Craft Beer vs Regular Beer - Watching Alcohol Content and Servings

Defining Craft Beer and How It Differs From Mainstream Brews

The surge in craft brewing over the last few decades has brought more flavorful, innovative beers to the marketplace. However, the higher alcohol content and larger servings of many artisan ales make it easier to overconsume without realizing it.

What Makes a Beer "Craft"?

The Brewers Association classifies a craft beer as made by an independent, small brewery using traditional methods. More specifically:

• Produced by a brewery making less than 6 million barrels annually
• Less than 25% owned by a non-craft alcohol company
• Brewed with traditional ingredients and fermentation

This distinguishes artisanal brands from mass-produced and adjunct lager beers. The goals of craft brewers tend to prioritize flavor, quality, and uniqueness over cost-cutting measures.

How Craft Beers Differ from Mainstream Brews

Some key differences between major domestic beers and specialty craft brews include:

• Ingredients: Craft beers use more malt, premium hops, and other ingredients for fuller flavor.
• Alcohol Content: From 4-12% ABV for craft vs. 4-6% for typical domestic brews.
• Variety: Hundreds of styles like IPAs, stouts, wheats, sours rather than just lagers and ales.
• Production Volume: Craft brewed in smaller batches with more quality control emphasis.

Potential to Overconsume Alcohol with Craft Beers

The hearty flavors and increased alcohol concentrations of beloved craft beers may disguise how much alcohol one actually ingests during a typical drinking session involving artisan brews.

More Deceptive Alcohol Delivery

With their complex taste profiles, fuller body, and mouthfeel, the alcohol punch of craft beers gets "hidden" more effectively. This makes it easier to accidentally have one too many before negative effects set in.

Session IPAs may seem lighter but can still weigh in around 5% ABV. Meanwhile, the boozy stouts and double IPAs so popular among craft aficionados often start at 7-8% and go up from there.

Large Format Offerings

Instead of 12-ounce servings, craft beers commonly come in 16- or 22-ounce pint and bomber bottles. Some also offer jumbo 32- and 64-ounce growlers for taking favorite draft brews to go.

When a size upgrade equals 50-100% more beer, it becomes that much simpler to ingest more alcohol than planned. This compounds the risks of the already elevated alcohol levels.

Increased Occasions and Variety Drives Consumption

The sheer variety and rotating seasonal offerings from microbreweries entice craft beer fans to return frequently. Limited release beers also promote urgency to try or stock up before they sell out.

Participating in beer festivals, brewery tours, tasting flights, and other craft beer events makes it easier to sample numerous styles meaning more alcohol collectively. Even just having a few artisan brews a week at home, bars, or restaurants can add up.

Potential Downsides of Drinking Too Much Craft Beer

While craft beers provide plenty of enjoyment for responsible drinkers, accidentally overdoing it can cause:

Severe Hangovers

Higher alcohol volumes dehydrate the body, disrupt sleep, irritate the stomach, and cause headaches. These effects become more pronounced the more one drinks at a higher intensity.

Just a few imperial stouts or double IPAs could leave someone fighting hangover misery the entire next day...or longer if they really overindulged.

Weight Gain

Craft beer's elevated calorie counts quickly accumulate but get ignored amidst the flavor excitement. Just two pint-sized IPAs could total 500 calories, while a rich stout may net 400 calories per 16 oz serving.

Frequent beer drinking piles on stealthy pounds over time that eventually affect health and self-confidence.

Alcohol Addiction

It's easy to develop a psychological dependence on the rewarding flavour experiences and buzz craft beer brings. Chasing these feelings too often crossed the line into problem drinking and addiction.

People predisposed to alcoholism face heightened risks. But even generally moderate drinkers may gradually increase consumption chasing craft beer thrills until it negatively impacts work, relationships, finances, and well-being.

Increased Disease Risks

Excessive alcohol intake stresses bodily systems, interferes with medications and medical conditions, and suppresses immunity. Long-term abuse also heightens chances of liver disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers, brain damage, and other serious health issues.

Drinking Craft Beer Responsibly

Craft beer fans certainly don't need to give up their beloved IPAs, stouts, saisons and more due to health fears. However, taking a few precautions helps ensure beer drinking remains a safe, enjoyable activity free of hangovers, weight gain, or addiction issues.

Measure Alcohol Content and Calories

Check the ABV percentages on beer labels to better gauge how strong they are compared to typical domestic brews. Also take note of serving sizes. Tracking calories aids weight control efforts.

Hydrate Between Beers

Drinking water between brews battles dehydration effects that worsen hangovers. Simple tactics like only ordering one beer at a time or asking the server to briefly hold off brings a natural break point to rehydrate.

Set Reasonable Limits

Budget days per week and numbers of beers allotted based on factors like health status, weight goals, and alcohol tolerance. Adhere to self-imposed caps on beer sampling events. Bring a friend who can help reinforce restraint.

Don't Drink on an Empty Stomach

Eating filling snacks with craft beers slows alcohol absorption. But avoid salty foods that dehydrate. Healthy pairings include cheeses, fruits, nuts, or meat snacks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.