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The Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating the Stigma of Beer Choices

Do you ever feel like you’re perceived as a “beer snob” simply for choosing something other than a mainstream lager? If so, you’re not alone.

Recently, I enjoyed a dinner outing with friends when the moment of truth came: the waiter approached to take drink orders. Without hesitation, I opted for the house IPA, a classic choice for those who appreciate a little more complexity in their brews. However, my selection was met with an immediate sense of bewilderment from my companions. One colleague remarked with a smirk, “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer stuff!” as if I had just requested a wine tasting to accompany my casual meal.

Another chimed in, dismissing anything beyond his beloved macro lager while insisting he only wanted “normal beer that tastes like beer.” Ironically, he chose a Stella—a beverage often touted as “imported,” which, in his mind, elevated it above my locally crafted IPA, despite both being vastly different in flavor profiles and brewing intentions.

While I attempted to enlighten my colleague that hops are not some mysterious ingredient, but rather a crucial aspect of many beers, he remained steadfast in his belief that anything outside the realm of Bud Light is unnecessarily complex. All the while, he happily forked over a couple of extra dollars for his glossy European lager that bore a striking similarity to an American pale lager, minus the appeal of local craftsmanship.

Honestly, I didn’t set out to make a statement; I simply craved something with a bit more character and flavor. Yet, it seems that for some, ordering an IPA or any craft beer turns you into a member of an exclusive club, often referred to as “those craft beer folks who enjoy flavors that resemble strange cleaning products or citrus peels.”

Have you ever found yourself in these situations, defending your choice to enjoy diverse flavors while others view Corona with lime as the height of exotic? It can be a challenge to advocate for your preferences without coming off as pretentious, but remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy the art of brewing and the wide array of choices available.

So, how do you navigate these conversations gracefully? Perhaps next time, embracing the diversity of beer culture and sharing your passion can turn a moment of judgment into an opportunity for understanding. Cheers to enjoying the flavors that resonate with us, regardless of others’ perceptions!