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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 Gap: How to Talk About Beer and Craft Beer with Friends
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation with friends about beer, only to realize there’s a significant disconnect in how you define your options? If you’ve ever had your companions suggest grabbing “a beer” while they’re referring to a basic mass-produced option, you’re not alone. Many enthusiasts struggle to share their passion for craft beer without coming across as pretentious.
It’s often a familiar scene: your friends excitedly suggest a beer outing, only to show up with an inexpensive, generic brand. Or worse, when dining out, they casually order “a beer” as if there is only one type available. You might bring along a selection of thoughtfully crafted brews, hoping to expand their horizons, but you watch as they take a single sip and revert back to their usual staples.
As you attempt to share your knowledge of hops, brewing methods, and the delightful complexity of various styles, you may notice your friends switching into a defensive mode, visibly tuning out. This phenomenon of beer “snobbery” can put a damper on your enthusiasm, especially when you recognize the vast universe of flavors available beyond the familiar taste of light lagers.
So, how do you discuss the nuances of beer without sounding condescending? Here are some tips to help you strike the right balance:
1. Start with Curiosity
Instead of breaking down the differences right away, engage your friends by asking them about their favorite beers. This opens the door for a broader conversation that feels more like a shared discussion rather than a lecture.
2. Use Relatable Comparisons
When you do discuss craft beer, try using analogies that connect to their experiences. For example, you could compare a rich stout to a decadent dessert rather than diving into technical brewing terminology.
3. Introduce The Experience
Host a casual tasting event where you can showcase different styles of beer. Encouraging them to sample various options can be a fun way to share your passion without it feeling like a lesson.
4. Focus on Flavor
Instead of emphasizing the brewing process, talk about the taste sensations. Questions like “Have you ever tried a beer with caramel notes?” can pique their interest without sounding elitist.
5. Lead by Example
When you enjoy craft beer in your social settings, let your passion naturally resonate with your friends. Your genuine enthusiasm can inspire them to venture beyond