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The Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating Conversations About Preferences

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where ordering a craft beer leads to raised eyebrows and judgmental comments? It seems that whenever I opt for something a little more flavorful than a standard macro lager, I enter into an unspoken realm of pretentiousness—at least in the eyes of some.

Recently, I went out for dinner with colleagues, and when it came time to choose a drink, I confidently requested the house IPA. The reaction was immediate and telling; I was met with a chorus of disbelief, as if I had committed a culinary crime. One coworker remarked, “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer scene,” as if ordering an IPA was equivalent to ordering an extravagant wine pairing with a simple sandwich.

The conversation quickly took a turn when one individual chimed in, declaring his preference for “normal” beer. He then proceeded to order a Stella Artois, claiming it was a superior choice because it was “imported.” This baffled me, as I couldn’t understand how choosing a mainstream European lager was any less of a choice than my local brewery IPA, which offers a multitude of aromas and flavors derived from hops—not some mystical, abstract ingredient.

While I tried to clarify that hops are a natural part of brewing rather than some pretentious novelty, he remained firm in his belief that anything outside the realm of Bud Light was simply over-the-top. Here he was, spending a couple of extra dollars on a beer that tasted akin to a heavier version of his go-to, while I enjoyed a far more complex and enjoyable beverage.

This experience left me pondering: How can one navigate these conversations without being seen as a “beer snob”? All I wanted was a drink with character and taste, yet choosing an IPA subjected me to the label of an elitist craft beer enthusiast. It’s somewhat disheartening to realize that for some, ordering anything but a tagline brand is an act of defiance against the beer they perceive as “normal.”

Does anyone else find themselves defending their choice of brews against those who think a Corona with lime is adventurous? It can be daunting to express appreciation for craft beer without being pigeonholed. After all, enjoying diverse flavors should be a celebration, not a point of contention. Let’s raise our glasses to those who dare to explore the rich tapestry of craft brews, no matter what others may say!