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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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Navigating Beer Culture: Understanding Craft Preferences Without the Snob Label
Have you ever felt the odd pressure of being labeled a “beer snob” simply for opting for a craft beer over a mainstream lager? Recently, I found myself in a situation that highlighted the stark divide between craft beer aficionados and those who lean towards more traditional brews.
During a dinner outing with some colleagues, I confidently ordered the house IPA when the server came around for drink choices. Almost instantly, I was met with an exaggerated reaction as if I had just made an extravagant wine selection for my meal. One coworker even remarked how he preferred not to overcomplicate his beer experience, opting instead for what he deemed a “normal” beer. His choice? A Stella Artois, which he claimed exuded sophistication due to its imported status.
This sparked an impromptu debate where I attempted to share my passion for the complexity of craft beer. I found myself explaining that hops and unique flavors are natural components of beer, not gimmicks. Yet, my coworker seemed convinced that anything outside of popular brands like Bud Light was pretentious. Ironically, he was paying a slightly higher price for his “premium” lager that tasted remarkably similar to a mainstream beer he was criticizing.
It’s a puzzling dynamic where simply wishing for a flavorful beer can lead to weird judgments. How do you engage in conversations about beer choices without sounding like you’re looking down on someone’s preferences? I wasn’t trying to start a debate; I just wanted a beer that offered a rich taste experience rather than sticking strictly to what’s considered ‘normal.’
Does anyone else find themselves defending their craft beer selections to those who think a Corona with lime is the pinnacle of exotic? It can be disheartening to have your taste dismissed as pretentious simply because it diverges from the norm. If you’ve navigated similar conversations, how do you maintain your love for craft beer while keeping things light and enjoyable? Let’s share our experiences and perhaps uncover tips for enjoying our choices without the snobbery!