Over the course of two previous blog posts (here and here) we have discussed our proposal for a definition of craft beer with online communities around the world. On 13th March, we will take this debate to the next level as we will be formally discussing the proposal at the SIBA AGM.







We believe that to earn its title a European Craft Brewery must be:



1) Authentic

a) brews all their beers at original gravity

b) does not use any adjuncts to lessen flavour and reduce costs.



2) Honest

a) All ingredients are clearly listed on the label of all of their beers.

b) The place where the beer is brewed is clearly listed on all of their beers.

c) All their beer is brewed at craft breweries.



3) Independent

Is not more than 20% owned by a brewing company which operates any brewery which is not a craft brewery.



4) Committed

If the brewer has an estate, at least 90% of the beer they sell must be craft beer.







We firmly believe we must defend our right to call our beer ‘craft’ and oppose those attempting to piggyback off our community’s hard work. Providing a legal definition is commonplace when it comes to artisanal producers, just look at Champagne, whisky, bourbon, even cheddar cheese! These are all shining examples of the sort of protection we will seek next week.



If you think this is important let us know. If you think there are other points we should add, drop a note in the comments below. Together, we are hopeful that as a community of brewers and craft beer lovers we can come together to protect all our industry have worked incredibly hard to achieve.

