Navigating the Craft Beer Conversation: Defending Your Choices Without Being a Snob

Have you ever felt a bit of pushback when ordering a craft beer in a social setting? If so, you’re not alone. Recently, I found myself at a dinner with colleagues where I simply ordered the house IPA, and it prompted quite an unexpected reaction.

As the server noted my drink choice, I could sense an eye-roll from one of my companions. “Oh wow, you’re into that craft beer stuff,” he said, almost as if he had discerned that I had just requested a wine pairing for a casual meal. This led to an interesting dialogue about beer preferences, with one person announcing his aversion to anything that veered beyond what he called “normal beer.” Ironically, his choice was a Stella, which he justified as being “imported,” as if that somehow elevated it above the local IPAs.

In the midst of this conversation, I attempted to explain the intricacies of hops and the art behind craft brewing. However, it seemed futile. To my companion, anything outside of a macro lager was an affront to his sensibilities, and he viewed the drink I chose as pretentious. Despite his claims of simplicity, he was paying a couple of bucks more for a product that was basically a heavier version of what I had swatted away easily.

This experience not only left me amused but also made me reflect on how we sometimes find ourselves justifying our tastes in beverages. Is there an unspoken rule that anything beyond a standard beer makes you a connoisseur or a snob? I certainly didn’t intend to make any kind of statement; I was simply seeking a drink with character and flavor.

If you too have faced scrutiny for ordering something unique, you might find it challenging to engage in these discussions without seeming like a beer snob yourself. But there’s no need to defend your choices aggressively. Simply express that your preference leans toward flavors and variety, and that every beer has its merits—be it a classic lager or a juicy IPA.

Ultimately, whether someone’s taste is Corona with a twist of lime or a crafted pale ale, preferences are subjective. Embrace your love for more nuanced flavors, and approach these conversations with an open mind. After all, every beer has its place in the grand tapestry of brewing culture, and it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy the ride to discover them all!