What to Look for in Craft Beer Labels

Walking down the craft beer aisle can feel like flipping through an art gallery—bold colors, quirky names, and wild illustrations everywhere. But beyond the eye-catching designs, those labels actually tell you a lot about what’s inside the can or bottle. Whether you’re new to craft beer or just want to make more informed choices, here’s what to look for when reading a craft beer label.

1. Style of Beer
First things first: the style of beer should always be clearly labeled. IPA? Stout? Saison? Pilsner? Each style comes with different expectations—flavor profiles, body, bitterness, and alcohol content. If you love hop-forward beers, IPAs will likely be your go-to. Prefer something rich and chocolatey? A stout or porter might be more your speed. Knowing the style helps set the tone before you even crack it open.

2. ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
This tells you how strong the beer is. Most craft beers fall in the 4–8% ABV range, but some double IPAs or barrel-aged brews can hit 10% or higher. A lower ABV usually means a lighter, more sessionable beer, while higher ABV beers are richer, more complex, and better sipped slowly. Always good to know what you’re getting into!

3. IBU (International Bitterness Units)
Not every label includes this, but if it does, it’s a nice bonus. The IBU scale tells you how bitter the beer is. A low IBU (10–20) means smooth and mellow—think lagers or wheat beers. A high IBU (60+) means bitter, hoppy flavors, commonly found in IPAs and pale ales. If you’re sensitive to bitterness, this number is your friend.

4. Brewery Info & Location
Craft beer is all about local pride. Labels usually include the brewery’s name and location. This not only tells you where the beer was made, but also lets you support local or regional businesses. Many beer lovers enjoy discovering breweries from specific areas, especially those known for standout brews (like Colorado, just saying!).

5. Tasting Notes or Descriptors
Look for words like “citrusy,” “malty,” “dry-hopped,” “roasty,” or “crisp.” These quick descriptions give you a peek at the beer’s personality. You might also see terms like “unfiltered,” “barrel-aged,” or “fruit-forward.” These notes help guide your expectations and make it easier to choose a beer that suits your taste.

6. Ingredients (Sometimes)
Not all breweries list ingredients, but some will include fun additions like blood orange, coffee, cacao nibs, or exotic hops. If you’re into flavor experimentation, these labels can lead you to your next favorite.

7. Can or Bottle Date
Freshness matters! Especially for hop-forward beers like IPAs. Check for a packaging or “best by” date on the bottom or side of the label. The fresher, the better—hops lose their punch over time.

Bottom Line:
A great craft beer label does more than look cool—it gives you the info you need to find the perfect pour. Next time you stop by Boone’s, take a closer look at those labels. The right one might lead you to your new favorite brew.