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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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Understanding the Craft Beer Difference: Navigating Conversations with Friends
When it comes to enjoying a good drink, there’s a marked difference between standard beer and its more artisanal counterpart, craft beer. However, explaining this distinction to friends who may not share your enthusiasm for brewing nuances can be a delicate task.
It’s not uncommon to find a group heading to a local spot with a casual, “Let’s get beer,” only to be met with a 30-pack of budget-friendly options. Whether it’s at a casual backyard gathering or a nice dinner, it can feel disheartening when friends simply order “a beer,” as if there’s only one kind available.
Recently, I brought a selection of well-crafted beers to a gathering, only to witness a series of polite sips before everyone returned to their go-to brands. The moment I began discussing the intricacies of hops or the brewing process, I could almost see their interest wane. It’s as if mentioning anything about the craft beer experience flipped a switch that signaled them to brace for a long-winded lecture.
This raises an important question: Should I really overlook the rich diversity in beer types? Can we honestly compare a mass-produced lager with a complex Belgian tripel? It’s like comparing apples to oranges; the flavor profiles and brewing methods are light years apart. I can’t help but feel that they are missing out on an entire world of taste simply by sticking to what’s familiar.
So, how do you navigate these conversations without sounding like a snob? Here are a few strategies:
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Focus on the Experience: Instead of explaining the technical aspects, share your personal experiences with different flavors. Discuss the enjoyment of pairing specific beers with food or how a unique brew might suit different occasions.
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Be Inclusive: Invite friends to join you in trying something new. Make it a fun group activity to explore local breweries or beer tastings. This way, it becomes a social event rather than a lecture.
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Share the Journey: Explain your own journey with beer appreciation. You weren’t always a craft beer enthusiast, and that can help them feel more open to learning without feeling judged.
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Keep it Light: Use humor to ease any tension. Phrases like, “I used to think all beer was the same too until I stumbled upon this delicious world!” can lighten the mood while still making your point.
In essence, bridging the gap between standard beer and craft beer