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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 Beer vs. Craft Beer: How to Broach the Subject with Friends
Beer has long been a staple of social gatherings, but the world of brewing is incredibly diverse, especially when it comes to distinguishing between mainstream beer and craft beer. If you find yourself wanting to introduce your friends to the charming, complex universe of craft beer without coming off as pretentious, you’re certainly not alone.
We’ve all had that experience: you’re at a gathering, and your friends casually ask, “Let’s grab some beer,” only to show up with an inexpensive pack of generic brands. It’s likely frustrating for those of us who appreciate the finer nuances of craft brewing, particularly when dining out and someone merely opts for “a beer” without perusing the diverse offerings on the menu.
Recently, I decided to bring some high-quality craft beers to a get-together. I was genuinely excited for my friends to try them, but after just one polite sip, they reverted immediately to their go-to beer of choice. That moment made it clear that discussing elements like hops or brewing techniques frequently triggers an “information overload” response. You can almost hear the collective groan in their thoughts: “Oh no, here comes the craft beer lecture.”
But is it reasonable to conflate Miller High Life with a complex Belgian tripel? Absolutely not. The spectrum of flavors in the beer universe is vast, and sadly, many are missing out on that rich experience.
So, how can we effectively communicate this without seeming condescending? Here are some tips:
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Lead by Example: Rather than launching into an explanation, share the experience. Bring some craft beers to your next gathering and let the flavors speak for themselves. You might be surprised at how open they are to trying something new.
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Find Common Ground: Start with flavors or styles they might already enjoy. For instance, if they like lagers, introduce them to a well-crafted pilsner. This makes the conversation more relatable and less intimidating.
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Share Stories: Craft beer communities often have fascinating backstories about the brewing process. Sharing these anecdotes can pique your friends’ interest without overwhelming them with technical jargon.
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Keep It Casual: Instead of framing it as a lecture, engage them in casual conversation about the differences in beer types. Ask about their preferences and relate them to craft options that might suit their taste.
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Be Patient: Change doesn’t happen overnight. Introducing friends to