The craft beer revolution has swept the world and forever changed the way everyone orders in a bar.

Now, instead of grabbing an old-faithful beer on a night out, you sometimes have to hold up the bartender for 20 minutes while he walks you through what’s on tap in great detail.

It’s the trendiest way to be pretentious if you know nothing about wine. Why? Because unlike wine, if it has ‘craft’ in the description, you can feel smug about your beer choice no matter what it is.

Until now.

The Guardian has found a new report that shows that drinkers might actually be ordering “craft” beers without realising that they are owned by multinational drinks giants.

The British craft beer report, due to be released by small brewers’ trade body the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba) this week, will say that 98% of drinkers do not believe a global firm such as Budweiser owner Anheuser-Busch InBev or Molson Coors can make craft beer.

The findings cast doubt on the credentials of a growing number of beers bought or launched by major brewers, such as Camden Town, Fourpure, Goose Island, Meantime, Hop House 13, Blue Moon, Lagunitas and London Fields.

So while most people don’t believe that a beer made by a big brand deserves the craft label, 43% of the 2 000 people surveyed are also convinced that craft beers are automatically made by a small brewer.

A similar proportion believes the brewer must be independent, while only 2% think a beer made by a multinational corporation deserves the craft label.

In other words, if you insist on only drinking (and talking at length) about artisanal beer, you’re going to have to do your homework now.

Or, you could just find a beer that you like and drink it. Even better if it’s a beer that doesn’t pretend to be something that it’s not.

Sol Beer, for example, is an authentic Mexican beer that believes in freedom and independence, and celebrates those who want to be true to themselves.

In other words, it’s infused with Espiritu Libre – the spirit of freedom.

Like the freedom from having to carry around an encyclopedia of knowledge about craft beers around in your head every time you head out for a drink.

And the freedom to drink something that tastes mighty fine, and is the perfect companion on a sunny day or a warm night.

No beards and man buns and floral shirts from the thrift store required – just quality, original beer.

Happy drinking, good people.

[source:guardian]