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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 Discuss Craft Beer with Friends
Navigating conversations about beer can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope, especially when it comes to distinguishing between standard brews and craft beers. If you’ve found yourself in social situations where your friends casually refer to beer as a single entity—grabbing a 30-pack of budget lager at the store or ordering the generic option at a restaurant—you are not alone. Many enthusiasts face the challenge of sharing their passion without coming off as condescending.
The Challenge of Communication
It’s all too common to bring a selection of thoughtfully chosen craft beers to a gathering, only to witness your friends take a single sip before returning to their usual fare. You might have experienced this moment of disconnect, where even a mention of hops or brewing methods seems to trigger their “let’s back off” instinct. This can be particularly frustrating when you know there’s a rich world of unique flavors waiting to be explored.
Finding Common Ground
The key to navigating these conversations lies in your approach. Here are a few strategies that can help you share your appreciation for craft beer without sounding pretentious:
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Focus on Flavor, Not Terms: Instead of diving into the jargon of brewing, frame your discussion around flavors. For instance, you could say, “This IPA has a citrusy essence that I really enjoy,” rather than discussing its hops in detail. This makes the conversation more relatable.
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Invite Participation: Host a casual tasting session where everyone can sample different beers. Encourage your friends to explore flavors together instead of making it a lecture. This interactive approach fosters curiosity and engagement.
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Relate to Their Preferences: If your friends prefer lighter beers, suggest craft alternatives that fit their palate. This way, you’re guiding them towards better options without outright criticism of their current choices.
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Use Humor: Light-hearted comments can ease any tension. For example, you might jokingly say, “I love a good beer, but let’s just say there’s more out there than the classic ‘carbonated bread water!’”
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Share Your Experience: Rather than presenting yourself as a beer expert, share your personal journey with beer. Talk about what got you into craft beer, the discoveries you’ve made, and your favorite finds. This conversation style invites them to join your narrative rather than feeling instructed.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration without making