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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 Educate Friends Without Coming Off as a Snob
Have you ever found yourself frustrated when your friends casually refer to any cold beverage as “beer”? You’re eager to sip on something crafted and flavorful, yet they show up with a cheap case of light lager, seemingly oblivious to the rich diversity in the world of brews. As a craft beer enthusiast, it can be challenging to introduce your friends to the nuances of brewing without sounding pretentious or like you’re giving a lecture.
Understanding the Craft Beer Difference
The issue isn’t just about personal taste; it’s about appreciation. When your friends opt for mass-produced options and look to the menu as if there is only one kind of beer, it often feels like they’re missing out on a treasure trove of flavors, aromas, and brewing techniques. Whether you’re enjoying a hoppy IPA or a complex Belgian tripel, the variety and craftsmanship that go into craft beer contrast sharply with the mainstream options.
Share Your Passion, Not a Lecture
So, how do you spark a conversation about this without turning it into a beer snob seminar? Here are a few strategies for discussing the differences without alienating your friends:
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Lead By Offering Samples: Instead of simply discussing great craft beer, bring a few unique varieties to share during your next gathering. A tasting flight can be an engaging way to introduce them to different styles without overwhelming them with jargon.
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Engage Their Curiosity: When they express interest (or even curiosity), share a fun fact or a story behind a beer. People are often more inclined to learn when they feel connected to the experience rather than being bombarded with technical terms.
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Invite Participation: If you’re at a bar or restaurant, suggest they try a flight or a special brew that’s outside their usual choice. Frame it as a fun way to explore together rather than as a correction of their preferences.
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Highlight Flavor Profiles: Focus on the taste experience rather than the technical aspects of brewing. Describing a beer as “fruity” or “coffee-like” may resonate more than diving deep into hops and malts.
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Be Patient: Understand that developing a taste for craft beer takes time. What may seem obvious to you may not be familiar to them. Celebrate their exploration—even if they return to their usual favorites later.
Final Thoughts
In a world bursting with