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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
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- 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 Gap: Introducing Craft Beer to Your Friends Without Being Pretentious
Engaging with friends over drinks is a time-honored tradition, but it can become a challenge when different tastes come into play—especially when it comes to beer. If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where your friends casually refer to grabbing “a beer” while casually picking up inexpensive mass-produced options, you might be wondering how to introduce them to the world of craft beer without sounding like a snob.
A Delicate Balance
Imagine this scenario: you’re at a gathering, and while you’re excited to share a selection of flavorful craft beers, your friends arrive with a 30-pack of budget beer. As you watch them politely sample your unique offerings before returning to their preferred brand, it’s easy to feel frustrated. After all, craft beer represents a rich universe of flavors and styles that remain unexplored when your friends stick to the same old standby.
The Struggle for Understanding
When you try to point out the differences—like mentioning hops, brewing methods, or the nuances of various beer styles—you often notice their attention waning. It’s as if the moment you divulge any beer knowledge, a defense mechanism kicks in, and they mentally check out of the conversation, perhaps fearing a lecture on the intricacies of craft brewing.
Discovering Common Ground
So, how can you communicate the distinction between craft beer and regular beer in a way that fosters understanding rather than resistance? Here are some strategies:
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Start with a Story: Share your own journey into the world of craft beer. Talk about your first experience with a unique brew and how it changed your perception of beer. Relatability can spark interest.
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Focus on Flavors: Instead of diving into technical details, discuss the diverse flavors found in craft beer. Highlight the taste profiles—fruity, nutty, or even spicy—that can be discovered. Encourage your friends to explore these flavors together when choosing beers for your next hangout.
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Include Tasting Events: Organize a casual beer tasting with a mix of approachable craft beers and the regular options. Keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed, encouraging everyone to expand their palates in a low-pressure environment.
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Avoid Labeling: Instead of labeling their choices as inferior, frame the conversation around discovery. Use terms like “exploratory” instead of “pretentious” to avoid any defensive reactions