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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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Bridging the Beer Gap: How to Discuss Craft Beer Without Sounding Snooty
Navigating the conversation about beer with friends can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your pals casually say they want to grab “beer,” only to show up with a twenty-four-pack of light lager for less than the price of a pizza, you’re certainly not alone.
It can be disheartening to bring along a carefully curated selection of craft beers to a gathering, only to watch your friends take a cautious sip before returning to their go-to cheap options. Your enthusiasm for quality brews can feel like it’s met with a deafening silence, especially when any mention of hops or brewing techniques seems to trigger a collective yawn as they disengage from the discussion.
So, how can you convey the distinctiveness of craft beer without coming off as pretentious? Here are some tips to strike the right balance:
1. Lead by Example
Instead of diving into complex brewing terms, why not share your passion through experience? Organize a casual beer tasting night with a variety of craft beers. Allow your friends to explore a range of flavors—from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts—without overwhelming jargon. Encourage tasting and discussion about what they enjoy or dislike about each selection, fostering an open dialogue.
2. Focus on Flavor Profiles
When discussing craft beer, stick to the fundamental aspects that can appeal to everyone—flavor and aroma. Talk about how different styles can enhance meals or pair well with certain foods. This approach makes the conversation more relatable and rooted in everyday experiences rather than technical jargon.
3. Use Humor Lightly
Inject a little humor into the conversation! Share quirky anecdotes about your own beer journey, or playfully poke fun at the misconceptions surrounding mass-produced beer versus craft varieties. Laughter can ease any tension and make it less about a debate and more about shared enjoyment.
4. Create an Inviting Environment
When introducing craft beer to your group, ensure that the atmosphere is relaxed and non-threatening. Highlight the enjoyment aspect rather than the elitist perception. Remember that there’s a time for pretentiousness, but casual hangouts usually aren’t it.
5. Be Patient and Understanding
Recognize that not everyone has the same level of interest in beer as you do. Craft beer enthusiasts may be passionate, but that doesn’t mean everyone else shares that fervor.