Works of Art in Hops and Barley

Even though we are still talking about a niche product, interest in craftsman-brewed speciality beers is growing in many European countries. The Micro-Breweries are benefiting from the fact that beer-lovers are increasingly on the lookout for variety in a mass market that continues to be more and more dominated by fewer and fewer major players. Many consumers are reacting to globalisation by demanding sustainable, locally manufactured products ... and the premium image of these beers is just the sort of thing that meets this demand. A further reason for their success is the sense of transparency and freshness that results from the production process' being clearly visible to guests/customers. Breweries attached to restaurants also represent an important entertainment factor. Part 2 of our European survey of Micro-Breweries and Brewpubs.