Navigating Craft Beer Conversations: When Your Taste Gets Labeled

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where simply selecting a craft beer turns you into a target for judgment by your peers? Not long ago, I went out for dinner with a group of coworkers, and when asked what I would like to drink, I ordered the house IPA. Instead of a simple nod of approval, I was met with surprised glances and the familiar comments that often accompany a craft beer choice.

One coworker exclaimed, “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer stuff!” as if my choice was as extravagant as a wine pairing for a casual chicken sandwich. Meanwhile, another chimed in, insisting that he doesn’t need all those “fancy flavors” and prefers a “normal beer that tastes like beer.” Ironically, he ended up choosing a Stella, which he proudly proclaimed as “imported,” suggesting that it somehow made his selection more refined than the local IPA I was enjoying.

As I attempted to explain my appreciation for hops and the complexity of flavors they bring, it became clear that my words were falling on deaf ears. To him, any beer that wasn’t Bud Light was steeped in pretentiousness. Yet, here he was, paying a premium for a European lager that seemed indistinguishable from a mass-produced American beer.

This experience left me pondering: How do we convey our love for craft beers without being pigeonholed as snobs? I never intended to make a bold statement with my order; I simply sought something that offered genuine flavor and character. However, it seems that selecting anything beyond macro lagers often draws skepticism and even ridicule, as if indulging in an IPA places you firmly in a category of “those craft beer people who relish the taste of Pine Sol and citrus peels.”

Does anyone else find themselves defending their beer choices to individuals who view Corona with a lime as the height of sophistication? It can be exhausting to explain that enjoying craft beer is not about pretension; it’s about savoring a deeper taste experience. As the craft beer movement continues to grow, one can only hope for broader acceptance and appreciation of diverse brewing styles—without the accompanying side-eye. Cheers to enjoying what we love, no matter the label!