Navigating the Craft Beer Debate: Why Preferences Matter

When it comes to beer choices, a curious phenomenon seems to occur—ordering anything outside of a macro lager may lead to you being labeled a beer snob. Recently, I had a dinner outing with colleagues that perfectly illustrated this scenario.

As the server approached me for my drink selection, I confidently ordered the house IPA, anticipating a flavorful experience. However, the immediate reaction was surprising. One coworker dropped the comments like, “Wow, you really dive deep into that craft beer stuff,” as if I had just requested a sommelier.

This person proceeded to brag about his choice of Stella, insisting that he preferred a “normal beer that tastes like beer,” as if the mere act of choosing an imported lager elevated his status. Here’s a twist: Stella might seem sophisticated, but it’s hardly a radical departure from the very craft beer he dismissed as pretentious.

In the midst of this, I found myself explaining that hops aren’t an obscure ingredient that’s out-of-touch or elitist. Still, my explanation fell on deaf ears. Meanwhile, he was shelling out a couple of extra dollars for a beer that, at its core, bore a striking resemblance to the sweeter, less complex brews I usually try to avoid.

It’s baffling how some people equate their comfort zone of mainstream beers with authenticity, while anything beyond that is deemed ‘fancy.’ Ordering a simple IPA is enough to garner a label that places me in the category of craft beer enthusiasts obsessed with off-beat flavors, such as “Pine Sol and clementine peels.”

Have you found yourself in similar conversations, where your choice of ale leaves others in disbelief? It can be challenging to have these discussions without appearing overly zealous or defensive about your preferences. The truth is, I simply wanted a drink that offered some complexity and taste, not to make a statement about the beverage hierarchy.

It’s important to remember that every beer lover has their own palate and reasons behind their selections. Whether you enjoy a refreshing macro lager or prefer a bold craft IPA, embracing the diversity in beer choices is what makes this hobby so enjoyable. After all, it’s not about snobbery; it’s about savoring flavors that resonate with you.

Let’s embrace the world of beer together and celebrate the myriad tastes available, rather than sulk in the old plates of what constitutes a “real” beer! Have your own tales