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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
- Does anyone else feel guilty drinking beer alone because it’s supposed to be a social experience?
- I’m new to drinking beer and I need some suggestions.
- Cleaning house and found a 10-15 year old bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, which I think no longer exists. What are the chances it’s drinkable, as in not holding my nose drinkable?
- I’m new to drinking beer and I need some suggestions.
- Tried Dragon’s Milk and loved it, any other dark/milk stout recommendations?
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Navigating the Craft Beer Conversation with Friends
As a craft beer enthusiast, engaging with friends who have a more traditional view of beer can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. If you’ve experienced the awkwardness of trying to discuss the difference between ‘beer’ and ‘craft beer’ without coming across as pretentious, you’re certainly not alone.
Picture this: you’re with your friends, and they suggest grabbing some beer. When they arrive with a cheap 30-pack, your heart sinks a little. Or at dinner, when someone simply points to the menu and asks for “a beer,” you can’t help but notice the limited options they see.
Recently, I brought along some well-crafted brews to a gathering, only to witness everyone take a hesitant sip before reverting to their usual go-to, the universally popular Natty Light. It’s clear that the appreciation for flavor and complexity in beer doesn’t resonate with everyone, especially when I casually start talking about hops or brewing methods. In those moments, you can almost see their minds switch off—an automatic response to what they perceive as a ‘craft beer lecture.’
So, how do you bridge that gap without sounding snooty?
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Find Common Ground: Instead of launching straight into the differences, start with shared experiences. Ask your friends about their favorite types of beer or the last one they enjoyed. This cultivates a natural conversation about preferences rather than an educational seminar.
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Introduce Gradually: When it comes to tasting, present craft beers in a casual setting. Try hosting a tasting session with a few curated options alongside popular brands. This way, they can compare and contrast without feeling overwhelmed.
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Keep It Fun: Encourage a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can express their opinions, even if they favor light beers. You might be surprised by how open they can be to trying new flavors when there’s no pressure involved.
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Be an Enthusiastic Guide, Not a Teacher: Share your passion for craft beer through personal stories or anecdotes about your favorite brews. Instead of focusing on the technicalities of brewing, talk about the experiences and memories that come with each sip.
By approaching the conversation with enthusiasm rather than pretension, you can gently guide your friends towards a broader appreciation for craft beer, showcasing that there’s a vibrant world of flavors beyond their usual fare.
Have you had any success in helping friends discover the depths of craft beer? Share your strategies and experiences in