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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 the Craft Beer Conversation with Friends
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your friends casually mention grabbing a “beer,” only to bring home a 30-pack of something inexpensive that barely hints at the craft beer revolution? If so, you’re not alone. It can often be frustrating to witness the enthusiastic embrace of such limited options, especially when you have a deeper appreciation for the variety and quality found in craft brews.
It’s not uncommon for friends to approach beer with a casual mindset, treating it as a single monolithic choice rather than the diverse universe it truly is. You might have experienced this firsthand at gatherings, where your thoughtfully selected artisanal beer receives only a token sip before your companions revert to their familiar comfort drinks. The differences in flavor, aroma, and brewing techniques that characterize craft beer can feel lost on a crowd that doesn’t want to delve deeper.
When you start to share your knowledge—ranging from discussions about hops to the rich history of different brewing styles—you may notice some eyes glazing over, as if you’ve triggered a defensive response against a perceived lecture. This reaction can make it seem daunting to express your passion without coming off as elitist or pretentious.
So, how do you strike a balance? Here are a few strategies:
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Lead with Curiosity: Instead of immediately contrasting mass-produced options with craft selections, try asking your friends about their favorite beers. This opens up a dialogue and gives you a chance to share your experiences without sounding like a know-it-all.
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Share Experiences, Not Lectures: Share anecdotes from your own journey into craft beer. Talk about how you discovered certain styles or the first time you tasted a distinctive brew. Personal stories often resonate more than dry facts.
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Host a Tasting: Organize a casual beer tasting where everyone can sample a variety of craft beers. This allows your friends to explore different flavors in a fun and relaxed environment. The experience itself can spark interest and appreciation.
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Be Approachable: Frame your passion positively. Instead of emphasizing the differences in quality, express excitement about the wide array of choices available and how each beer has its own unique journey from grain to glass.
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Respect Their Preferences: Recognize that not everyone will appreciate the nuances of craft beer the same way you do, and that’s perfectly fine. Respecting their choices while gently introducing them to new experiences can lead to mutual enjoyment over time.