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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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The Craft Beer Conversation: Navigating Prejudice and Preferences
Have you ever felt like a beer aficionado for simply opting for something other than the usual mass-produced lagers? Recently, while dining out with colleagues, I found myself in a situation that many craft beer lovers can relate to. When the server approached, I eagerly ordered the house IPA, hoping to enjoy its hoppy flavor profile. Almost immediately, I was met with an eyebrow-raising response — a stereotypical “craft beer enthusiast” label that felt completely unwarranted.
One of my companions expressed his disdain for what he called “fancy flavors,” insisting he simply wanted “a normal beer that tastes like beer.” Ironically, he chose a Stella Artois, presumably under the impression that its foreign label elevated its status above local brews. As he sipped on his “imported lager,” which tasted not much different from a macro option, I couldn’t help but reflect on the disparity between our choices.
It was a curious moment for me, trying to explain the virtues of hops and the intricacies of craft brewing to someone who perceived anything beyond Bud Light as pretentious. This individual was unknowingly spending more on a beer that, while marketed as premium, offered a flavor profile reminiscent of mass-produced options laden with corn syrup. Yet, here I was, simply aiming for a more flavorful option, and suddenly I was on the defensive.
This leads to an interesting question: How can one engage in these conversations about beer preferences without being labeled a snob? I wasn’t trying to make a statement; my goal was simply to enjoy a drink that wasn’t dull or uninspiring. Alas, it seems that expressing an appreciation for craft beer can sometimes lead to ridicule, with phrases like “you must enjoy the taste of Pine Sol and clementine peels” used to dismiss my choices.
Are you also caught in the crossfire of defending your beer preferences to those who consider a Corona with lime an adventurous choice? If so, know that you’re not alone. Many enthusiasts face similar challenges when discussing the merits of craft beer versus its macro counterparts. Let’s celebrate the diversity of options available and take pride in our palates, even if it means occasionally navigating judgment calls along the way. Cheers to flavorful brews and the conversations they inspire!