Navigating Beer Preferences in a Macro Lager World

Do you ever feel like you’re seen as a beer snob just for opting for something beyond the traditional macro lagers?

Recently, I found myself in a situation that perfectly encapsulates this phenomenon. While dining out with coworkers, I ordered the house IPA after the server took our drink orders. Immediately, I was met with bewildered glances and comments that suggested I was stepping into the realm of pretentiousness by making such a “fancy” choice. One colleague even went so far as to lament his desire for “normal beer,” claiming that he preferred something straightforward rather than a drink with robust flavors. Ironically, he chose a Stella Artois, labeling it as more sophisticated simply because it’s imported.

As I sipped my IPA, which boasts a complex profile of hops and character, I couldn’t help but wonder about the disconnect between our beer choices. I tried to clarify that hops aren’t some bizarre ingredient and merely contribute to the depth of flavor that craft beers offer. Yet, my friend seemed convinced that anything outside of Bud Light veered into the realm of pretentiousness.

It struck me as amusing that he was willing to pay a couple of dollars more for a beer that tasted remarkably similar to mass-produced lagers, all while critiquing my choice as being too elaborate. His interpretation of beer variety appeared to be limited to a Corona with a lime wedge, while in contrast, my simple quest for a flavorful pint classified me as part of an elite “craft beer culture,” a label I never asked for.

This experience left me pondering how to engage in these discussions without appearing elitist. The reality is, I was merely in search of a drink with genuine flavor and craftsmanship—not making a statement about my beer preferences.

Have you ever found yourself defending your choice of brew to those who consider a lime-infused lager adventurous? If so, how do you navigate these conversations without getting branded as a “beer snob”? Sharing our love for diverse beer styles can be challenging when faced with preconceived notions about what constitutes a genuine beer experience. Let’s raise our glasses to the craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate the intricate flavors beyond the mainstream!