Great craft beer?

What makes a truly great craft beer?  While a majority of the experience can depend on the beer of choice, setting, company and presentation are the three main factors I would investigate to ensure a peak experience.

Consider this;

Setting - You probably wouldn't sit down to open a rare, limited release bottle of bourbon barrel-aged stout on a sweltering afternoon on the patio, with a plate of fish tacos, in a large group of people.  A bottle such as this would be best served with a close friend, a cigar or a chocolate souffle and an overstuffed leather chair.

Company - Consider the palate of those you share a craft beer with.  I recommend avoiding the attempt to enjoy something of extreme quality with a couple of Milwaukee's Best swigging sidekicks.  If you were fortunate to get a bottle of Deschutes latest collaboration, Collage, it would be best served in a snifter at room temperature rather than ice cold, shotgun-style with a bunch of college buddies.

Presentation - Just as in serving a fine bottle of wine or an aged cheese, presentation is everything.  A carefully selected crafted beer should be no different.  Use the appropriate glassware and if serving with food, do a little research on the best types of food with which to pair.  Great Divide is a great example of a brewery who places these items on the label of each bottle and knowing so will make the experience that much greater.

With that in mind, it's time to venture out of your comfort zone.  Make a trip to a specialty beer shop and treat yourself to a new experience in the craft beer world.

Cheers