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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 Craft: Navigating Beer Conversations with Friends
When it comes to enjoying a good drink, the conversation often revolves around a single word: beer. However, for those who appreciate the nuances of craft beer, the distinction between a standard lager and a meticulously brewed IPA can be vast. As many of us have experienced, trying to share this passion with friends who are less informed—or perhaps indifferent—can lead to moments of frustration or misunderstanding.
Recently, I found myself in a familiar situation with my friends. Instead of the usual enthusiastic gathering, they casually suggested, “Let’s grab some beer,” only to arrive with a budget-friendly 30-rack that barely contained the essence of what beer could be. Or, during dinners, the nonchalant point at the menu with a simple request for “a beer” left me longing for a more enriching experience.
At my last gathering, I attempted to bring some quality craft beers, hoping to expand everyone’s palate. However, the response was underwhelming. With just a polite sip taken before reverting back to their go-to Natty Light, it became apparent that my efforts were met with indifference.
As soon as I opened up about the intricacies of hops, brewing processes, or flavor profiles, I could practically see their interest dissipate. It was as if I had triggered an alarm, signaling the onset of an unwelcome lecture on craft beer—classic defensive behavior.
So, how does one convey the richness of craft beer without coming across as a snob? Here are a few strategies that might help bridge the gap between beer enthusiasts and their more casual counterparts:
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Lead with Curiosity: Rather than diving into the technical aspects, ask your friends what they enjoy in flavors. This opens the door for a collaborative exploration rather than a lecture.
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Offer a Taste Test: Organize a casual gathering where you provide a selection of local craft beers alongside their typical choices. Encourage friendly comparisons and discussions about flavors and smells.
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Create a Story: Share interesting anecdotes about the beers or breweries. People are often more engaged when they hear about the creators or the unique journey behind a brew.
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Be Patient: Understand that not everyone may be ready to jump into the craft beer world. Acceptance is key; sometimes, it’s best to enjoy simpler choices with friends rather than creating divides.
Remember, there’s a whole world of flavors waiting to be explored, and while it may feel disheartening to