One of our passions here at The Malted Meeple is craft beer. We pride ourselves on our selection of brews. After all, what goes better with a great hobby board game than a finely crafted beer?

But what exactly is a craft beer? Almost everyone has heard of craft beer, but what makes it different than the beer produced by mainstream breweries? When you ask what a craft beer is, each beer lover has their own definition, and usually a discovery story to go along with it.

The official definition is simple. According to the Brewers’ Association, a craft beer is a traditionally brewed beer, made by an independent brewer which produces 6 million barrels of beer or less per year.

Perhaps more importantly, craft beer is beer that is not simply brewed to be consumed; it is brewed to be experienced. Beer enthusiasts take note of the flavor, aroma, appearance and “mouthfeel” to determine the beer’s quality. Craft breweries also produce a huge variety of styles not typically found in mass produced beer. These styles are categorized by where they are brewed, how they are brewed, and the ingredients used. From ales to barley wines, from stouts to lagers; whatever your preference, there is a craft beer out there for you.

What makes craft beer special? In our opinion it is the care and detail that goes into brewing each batch. When you buy a craft beer, you know you are supporting a fellow beer lover who will continue to create lovable beer. It becomes a cycle that produces incredible-tasting beverages, and that is something that all beer enthusiasts want to support.

So the next time you visit The Malted Meeple, ask your Game Master about our craft beer selection. We’ll be glad to help you find the perfect brew to complement your favorite game!

Don Polyak is a lifelong gamer, from cards (poker) and Avalon Hill (military games) to Ticket to Ride (time with the kids.) He believes that games teach lessons that apply to life and business. Don, his wife Mandy and five children maintain family “game-time” as one of their favorite ways to have fun and connect. Don is the co-founder of The Impact Group, and one of the proud owners of The Malted Meeple.