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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
- No Stupid Questions Wednesday – ask anything about beer
- 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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Navigating Beer Conversations: How to Share Your Craft Beer Passion Without Sounding Pretentious
As craft beer enthusiasts, many of us have experienced a common dilemma: how to discuss the joys of craft beer with friends who stick to the basics. It often feels like an uphill battle when your friends casually say, “Let’s grab some beer,” and show up with a 30-pack of the cheapest option available. Or when dining out, they simply order a “beer” as if it’s a one-size-fits-all selection.
During a recent gathering, I decided to introduce my friends to some quality craft brews. I hoped to share the delights of brews with complex flavors and unique aromas. However, I noticed they took a single sip of the carefully chosen selections before promptly returning to their usual light lagers. It’s disheartening to watch such potential enjoyment go unnoticed.
Every time I attempt to share a bit of knowledge about hops, brewing techniques, or the artistry behind a well-crafted beer, I can almost see their interest fade away. It’s as if I’ve triggered an automatic response – a defense mechanism against what they consider a “beer lecture.”
But here’s the question that lingers: Should I really overlook the distinction between a mass-produced lager and a rich Belgian tripel? The beer world is filled with diverse flavors, yet they seem content with their carbonated companions.
So, how can we bridge this gap? Here are a few strategies that might help you introduce your friends to the wonderful world of craft beer without coming across as superior or condescending:
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Find Common Ground: Instead of dismissing their choices outright, try to find styles of craft beer that align with their tastes. If they enjoy light lagers, suggest a crisp pilsner or a refreshing wheat beer to start.
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Keep it Casual: Introduce craft beer in a relaxed setting. Rather than a lecture on the intricacies of brewing, casually share why you enjoy certain brews. Relate it to experiences or meals, making it more relatable.
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Plan a Tasting: Host a fun beer tasting event. Curate a selection of diverse styles and encourage everyone to try a small sample. Emphasize exploration and enjoyment rather than expertise.
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Use Humor: If the topic arises, consider using humor to ease any tension. Light-hearted comments can disarm defensiveness and open the door to curiosity.
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