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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 Craft Beer Gap: How to Discuss Beer Knowledge with Friends
As a craft beer enthusiast, you may have found yourself in a situation where your friends casually dismiss the rich world of beer, opting instead for mass-produced options without a second thought. Picture this: you’re hanging out with friends, discussing plans for a good time, and someone suggests grabbing “beer.” However, when they show up with a 30-pack of the cheapest option available, it can feel disheartening to all those beautiful flavors and nuanced brews you enjoy.
It’s common to find ourselves in a predicament where our desires for quality and craft collide with the prevailing mindset of our social circles. After all, how do you convey the distinction between a simple lager and a meticulously crafted Belgian tripel without coming across as pretentious or overzealous?
When your friends point at the menu and request just “a beer,” it’s hard not to feel exasperated, especially when you’ve curated a selection of distinct and flavorful brews for the gathering. You may have even witnessed the awkward silence that follows when someone takes a polite sip of your carefully chosen beer, only to return to their favored light lagers. It’s as if they have a built-in defense mechanism against any talk of hops, malts, and brewing techniques.
So, where do you start to bridge this gap? Here are a few strategies to express your passion for craft beer in a way that’s engaging rather than alienating:
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Share the Experience, Not the Lecture: Instead of launching into a detailed breakdown of brewing processes, why not invite your friends to appreciate the experience? Organize a tasting session where you introduce them to a variety of flavors and styles. Frame it as an enjoyable adventure rather than a class.
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Use Relatable References: Consider comparing craft beers to flavors or experiences your friends are already familiar with. For instance, if they enjoy a particular soda or snack, draw parallels to the taste profiles of craft beers. This can pique their interest without sounding condescending.
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Encourage Exploration: Invite them to join you on a trip to a local brewery or craft beer bar. Often, a casual visit where they can sample different options will spark curiosity and appreciation without the pressure of discussion.
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Mildly Challenge Their Norms: In a lighthearted manner, you can suggest alternatives when they say, “I’ll just take a beer.” Ask