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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 the Beer Snob Label: A Craft Beer Enthusiast’s Dilemma
Have you ever found yourself feeling like a beer connoisseur in a room full of macro lager enthusiasts? You’re not alone! I recently experienced this firsthand during a dinner outing with colleagues. When it came time to order drinks, I opted for the house IPA, excited to indulge in some craft flavors. Little did I know, my choice would spark a chain of bemusement from my dining companions.
As soon as I placed my order, the server shot me a look that hinted at surprise, and suddenly, I was treated like I had just ordered a lavish wine pairing. One coworker couldn’t help but make comments about my apparent fancy taste, asserting that he preferred “normal beers” without all the elaborate flavors. He proceeded to order a Stella, proudly proclaiming it as an imported choice—because, apparently, that somehow elevated his selection above the local brewery’s IPA that I had chosen.
It was a baffling exchange as I tried to explain that hops are a fundamental part of beer, not some obscure additive reserved for snobs. My colleague, however, remained unconvinced, viewing anything outside of Bud Light as unnecessarily extravagant. Ironically, he ended up paying a couple of dollars more for his imported lager, which I couldn’t help but find reminiscent of a heavier lager laced with corn syrup.
The experience left me wondering how to engage in these conversations without coming off as a so-called beer snob. After all, my intention was not to make a statement but merely to savor a brew with distinct flavor. Yet, somehow choosing an IPA or anything beyond the realm of mainstream choices brands you as someone who relishes in an overly sophisticated taste profile.
If you’ve ever felt pressured to defend your preferences in these types of scenarios, know that you are not alone. Many of us face the challenge of appreciating craft beer while navigating the perceptions of those who think that a simple Corona with lime is adventurous. So how do we embrace our love for unique brews without being labeled as pretentious? Perhaps it lies in fostering open conversations about the diversity of beer, sharing knowledge, and encouraging curiosity about different flavors. Cheers to all those who appreciate the art of craft beer, and let’s continue to savor every sip!