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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 Between Beer and Craft Beer: A Friendly Approach
Navigating the world of beer can be tricky, especially when trying to convey the nuances of craft beer to friends who might not share the same level of enthusiasm. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your friends casually order a generic brew without recognizing the rich diversity that exists within the craft beer scene, you’re not alone. Here’s how to make the distinction without coming across as pretentious.
Initiate a Friendly Conversation
Instead of diving into a detailed explanation about hops, malts, and brewing techniques right from the start, consider fostering a casual conversation. Share a personal anecdote about your journey into craft beer. For example, mention how your palate has evolved over time and how discovering different flavors has enriched your tasting experience. This sets a personal tone and makes your insights feel more relatable.
Organize a Taste Test
Why not turn your next hangout into a fun tasting experience? You could suggest a little beer tasting session featuring a mix of craft beers alongside more mainstream options. This way, you can explore different styles and flavors together. Encourage your friends to describe what they taste—this hands-on approach can spark genuine interest without any condescension.
Use Analogies
When the topic arises, use comparisons to make the difference clearer. For instance, likening craft beer to gourmet food can help draw parallels that everyone understands. Just as a fine dining experience offers a variety of flavors and textures, craft beer provides a spectrum of tastes that can enhance social occasions.
Respect Their Preferences
It’s essential to approach the topic with respect for your friends’ choices. Everyone has different tastes, and just because you appreciate craft beer doesn’t mean others should. Emphasizing that it’s okay to enjoy what they like while expressing your own preferences can help maintain a lighthearted atmosphere.
Lead by Example
One effective way to illustrate the differences without sounding preachy is to lead by example. When you choose a craft beer, express what you love about it in a casual comment rather than an in-depth analysis. Phrases like “I really enjoy this one because of its citrus notes!” can pique curiosity without overwhelming your friends.
Connect Through Experiences
Perhaps the best way to bridge this gap is to foster shared experiences. Invite your friends to local breweries or craft beer festivals. Encountering the brewing process firsthand and sampling a variety of beers side by side can ignite interest and appreciation organically.
In summary,