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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
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- # 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 with Friends Without Being Snobby
Navigating the world of beer can be tricky, especially when your friends have a different palette and preference than you. If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where your friends refer to any beer as just “beer” while you’re eager to share the nuances of craft brewing, you’re not alone. So, how can you introduce the idea of craft beer without coming across as pretentious?
Understanding the Divide
There’s an ongoing conversation among beer enthusiasts about the distinction between standard beers and craft varieties. While you might appreciate the depth of flavors, aromas, and brewing methods involved in craft beer, your friends may only see a beverage. When they arrive with a generic 30-pack of a cheap lager or order a “beer” at a restaurant as if it’s the only option on the menu, it can feel disheartening.
Bringing a selection of higher-quality craft brews to a gathering only to watch everyone return to their familiar light lagers can be frustrating. When the topic of hops and brewing water comes up, the glazed-over expressions can make you feel as though you’ve crossed into a realm of snobbery. It’s a common challenge: how to express your love for craft beer without alienating friends.
Finding Common Ground
Instead of diving straight into the complexities of brewing, try to relate the conversation back to shared experiences. Here are a few strategies to make your discussions about craft beer more approachable:
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Share Experiences, Not Lectures: When discussing craft beer, share personal anecdotes about a particular brew or brewery, rather than overwhelming your friends with technical jargon. This makes the conversation relatable and enjoyable.
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Encourage Tasting Together: In a friendly setting, suggest a beer tasting night. Present it as a fun activity where everyone can explore different styles together without any pressure to know everything about beer. This communal approach may spark an interest in discovering new flavors.
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Highlight Flavor Profiles: Instead of focusing on the technical aspects of craft beer, emphasize the taste. Use descriptive language that’s fun and easy for your friends to understand. For instance, say, “This stout has hints of coffee and chocolate,” rather than detailing the brewing process.
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Be Inclusive: Acknowledge their preferences without judgment. There’s room for everyone in the beer community, whether they prefer a classic lager or a complex IPA.