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Embracing Craft Beer: Navigating the Snobbery

Have you ever felt the need to justify your beer choices in a social setting? If you’ve opted for a craft beer over a macro lager, you might know exactly what I’m talking about. Just recently, I found myself in a situation that perfectly encapsulated this phenomenon.

During a dinner outing with colleagues, I confidently ordered the house IPA, only to face a wave of judgment from one coworker who made it clear they believed anything beyond a pale lager was just a tad too sophisticated. This individual’s response was almost comical, as he launched into a diatribe about how he prefers “normal beer” and dismissively ordered a Stella Artois, claiming its imported status elevated it above my craft choice.

What puzzled me was not just the contradiction in his logic, but the idea that my love for hops and varied flavors somehow branded me as a “beer snob.” It’s reminiscent of that old trope where a wine connoisseur gets shamed for not sticking with the popular options. As I attempted to explain the artistry behind craft brewing, it became evident that my passion for flavor—rather than the blandness of macro brews—was lost on him. In his eyes, the price tag of my local brewery’s IPA made it “pretentious,” while he happily shelled out a couple of extra dollars for a lager that bore a striking resemblance to many generic American beers.

So, how do you navigate these conversations without coming across as an elitist? It’s a tricky balance. I always strive to make it clear that my choice is a simple pursuit of flavor rather than a societal statement. Unfortunately, it seems that simply ordering a well-crafted IPA can label you as part of the “craft beer elite.”

For all the fellow enthusiasts out there, have you ever been put in a position where you had to passionately defend your beer preferences? How do you respond to friends who consider anything outside of a light lager to be exotic? It’s disheartening to think that for some, a slice of lime in a Corona might be seen as cutting-edge.

Finding common ground in our preferences can be complicated, but let’s remember that beer—be it craft or classic—should ultimately be about enjoyment. Cheers to those who appreciate the nuances of beer, regardless of where they fall on the brewing spectrum!