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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- 57/m: Love beer, but it doesn’t love me as much anymore
- No Stupid Questions Wednesday – ask anything about beer
- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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Navigating the Craft Beer Conversation: How to Discuss Beer Without Sounding Pretentious
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where you’re surrounded by friends craving a cold brew, only to discover they’re thinking of a 30-pack of the cheapest lager available? It’s a scenario many beer enthusiasts can relate to, and it raises an interesting question: how do you explain the distinction between ‘beer’ and ‘craft beer’ without coming off as a snob?
Recently, I experienced this firsthand. My friends often say, “Let’s grab some beer,” and then show up with a massive case of whatever was on sale. During dinners, some friends will simply point at the beer section of the menu as if there’s only a single choice available. This has led to some eye-rolling moments, especially when I’ve tried to introduce them to more refined options.
At our last gathering, I decided to bring along some high-quality craft beers. I was excited to see their reactions, but I quickly noticed that most of them took just a polite sip before returning to their trusty Natty Light. It was disheartening, especially when I attempted to share my enthusiasm about hops and brewing methods, only to watch their eyes glaze over as they retreated into their comfort zones.
This brings up an important point: can we really pretend that a mass-produced lager and a sophisticated Belgian tripel are in the same league? There’s a whole world of flavors and brewing styles waiting to be explored! Yet, the fear of sounding pretentious often keeps conversations about craft beer at bay.
So, how do we bridge this gap? Here are a few tips:
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Start with Flavor: Instead of diving into technicalities, talk about flavors that everyone can relate to. For instance, you might compare a fruity IPA to a lemonade, making it more relatable to those unfamiliar with beer terminology.
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Share the Experience: Host a casual tasting session. Invite your friends to sample a variety of beers without any pressure. This could encourage them to explore new flavors in a relaxed setting.
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Keep It Light: Use humor and casual language when discussing craft beer. Instead of discussing the nuances of brewing, consider sharing interesting or funny beer facts or stories.
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Be Respectful of Preferences: While it can be tempting to critique someone’s beverage choice, acknowledging their preferences can go a long way. You might say, “I know you love your Natty Light