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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: Craft Beer vs. Regular Beer
Have you ever found yourself surrounded by friends who casually toss around the term “beer” without acknowledging the rich universe of options available? If so, you might relate to my recent experiences. It’s not uncommon for friends to suggest grabbing a “beer,” only for them to show up with a budget-friendly 30-pack of whatever happens to be on sale. Or perhaps you’re dining out, and a friend simply points to a generic option on the menu without considering the myriad of craft alternatives.
At a recent gathering, I thought I would share some quality craft selections, but I quickly realized I had misjudged my audience. My friends sipped tentatively on the flavorful offerings I provided, only to return to their familiar go-to, the light lagers they usually enjoy. It was a curious moment—watching their enthusiasm fade the instant I introduced concepts like hops or brewing techniques.
This response is understandable; the moment I shared my passion for craft beer, I could see them retreating into a mental safe space, perhaps bracing for what they feared might be a lengthy discussion on the nuances of brewing.
I find myself questioning whether I should simply accept that their tastes lead them to prefer what seems like flavorless options over the delightful complexity of craft beers. Can we really compare mainstream brands like Miller High Life to a complex Belgian tripel?
The truth is, there is a vast array of flavors just waiting to be explored, yet many remain content with options that often taste more like bubbly water than the rich, crafted experiences available in the craft beer realm.
If you’ve encountered this scenario, how did you navigate the conversation? How do you express your enthusiasm for craft beer without coming across as overly pretentious or dismissive of your friends’ preferences? I’d love to hear your tips for bridging the gap between casual beer lovers and those who appreciate craft beer’s intricate nature.