In recent years, the craft beer phenomenon has been growing exponentially into a global enterprise. As is the case with most things, this trend started very small and has since gained a considerable amount of attention from beer drinkers all over the world.

Not only has the taste been the talk of the town, but apostles of the craft beer movement have also been raving about the artistically illustrated labels accompanied by the thoughtful descriptive prose that informs potential customers of what the brew tastes like.

There is art all around us. We find it in books, on billboards, on street corners, in museums, on television, and in many other places too. Art has also been displayed on beer cans and bottles, and very impressive art at that.

There is much to be said about the creativity behind the illustrations posted on the labels of different brews. Whether the drawings are extremely intricate or air on the side of simple, the process behind the creations is to be commended, not looked over.

What may be most impressive about these illustrations is the limited space they are given. The men and women behind these creations must curb their drawings to reflect the space they have to exude such awesomeness.

These designs are an integral part of the advertising practices for the different craft breweries. As is with all products, consumers are attracted to those that are visually appealing. As it turns out, beer is no different. Beer drinkers swarm to those craft brews with intriguing labels--- ones with powerful colors and familiar characters with a unique twist.

Perhaps the more absurd the illustration, the more likely people are to purchase. After all, we are visual beings who so often consult our visual cues to pass judgment on things.

In addition to the gifted men and women who create such one-of-a-kind art that represent their respective breweries, it is also important to highlight those men and women who craft the short, yet brilliantly written descriptions of the particular beers.

As if it weren’t yet realized the power words can have on consumers, the craft beer industry has really done a job on showing the extent of this power.

It’s impressive how creatively these writers are able to capture what a customer is sure to find within the 12 oz. bottle (or can ) in his or her hand. These men and women who write these descriptions do so concisely while also incorporating a hint of humor or even some drama to leave a lasting impression.

It is safe to say that beer drinking has become something greater than itself. It has become an occasion. Drinking was always something people did at events so as to participate in the social scene, and this still rings true today.

But even more, drinking itself has become the event. Beer lovers have traveled to different cities and states to get a sneak peak of different craft breweries and the masterminds behind their unique taste.

Those new to the craft beer scene are sure to find among the crowd veterans who are more than willing to show them the ropes. The emergence of craft beer around the world has created a far-reaching community full of individuals who are all about sharing new found breweries in unknown places.