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 without Being Pretentious
In the world of beverages, few topics ignite as much passion and debate as beer, particularly the distinction between everyday brews and the artisanal varieties known as craft beer. If you’ve ever found yourself in a conversation with friends who casually toss around the term “beer” without a second thought, you might be feeling the urge to clarify the differences without coming across as condescending.
Understanding the Disconnect
Many of us have experienced the moment when friends arrive with a bulk pack of budget-friendly beer and casually suggest heading out for “a beer.” At dinner, when they simply point to the menu and say “I’ll have a beer,” it can be disheartening to realize that their selection doesn’t necessarily reflect the vibrant world of brewing available to us today. You might have brought along a selection of crafted brews to share, only to see your friends take a fleeting sip before returning to their beloved light lagers.
The challenge lies in conveying that beer is not just beer. With countless styles and flavors available, the craft beer movement has introduced adventurous combinations and innovative brewing techniques that offer far more than just a generic label. However, discussing these nuances can sometimes trigger a glazed-over look in your companions, reminiscent of a defensive shield activating against what they perceive as a ‘craft beer lecture.’
Finding Common Ground
So, how can you initiate a conversation about the richness of craft beer without alienating your pals? The key is to approach the topic with enthusiasm rather than authority. Here are some strategies to make this discussion more engaging and relatable:
-
Share Personal Experiences: Rather than delving into technical aspects of brewing or hop varieties, share what drew you into the world of craft beer. Discuss a favorite brewery visit or a memorable tasting experience. Personal stories can be a great way to ignite interest and make connections.
-
Invite Participation: Consider hosting a tasting event or a casual beer sampling session where everyone can explore various styles together. Provide a few options that are approachable yet distinctive, making the experience interactive and enjoyable.
-
Be Observational with Humor: Instead of lecturing, you might lightly joke about your friends’ choices while gently highlighting the differences. A casual comment about how “there’s a whole galaxy of flavors” in craft beer can pique curiosity without sounding preachy.
-
Suggest Pairings: When dining with your friends, suggest