Is Original 16 a craft beer?

Introduction

Original 16 is a brand of beer that is brewed by the Great Western Brewing Company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It is a popular beer in Western Canada and is known for its smooth taste and crisp finish. However, whether or not it is considered a craft beer is a matter of debate among beer enthusiasts.

History of Original 16 BeerIs Original 16 a craft beer?

Original 16 beer is a popular brand of beer that has been around for quite some time. It is a beer that is enjoyed by many, and it has become a staple in many bars and restaurants across the country. However, there has been some debate as to whether or not Original 16 beer can be considered a craft beer. In this article, we will explore the history of Original 16 beer and try to determine whether or not it can be considered a craft beer.

The history of Original 16 beer dates back to 1926 when the Great Western Brewing Company was founded in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The company was originally known as the Hub City Brewing Company, but it was later renamed to the Great Western Brewing Company. The company was founded by a group of businessmen who wanted to create a beer that was of the highest quality. They wanted to create a beer that would be enjoyed by everyone, and they wanted to do it right.

Over the years, the Great Western Brewing Company has gone through many changes. In the 1950s, the company was purchased by Carling O’Keefe, and it became known as Carling O’Keefe Western Breweries. In the 1980s, the company was purchased by Molson, and it became known as Molson Breweries (Western) Limited. In 2005, the company was purchased by the Sleeman Brewing Company, and it became known as Sleeman Breweries (Western) Limited.

Despite all of these changes, one thing has remained constant: the quality of the beer. Original 16 beer is still made using the same recipe that was used back in 1926. The beer is made using only the finest ingredients, and it is brewed using traditional methods. This is what sets Original 16 beer apart from other beers on the market.

So, can Original 16 beer be considered a craft beer? The answer to this question is not a simple one. The definition of a craft beer is a beer that is made by a small, independent brewery using traditional methods. While the Great Western Brewing Company is not a small, independent brewery, they do use traditional methods to brew their beer. Additionally, Original 16 beer is not mass-produced like many other beers on the market. It is still brewed in small batches, which allows the brewers to pay close attention to the quality of the beer.

Another factor to consider is the taste of the beer. Craft beers are known for their unique and complex flavors. Original 16 beer has a distinct flavor that is different from other beers on the market. It is a full-bodied beer that has a slightly sweet taste with a hint of bitterness. The beer has a smooth finish that is very satisfying.

In conclusion, while the Great Western Brewing Company may not be a small, independent brewery, they do use traditional methods to brew their beer. Additionally, Original 16 beer is not mass-produced like many other beers on the market. It is still brewed in small batches, which allows the brewers to pay close attention to the quality of the beer. The taste of the beer is also unique and complex, which is a hallmark of craft beers. While there may be some debate as to whether or not Original 16 beer can be considered a craft beer, it is clear that it is a high-quality beer that is enjoyed by many.

Ingredients Used in Original 16 Beer

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many beer enthusiasts seeking out unique and flavorful brews. One beer that has gained attention in Canada is Original 16, a beer produced by Great Western Brewing Company. However, some beer enthusiasts have questioned whether Original 16 can truly be considered a craft beer. In this article, we will explore the ingredients used in Original 16 beer to determine whether it meets the criteria for a craft beer.

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Firstly, let’s define what a craft beer is. According to the Brewers Association, a craft brewery is defined as small, independent, and traditional. Small refers to an annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less, independent means that less than 25% of the brewery is owned by a non-craft brewer, and traditional means that the majority of the brewery’s output consists of beers that derive their flavor from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and fermentation.

When it comes to the ingredients used in Original 16 beer, the brewery uses a combination of malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Malted barley is the primary ingredient in beer, providing the sugars that yeast ferments into alcohol. Great Western Brewing Company sources its barley from local farmers in Saskatchewan, ensuring that the barley is of high quality and freshness.

Hops are another essential ingredient in beer, providing bitterness and flavor. Great Western Brewing Company uses a variety of hops in Original 16, including Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook. These hops are sourced from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, known for producing high-quality hops.

Yeast is also a crucial ingredient in beer, responsible for converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Great Western Brewing Company uses a proprietary strain of yeast that is unique to their brewery. This yeast strain is carefully cultivated and maintained to ensure consistency in the flavor and aroma of Original 16 beer.

Finally, water is the most abundant ingredient in beer, making up over 90% of the final product. Great Western Brewing Company sources its water from a deep aquifer located beneath the brewery. This water is naturally filtered and purified, ensuring that it is of high quality and free from impurities.

Based on the ingredients used in Original 16 beer, it meets the criteria for a craft beer. The brewery uses traditional brewing ingredients and fermentation methods, and sources its ingredients locally whenever possible. Additionally, Great Western Brewing Company is an independent brewery, with no ownership by a non-craft brewer.

In conclusion, Original 16 beer can be considered a craft beer based on the ingredients used in its production. The brewery uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create a unique and flavorful beer. While some beer enthusiasts may debate the definition of a craft beer, it is clear that Original 16 meets the criteria set forth by the Brewers Association. Whether you are a seasoned beer enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, Original 16 is definitely worth trying.

Tasting Notes of Original 16 Beer

Original 16 is a beer brand that has been around for quite some time. It is a popular choice among beer enthusiasts, and many people consider it to be a craft beer. However, the question remains: is Original 16 really a craft beer?

To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the beer itself. Original 16 is a lager that is brewed using traditional methods. It is made with high-quality ingredients, including two-row malted barley, hops, and water. The beer is then fermented using a special strain of yeast, which gives it its unique flavor profile.

When you pour Original 16 into a glass, you will notice that it has a golden color and a thick, frothy head. The aroma is slightly sweet, with hints of malt and hops. When you take a sip, you will taste a well-balanced beer that is crisp and refreshing. The flavor is slightly sweet, with a subtle bitterness that lingers on the palate.

Overall, Original 16 is a well-crafted beer that is enjoyable to drink. It is a great choice for those who prefer a lighter beer that is easy to drink. However, does this make it a craft beer?

The definition of a craft beer is somewhat subjective. Generally speaking, a craft beer is a beer that is brewed by a small, independent brewery using traditional methods. Craft breweries typically focus on quality over quantity, and they often experiment with different ingredients and brewing techniques to create unique and flavorful beers.

While Original 16 is brewed using traditional methods, it is not brewed by a small, independent brewery. In fact, it is brewed by Molson Coors, which is one of the largest beer companies in the world. Molson Coors produces a wide range of beers, including popular brands like Coors Light and Miller Lite.

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So, while Original 16 is a well-crafted beer, it does not meet the criteria for a craft beer. It is produced by a large, multinational corporation, and it is not brewed in small batches using unique ingredients or techniques.

That being said, this does not mean that Original 16 is not a good beer. It is a high-quality lager that is enjoyable to drink, and it has a loyal following of fans. However, if you are looking for a true craft beer, you may want to look elsewhere.

In conclusion, Original 16 is a well-crafted beer that is enjoyable to drink. However, it is not a craft beer. While it is brewed using traditional methods, it is produced by a large corporation and does not meet the criteria for a craft beer. If you are looking for a true craft beer, there are many great options available from small, independent breweries.

Comparison of Original 16 Beer to Other Craft Beers

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many beer enthusiasts seeking out unique and flavorful brews. However, with so many different types of beer on the market, it can be difficult to determine what truly qualifies as a craft beer. One beer that has sparked debate among beer enthusiasts is Original 16, a beer produced by the Great Western Brewing Company. Some argue that Original 16 is a craft beer, while others believe it falls short of the criteria. In this article, we will compare Original 16 to other craft beers to determine whether it truly qualifies as a craft beer.

Craft beer is typically defined as beer that is produced by small, independent breweries using traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients. Craft beer is often characterized by its unique flavors and styles, with brewers experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create new and exciting brews. Craft beer is also often associated with a sense of community, with many craft breweries hosting events and gatherings to bring beer enthusiasts together.

When comparing Original 16 to other craft beers, one of the main factors to consider is the size of the brewery. Great Western Brewing Company is one of the largest breweries in Western Canada, producing over 300,000 hectoliters of beer per year. While Original 16 is brewed using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, some argue that its production on such a large scale disqualifies it from being considered a craft beer.

Another factor to consider is the variety of styles and flavors offered by Original 16. While the beer is available in a few different varieties, including lager, pale ale, and pilsner, it does not offer the same level of variety as many craft breweries. Craft breweries often experiment with different ingredients and brewing techniques to create unique and flavorful brews, offering a wide range of styles and flavors to appeal to different tastes.

In terms of taste, Original 16 is often described as a smooth and easy-drinking beer with a mild flavor profile. While some beer enthusiasts appreciate the simplicity of Original 16, others argue that it lacks the complexity and depth of flavor that is often associated with craft beer. Craft breweries often use a variety of hops, malts, and other ingredients to create complex and unique flavor profiles that set their beers apart from mass-produced beers.

Finally, it is worth considering the marketing and branding of Original 16. While the beer is often marketed as a premium beer, it does not have the same level of branding and marketing as many craft breweries. Craft breweries often have a strong brand identity and use creative marketing strategies to appeal to beer enthusiasts. While Original 16 may be a high-quality beer, its branding and marketing do not necessarily align with the values and aesthetics of the craft beer community.

In conclusion, while Original 16 is a high-quality beer that is brewed using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, it falls short of the criteria that many beer enthusiasts use to define craft beer. Its production on a large scale, limited variety of styles and flavors, lack of complexity in taste, and branding and marketing all set it apart from the craft beer community. While Original 16 may appeal to those who appreciate a simple and easy-drinking beer, it is not likely to satisfy the tastes of those seeking out unique and flavorful craft brews.

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Brewing Process of Original 16 Beer

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many beer enthusiasts seeking out unique and flavorful brews. One beer that has gained attention in Canada is Original 16, a beer produced by Great Western Brewing Company. However, some beer enthusiasts have questioned whether Original 16 can truly be considered a craft beer. In this article, we will explore the brewing process of Original 16 and examine whether it meets the criteria for a craft beer.

The brewing process of Original 16 begins with the selection of high-quality ingredients. Great Western Brewing Company uses only the finest malted barley, hops, and yeast to create their beer. The malted barley is carefully roasted to create a rich, complex flavor, while the hops are added at various stages of the brewing process to impart bitterness and aroma. The yeast is carefully selected to ensure that it ferments the beer to perfection, creating a smooth and balanced flavor.

Once the ingredients are selected, the brewing process begins. The malted barley is mashed with hot water to create a sweet liquid called wort. The wort is then boiled with hops to create a bitter, flavorful liquid. After boiling, the liquid is cooled and yeast is added to begin the fermentation process. The beer is then aged for several weeks to allow the flavors to develop and mature.

One of the key factors that distinguishes craft beer from mass-produced beer is the level of creativity and experimentation involved in the brewing process. Craft brewers often use unique ingredients and techniques to create new and interesting flavors. While Original 16 may not be as experimental as some craft beers, it does incorporate some unique elements into its brewing process.

For example, Original 16 is brewed using a special strain of yeast that is unique to Great Western Brewing Company. This yeast strain is carefully cultivated and maintained to ensure that it produces the desired flavor profile. Additionally, Original 16 is brewed using a special blend of hops that is exclusive to Great Western Brewing Company. This blend of hops gives the beer a distinctive flavor and aroma that sets it apart from other beers.

Another factor that distinguishes craft beer from mass-produced beer is the level of attention to detail involved in the brewing process. Craft brewers often take great care to ensure that their beer is brewed to perfection, with no shortcuts or compromises. Great Western Brewing Company takes this approach with Original 16, using only the finest ingredients and carefully monitoring every step of the brewing process to ensure that the beer is of the highest quality.

In conclusion, while some beer enthusiasts may question whether Original 16 can truly be considered a craft beer, the brewing process of this beer demonstrates that it meets many of the criteria for a craft beer. The use of high-quality ingredients, unique yeast and hop strains, and careful attention to detail all contribute to the creation of a flavorful and distinctive beer. Whether you consider Original 16 a craft beer or not, there is no denying that it is a delicious and well-crafted brew that is worth trying.

Q&A

1. Is Original 16 a craft beer?
No, Original 16 is not considered a craft beer.

2. Who produces Original 16?
Original 16 is produced by Great Western Brewing Company in Canada.

3. What type of beer is Original 16?
Original 16 is a lager beer.

4. Is Original 16 widely available?
Yes, Original 16 is widely available in Canada and some parts of the United States.

5. What is the history of Original 16?
Original 16 was first brewed in 1989 to commemorate the 16 founders of Great Western Brewing Company.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Original 16 is not considered a craft beer as it is produced by a large brewery, Great Western Brewing Company, and does not meet the criteria set by the Brewers Association for craft breweries.