What is craft beer? Everything you want to know.
Special beer, or craft beer, has been on the rise for years. While lager used to be the undisputed king of the tap, more and more people are choosing a blond, IPA, tripel, or stout. But what actually makes a beer “special”? And why do we call it that?
What is special beer?
The term special beer is used in the Netherlands and Belgium for beers that do not fall under the category of lager. Lager is a bottom-fermented, light, and relatively neutral beer, often intended to quench thirst. Special beer, on the other hand, refers to all beers with a different character, richer in taste, fuller in aroma, and often with a higher alcohol percentage or a unique way of brewing.
It is therefore not one specific type of beer, but a collective term for everything that falls outside the standard. From fruity wheat beers to dark porters, from hoppy IPAs to spicy abbey beers, they all fall under the broad umbrella of special beer.
Why do we call it “special”?
The name stems from the idea that these beers deviate from the ordinary. When lager became the norm in the 20th century, other beers were given a separate status: they were unique, different, special. That label has stuck, even though the market has changed significantly in the meantime.
Nowadays, almost every brewery, large or small, has an assortment of special beers. Nevertheless, the term has persisted precisely because it emphasizes that variety and creativity.
The power of variety
What makes special beer so beloved is its infinite diversity. Each style tells a different story:
Blond and tripel from Belgium bring fruity yeasts and soft malt notes, IPAs from the US and the Netherlands surprise with tropical hop aromas, stouts and porters offer coffee, cocoa, and caramel notes for those who love something dark.
Brewers experiment with herbs, wood aging, or local ingredients, meaning no two brews are exactly the same. Special beer is therefore not just about taste, but also about craftsmanship and identity.
When is beer truly special?
A beer becomes special as soon as it aims to be more than just refreshing. It can be special due to a unique recipe or yeast strain, an artisanal brewing method, a pronounced flavor profile, or simply the story behind it.
In short: special beer is beer with character.
Whether you are enjoying a crisp saison on a summer day, or a robust quadrupel by the fireplace, special beer is proof that beer can be much more than a thirst quencher. It is an experience, a voyage of discovery, and sometimes even a work of art in a glass.
Discover our large assortment of special beers here
