What Is "Craft" Beer and Why Do People Love It?

At Falling Sky, we live and breathe craft beer, but what does that really mean? You hear the term everywhere: craft beer, craft brew, craft brewery. But what puts the "craft" in craft beer, and why has it inspired such a passionate following? Let’s raise a glass and dive into the delightful world of independent brewing.

Craft Defined: It’s All About Care, Not Mass Production

Craft beer is beer made with intention. It’s brewed by small, independent breweries that prioritize quality over quantity. According to the Brewers Association, a craft brewery is defined by three main criteria: small (less than 6 million barrels per year), independent (less than 25% owned or controlled by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer), and traditional (using time-honored methods and ingredients).

But we’d add a fourth: soul.

At Falling Sky, our beers are brewed in Eugene, Oregon, with local ingredients, innovative recipes, and a dash of mischief. Every pint is a labor of love from brewers who care deeply about flavor, balance, and creativity. It’s not just beer—it’s a story in a glass.

So, Why the Love Affair?

Craft beer fans are a special breed. Here's why they can't get enough:

1. Unique Flavors

From spruce tip dark ales to citrusy IPAs and rice-enhanced lagers, craft beer offers a universe of flavor. There's always something new to discover, and it's never boring. Whether it’s the fruity punch of Citra hops or the roasted magic in our Puddle Porter, craft beer celebrates complexity.

2. Community Connection

Craft breweries are local hubs. They're where you meet friends, cheer on the Ducks, attend trivia night, or grab a pint after work. Supporting a craft brewery means supporting a small business that gives back—like our Pour It Forward program that helps the Eugene community thrive.

3. Creativity & Collaboration

Craft beer is where tradition meets imagination. One season we’re perfecting our flagship Hanzō Lager, the next we’re experimenting with spruce tips or souring barrels for a surprise release. Brewers love to collaborate, both with each other and with local farmers, artists, and foodies to bring something fresh to the table (or tap).

4. It Just Tastes Better

No, really. With top-tier ingredients, small batch processes, and brewers who care deeply about every detail, craft beer consistently delivers bolder, richer, more nuanced flavors than mass-produced counterparts.

Craft Isn’t Just a Label—It’s a Lifestyle

To love craft beer is to love the experience: trying new styles, chatting with your local bartender about hop varieties, attending brewery events, and getting a little nerdy about malt profiles. It’s equal parts fun and flavor.

At Falling Sky, we invite everyone to the table. Whether you’re a hophead, a lager loyalist, or completely new to the world of craft, there’s a seat here for you. We’re not just pouring pints, we’re building community, one beer at a time.

LET IT POUR!!