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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 Beer Gap: How to Talk About Craft Beer with Friends
Navigating the differences between standard beer and craft beer can be quite a challenge, especially when your friends don’t share the same enthusiasm for exploring the rich diversity of flavors in the craft beer world. It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where your friends casually mention grabbing a beer and then show up with a cheap 30-pack, leaving you longing for something more nuanced.
Understanding the Craft Beer Landscape
Let’s face it: the world of beer is vast and varied, encompassing everything from light lagers to robust stouts, and each style has its unique character. When you find yourself at a gathering and present a thoughtfully chosen craft beer only to witness your friends take a hesitant sip and revert back to their go-to options, it can be disheartening.
Avoiding the “Beer Snob” Stereotype
It’s crucial to convey your passion for craft beer without coming off as pretentious. Instead of diving deep into complex terminology or the latest brewing techniques, consider simplifying your approach. Here are some gentle ways to bridge the knowledge gap:
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Start with Flavor Profiles: Instead of discussing hops or brewing intricacies, share your experiences with flavor. You might say, “I recently tried this craft beer that has notes of citrus and caramel; it’s really refreshing!” This invites curiosity rather than defensiveness.
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Suggest a Tasting Experience: Propose a casual beer tasting session. Frame it as a fun activity, emphasizing that it’s all about discovering new flavors together. You could say, “Why don’t we try a few different types of beers next time? It might be interesting to see what we all like!”
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Use Comparisons: Make comparisons with familiar drinks. You could explain, “Craft beers often have more complex flavors than the usual light beers, much like how a fine wine differs from a basic table wine.” This contextualizes the differences without making it seem like an elitist critique.
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Share the Joy, Not the Knowledge: Focus on the excitement of trying new beers rather than lecturing on the intricacies of craft brewing. Highlight the enjoyment and camaraderie that comes from sharing interesting finds with friends.
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Respect Individual Preferences: It’s essential to recognize that everyone has different tastes. If your friends prefer their classic brews, that’s perfectly okay. Encourage open-mindedness by sharing why you enjoy craft