Dustin Canestorp

Hard cider has become one of the most visible segments of the craft brewing industry and has a marked appeal (or should that be ap-peel?) with both men and women. Hard cider offers quite a lot, from a taste that differs immensely from beer to historical roots deep in American culture.

The world of craft brewing has grown enormously throughout the United States, though Wisconsin is one of the most heavily involved states in the Union. Wisconsin has always had a strong position in the brewing industry, and home brewers in the state have a tradition of creating unique, quality brews that can't be found elsewhere. Those home brewers were dealt a serious blow back in 2011 when the state government slapped a ban on transporting beer outside the home.

When most people think of China, they conjure images of the Great Wall or perhaps the Forbidden City. They think of cultural foods, or rich history and diverse cultures. However, more and more people are thinking "beer" - at least big breweries are.

When you think of craft beer in the US, where do your thoughts turn first? You might think of Portland or Seattle. You might think of Denver, Colorado. Even Maine is getting back into the act here. However, Michigan is also becoming known for their hops varieties.

Wine and food pairings have long been popular. You'll find guides written on the subject, experts who will help you find the best food to pair with a particular type of wine (or vice versa) and restaurants that operate on the same premise. The same has not been true for beer, at least in the past.

Beer has been used since time out of mind for a wide variety of different things. It once formed the cornerstone of feasts and festivals during ancient times, and has been a "social lubricant" as long as it's been around. Today, most people use beer as, well, a beverage. However, there are a few other uses for your favorite brew that you might not be aware of.

Africa is the second largest continent on the planet, and is also the second most populous, coming in second behind Asia. However, it's also the least developed and the least invaded by mega-corporations. There are still many African tribes that live the same way their ancestors did for thousands of years before, including the way they brew their beer.

Beer is brewed using only a few ingredients. Water, yeast, malt and hops form the core of all beer varieties. Beer has also long been known to provide health benefits (which are now being borne out by the medical community).

American beer drinkers once had only watery, weak options when it came to their beer choices. However, the rise of craft brewing has changed that irrevocably and consumers today have access to a very wide range of beer options with a variety of different characteristics. In fact, sampling the various styles of beer out there can be an incredible experience.

Once upon a time, beer branding efforts were rather mundane. You had recognizable can and bottle designs that consumers could easily recognize in the grocery store cooler, but there was little beyond that. Part of the reason for this lack of diversity in the past was the simple fact that there was very little in the way of competition.