For many drinkers, “craft” has become shorthand for anything independent or flavour-driven. But the truth is simpler. Craft beer isn’t about novelty. It’s about care in the ingredients, the method and the result in your glass.
What Makes a Beer “Craft”?
The term craft beer started as a reaction to mass production. Smaller breweries wanted to remind people that brewing is a skill, not just a process.
A true craft beer is one brewed with hands-on attention, using quality ingredients and recipes designed for taste, not volume. It’s often unfiltered, full of character and made by teams who still see brewing as a craft, not a commodity.
But scale alone doesn’t decide whether a beer is “craft.” What matters most is how it’s made and whether the people behind it still care about doing things properly.
That’s where Everards Brewery continues to set an example. Founded in 1849 and still independent today, it’s proof that you can be established without losing authenticity.
Craft Beer in Practice
When done well, craft beer blends tradition and experimentation. You can taste it in the balance of malt and hops, the clarity of flavour and the consistency from one pint to the next.
At Everards, each beer has its own story but shares the same foundation: honest ingredients, patient brewing and an understanding of what makes beer drinkable.
If you’re looking to explore, here are three beers that show what proper cask brewing looks like:
Tiger – A smooth, cooper ale that’s been poured for generations. It’s a local icon — full-bodied yet balanced, brewed to be enjoyed rather than analysed.
Sunchaser – A golden ale that’s light, crisp and refreshing. It proves that simplicity done well can be just as rewarding as any modern IPA.
Old Original – A deep, traditional ale with rich malt character. It’s the kind of beer that reminds you why craftsmanship matters.
Each of these beers is brewed at Everards Brewery in Leicestershire, where traditional methods meet modern precision. The result is beer that feels both familiar and freshly made.
Why Craft Beer Still Matters
Craft beer has changed how people think about drinking. It’s made us curious again, encouraging us to try something new, to ask questions and to care about where our beer comes from.
But beyond the trend, craft brewing has also helped revive local economies and small-scale production. In places like Leicestershire, breweries aren’t just businesses; they’re part of the community — supporting local pubs, events and independent landlords.
That’s why Leicestershire breweries like Everards remain central to the story of British beer. They balance innovation with heritage, showing that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of tradition.
How to Find a Craft Beer You’ll Actually Enjoy
There’s no secret formula to finding a good craft beer — just the curiosity to explore. Visit local breweries. Try their tastings. Ask the people behind the bar what they love.
If you’re in the Midlands, a visit to Everards Brewery is a great place to start. The brewery experience at Everards Meadows gives you a look behind the scenes where the ingredients are chosen, the beer is brewed and the first pours are tasted fresh from the source.
You’ll leave understanding that good beer isn’t about fashion. It’s about craftsmanship you can taste.
The Takeaway
So, what craft beer should you definitely try? The one that’s made with purpose not trend.
If you want to experience that first-hand, start with Everards’ own classics. Visit their Beer Hall, take a tour or simply order a pint of Tiger next time you’re at the bar.
Because the best craft beers aren’t loud or showy they’re the ones that remind you why a perfectly brewed pint will always have a place in British life.