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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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Bridging the Gap: Educating Friends on the Distinctions Between Beer and Craft Beer
Navigating conversations about beer with friends can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. You want to share your passion for craft beer without coming across as a pretentious connoisseur. Many enthusiasts find themselves in similar situations, especially when their friends opt for the cheapest options at the store or make generic choices at restaurants.
Imagine this: you’re out with your friends, and the conversation rolls around to drinks. Someone suggests, “Let’s get some beer,” only to show up later with a 30-pack of a low-cost lager. Or during dinner, someone orders simply “a beer” as if there’s only one kind available. You’ve likely experienced that disappointing moment when you bring a carefully selected brew to share, only to see your friends take a sip and return to their usual go-to of mass-produced light beers.
The moment you mention nuances like hops, brewing techniques, or specific flavor profiles, you can almost hear their brains clicking into “defensive” mode. Their responses suggest they’re just not ready for a deep dive into the complexities of craft beer.
So how do you convey that there’s more to the beer world than what they currently know? First, it might help to approach the topic casually. Instead of launching into technical jargon, share your enthusiasm in a relatable way. Perhaps mention interesting stories about where certain beers come from or unique flavors you’ve encountered that could intrigue them.
Consider organizing a tasting night where everyone can sample a variety of beers, ideally pairing them with food. This not only offers a fun social experience but also introduces them to the diversity and richness of craft beer without qualifying it as a lecture.
Be understanding of their preferences but also invite them to explore. After all, beer is meant to be enjoyed, and with so many types available, there’s bound to be a craft option that resonates with their palate.
Have you faced similar challenges in sharing your love for craft beer? What strategies have you found effective in bridging the gap between mainstream staples and the exciting world of craft brews? Let’s start a conversation about how we can spread appreciation for the art of brewing without sounding pretentious.