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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- 57/m: Love beer, but it doesn’t love me as much anymore
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- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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Bridging the Gap: How to Discuss Craft Beer Without Being Pretentious
If you’re passionate about craft beer, you likely understand the intricate flavors, brewing techniques, and the unique experiences each brew can offer. However, conveying this appreciation to friends who may not share the same enthusiasm can be a delicate endeavor. Let’s explore how to have this conversation without sounding condescending or out of touch.
Understanding the Disconnect
Often, when friends casually suggest grabbing “some beer,” they might not consider the plethora of options available beyond the mainstream brands. It can be disheartening to see them opt for inexpensive choices, completely overlooking the rich world of craft beer. The challenge arises when discussing these differences; mentioning hops, fermentation, and diverse flavor profiles can quickly lead to a glazed-over look as friends mentally check out.
The Importance of Approach
To effectively communicate the distinctions between regular beer and craft beer, it’s essential to approach the subject with sensitivity and enthusiasm rather than an air of superiority. Here are some strategies to foster an engaging dialogue:
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Share Personal Experiences: Rather than launching into a lecture about beer varieties, talk about your own journey into the world of craft beer. Share memorable experiences tied to specific brews or breweries. This way, your friends may feel more inclined to relate and become curious.
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Invite Exploration: When planning to hang out, suggest a tasting session or a visit to a local brewery. Instead of bringing your craft beer to a get-together, encourage friends to try a flight of different beers — it’s a more interactive way for them to discover new flavors without feeling overwhelmed.
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Educate through Enthusiasm: If the moment arises where you can discuss beer, do so in a way that emphasizes excitement rather than information overload. For example, instead of detailing the technical aspects of brewing, describe how certain beers might enhance or complement a meal. This draws a connection between the food and the beverage, making it more relatable.
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Avoiding Jargon: Skip the vocabulary that might alienate your friends. Instead of discussing the types of hops, focus on how a particular beer tastes — is it citrusy, spicy, or malty? Connecting flavors to common items (like fruits or dessert) can make the conversation more approachable.
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Respect Their Choices: Ultimately, it’s important to respect your friends’ preferences. While craft beer offers an array of flavors and styles, not everyone will be eager