be emphasized that only a few types of beer had negative abnormalities. Only a canned beer had Bisphenol A (BPA), a pollutant that carries health risks in high concentrations. However, the BPA content found was below the limit for drinking water.

flavors and brewing techniques in focus

The world of craft beer not only fascinates through its diversity, but also by the various techniques that are used for flavoring. The increasing popularity of these beers shows that consumers are willing to pay for quality and taste. The test results from the current Stiftung Warentest make it clear that there is a lot of potential in the craft beer scene, both with regard to the variety of flavors and in the presentation of regional brewing. An aromatic comparison of the flavors remains an incomparable experience in every beer tasting.

The importance of craft beer in the beverage culture

craft beer has developed into a significant trend within the beverage culture in the past two decades. These beers are characterized by manual brewing techniques and creative recipes, which leads to a variety of flavors and profiles. Craft Beer's success is closely associated with the growing demand for more individual and qualitative products. According to the German Brewer Association, over 1,500 breweries in Germany work in 2023, many of which fall into the "Craft Breweries" category and are characterized by innovative bravery.

An important aspect of the craft beer trend is the return to local ingredients. Many small breweries use regional hops and malt, which not only refines the taste, but also supports the local economy. This has led to the development of a more networked beer culture, in which breweries often work together in community projects.

new trends and developments in the craft beer sector

In the Craft Beer Markt, there are continuously new trends that also influence the taste profiles of Pale Ales and Ipas. A development is the increase in non -alcoholic and low alcoholic craft beers that are becoming increasingly popular. These offer a taste similar to their alcoholic counterparts, but with less alcohol, which makes it attractive for a wider target group. The Research & Markets Study predicts that the market for non -alcoholic beer could grow to $ 25 billion.

In addition, sustainability is gaining in importance. Breweries are increasingly relying on environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of solar energy or reducing water consumption during the brewing process. Today, many consumers are looking for products that take social and ecological responsibility seriously. This could significantly shape the future success of Craft Beer, since increasingly customers are willing to pay more for products that are produced sustainably.

The health aspects of craft beer

The German Nutrition Society recommends consuming alcohol in moderation. A glass of beer typically contains between 150 and 200 calories, which can lead to weight gain with regular consumption. For consumers who pay attention to their health, there are also more beers with reduced calorie content or the already mentioned non -alcoholic variants that make it possible to experience beer without the calorie -rich stress.

The influence of craft beer on society

craft beer not only influenced the beverage industry, but also an impact on socio -cultural things in general. Beer festivals and craft beer tastings attract tens of thousands of visitors every year and promote the local community. These events not only offer the opportunity to try different beers, but also the chance to exchange ideas with other beer lovers and to celebrate the culture of craft brows.

In addition, many small breweries have started social initiatives to support disadvantaged communities or to draw attention to local concerns. This has caused Craft Beer to be perceived not only as a stimulant, but also as a means of social engagement. The connection between pleasure and social responsibility could further consolidate the future importance of craft beer in society.