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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 Divide: Explaining Craft Beer to Friends Without Coming Off Pretentious
When it comes to the world of beer, many people view it through a narrow lens that can be quite limiting. Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a situation where your friends casually announce plans to “get beer”, only to arrive with a 30-pack of a budget brand that offers little in terms of flavor. Or, during a night out, they point to the menu, nonchalantly requesting a “beer” as if there’s a single option available.
It can be frustrating, especially when you bring along a selection of craft beers only to watch your friends take a token sip before reverting back to their go-to light lager. The disconnect can feel more pronounced when you start discussing the nuances of hops, brewing techniques, or various beer styles, only to find your friends mentally disengaging as they brace themselves for what could be seen as a “craft beer lecture.”
This raises an important question: How do you articulate the rich diversity within the beer universe without sounding condescending? After all, there is a vast spectrum of flavors—ranging from the fruity depth of a Belgian tripel to the crispness of a well-crafted IPA—that contrast sharply with mass-produced options.
Here are a few tips to help you communicate this difference in a relatable way, making it less about the beer snobbery and more about expanding palates:
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Focus on Experiences, Not Education: Instead of lecturing about hops and malts, share your enthusiasm by discussing the experiences associated with different beers. Describe how certain flavors remind you of specific moments or how pairing a particular beer with food can elevate both.
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Invite Them to Join the Journey: Propose a casual beer tasting at your next get-together. Present it as a fun way to explore different styles rather than a formal education session. Encourage them to take notes on what they like or dislike in a stress-free environment.
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Find Common Ground: If your friends prefer lighter beers, suggest craft options that offer similar profiles but with enhanced flavor. This can bridge the gap and show them that craft beer isn’t as intimidating as it seems.
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Use Humor: Light-hearted jokes about mainstream beers can create a non-judgmental atmosphere. This may help them open up to trying new flavors without feeling like they’re under scrutiny for their choices.
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Lead by Example: When you share your selection, let the