If you are a fan of craft beer, you may have noticed the term indie beer popping up lately. While craft beer and indie beer might seem like the same thing, they represent slightly different ideas in today’s brewing world. Let’s break down what each term means and why the distinction is important, especially with the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) recently launching its “Indie Beer” campaign to clarify what counts as truly independent.
Craft Beer: Quality Brewing, But Not Always Independent
Traditionally, craft beer refers to beer made in smaller quantities with a focus on quality, creativity, and unique flavours. Craft breweries typically embrace hands-on brewing methods and often develop distinctive styles, from IPAs to barrel-aged stouts. However, the rapid growth of craft beer’s popularity has led major beer corporations to take notice — and in many cases, to buy up successful craft breweries to get a share of this lucrative market.
When larger corporations purchase once-independent craft breweries, they often keep the original branding and even the brewing process intact, making it hard to tell if a “craft” beer is actually still independently owned. While the beer may still taste great, the spirit of independence that many beer enthusiasts seek is often lost. In the UK, popular brands like Camden, Beavertown, and Fullers have been acquired by global giants, leading some consumers to feel misled (morningadvertiser)
Indie Beer: The True Independence Marker
The term indie beer has emerged as a response to this shift. Independent, or indie, breweries are defined by their autonomy from corporate ownership, preserving the community-driven and small-business spirit that initially attracted people to craft beer. With indie beer, it’s not just about the brewing process but the brewery’s ownership and ethos.
SIBA’s new “Indie Beer” campaign is dedicated to making it easier for consumers to identify which beers are genuinely independent. The campaign includes an “Indie Beer” mark on cans, bottles, and pump clips, clearly distinguishing independent brands from those owned by larger conglomerates. This campaign helps consumers make informed choices, knowing that their purchases support smaller, locally run businesses instead of large, multinational corporations. (Protz on Beer)
Why Indie Beer Matters
So why does this distinction matter? Well.. it’s about supporting local economies and keeping money within communities. Indie breweries are typically rooted in their regions, often sourcing local ingredients, creating jobs, and fostering close ties with their customers. The indie beer movement is about preserving the creativity and diversity that made craft beer so exciting in the first place, ensuring that smaller breweries can thrive despite the competition from global players.
How to Tell the Difference
If you want to support indie beer, look for SIBA’s “Indie Beer” mark, or use their online beer checker. These tools are meant to cut through the confusion, allowing consumers to see which brands are independently owned. Remember, just because a beer is labelled as “craft” doesn’t mean it’s independent, and if supporting small businesses is important to you, seeking out indie beer may align best with your values.
Where do we fit in?
At Hops & Cans we commit to ensuring all the beers in our box are Indie Beers. Our company is formed with the ethos of supporting the independent brewing community. We always strive to shine a light on independent brewing. Check out our latest boxes here and grab yourself some Indie Beers.
