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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 the Distinction Between Beer and Craft Beer: How to Share Your Passion Without Coming Off as Pretentious
Navigating social situations with friends who have a limited appreciation for beer can be a delicate task. You might find yourself confronted with the all-too-familiar scenario where your friends casually suggest grabbing “a beer,” only to return with a generic brand that hardly reflects the rich diversity of brews available.
It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve curated a selection of craft beers to share—only to watch your friends take a tentative sip, nod politely, and revert back to their standard fare. The moment you begin to talk about the complexities of hops or the brewing process, you can sense the shift in energy; they seem to disengage, perhaps even mentally preparing for what they perceive as an impending lecture on the nuances of craft beer.
But here’s the conundrum: Are you meant to accept the idea that all beer is created equal? With a world full of unique flavors and styles awaiting discovery, it can be disheartening to see friends settle for options that taste more like “carbonated bread water” than a truly enjoyable beverage.
So, how can you communicate the difference between standard beer and craft beer without coming off as condescending? Here are a few strategies:
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Share Your Enthusiasm: Instead of diving into a detailed explanation about hops or fermentation, express your excitement about trying different beers. Invite them to join you in a tasting experience, emphasizing that there’s much more to explore than just the usual options.
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Suggest Pairing Experiences: Propose a dinner or a casual hangout centered around food and beer pairings. This way, you can highlight how certain craft beers can enhance the flavors of the dishes, making it a fun and enjoyable experience rather than a lecture.
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Keep It Light: Light-hearted conversations about the quirks of beer culture can engage your friends without making them feel overwhelmed. Share interesting anecdotes or trivia about craft breweries that could pique their interest.
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Offer Choices: When hanging out, you could bring a few craft beer options alongside a popular light beer. Let them taste the difference side by side, making it a fun experiment rather than a comparison battle.
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Respect Their Preferences: Finally, it’s important to respect your friends’ choices. If they’re content with their beer of choice, that’s perfectly valid. Instead of trying to change their minds, encourage