Your cart is currently empty!
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?
Categories
Tags
Social Links
Bridging the Gap: How to Discuss Craft Beer with Friends
Navigating the world of beer can sometimes be a tricky venture, especially when introducing friends to the wonderfully diverse realm of craft beer. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your friends casually refer to grabbing “a beer” without recognizing the distinction between mainstream options and the vibrant universe of craft beers, you’re not alone.
The Everyday Beer Dilemma
Picture this: you’re out with friends, and the conversation shifts to drinks. They’re quick to opt for a generic, budget-friendly 30-pack of light beer, completely overlooking the plethora of flavorful choices available. Or perhaps you’re at a restaurant, and they simply order “a beer” as if that’s the only option on the menu.
You enjoy exploring different types of beer, and last time, you introduced them to a few quality craft brews. However, they took an obligatory sip, only to revert back to their go-to light lager. It can be disheartening to see such a rich landscape of flavors dismissed so easily.
Avoiding Pretentiousness in Craft Beer Conversations
You might feel a strong urge to share your knowledge about hops, brewing techniques, or the nuances of various beer styles, but often, the response is a quick mental exit from the conversation. It’s easy to sense the shift in mood when you mention terms that might sound too technical or, dare we say, pretentious.
However, you don’t have to sacrifice your enthusiasm for craft beer just to avoid sounding snobby. Here are some tips on how to foster open discussions about the benefits and joys of craft beer without alienating your friends:
-
Start with Curiosity: Rather than beginning your conversation from a place of authority, ask your friends what they enjoy about their go-to beers. This sets a conversational tone rather than a lecture.
-
Share Your Experiences: Instead of diving into technical details, share a personal story or experience related to a particular craft beer. Connecting on a personal level can spark interest without feeling condescending.
-
Invite Them to Explore: Organize a tasting session and present craft beers alongside their preferred choices. This allows your friends to experience the differences firsthand, creating a more immersive experience.
-
Use Relatable Language: Instead of technical jargon, focus on flavors and aromas that your friends can understand. Talk about how certain beers might remind them of familiar tastes like fruit or spices.