Navigating Beer Snob Labels: A Personal Experience

As a craft beer enthusiast, I’ve noticed an interesting trend during social outings—ordering anything beyond a mainstream lager often invites a misconception that I’m a “beer snob.” Just last week, while dining out with colleagues, I faced this trope head-on.

When the server approached to take our drink orders, I opted for the house IPA, excited to indulge in a flavorful option. Almost instantly, I was met with skeptical remarks, as if I’d ordered an extravagant wine pairing with a simple dish. One colleague, perplexed by my choice, exclaimed how he prefers “normal beer” without the “fancy flavors.” Ironically, he then proceeded to order a Stella, proudly claiming its status as an “imported” beer, as if that alone distinguished it from the local craft options.

In that moment, I found myself trying to clarify the essence of hops and the art behind craft brews. However, my attempts seemed futile as he maintained the belief that anything outside of a Bud Light was just pretentiousness. To add to the irony, he was paying a higher price for a beer that, in essence, tasted similar to the mass-produced lagers we often criticize.

This raises a question many craft beer aficionados grapple with: how do we defend our preferences in an environment where ordering something outside the macro lager realm is seen as overindulgent? I genuinely wanted a drink that offered complexity and flavor, but the stigma around craft beer—including the stereotype that enthusiasts only enjoy outlandish tastes—made it difficult to express that desire without coming off as snobbish.

Has anyone else encountered such a scenario, where your beer preferences are met with judgment? It’s a common struggle for those of us who appreciate the distinctiveness of craft brewing, particularly when faced with peers who view even the addition of a lime to a Corona as an adventurous choice.

In navigating these conversations, perhaps we can shift the narrative. Instead of focusing on what constitutes “normal” beer, we can celebrate the variety and creativity present in the craft beer community. After all, enjoying a thoughtfully brewed IPA doesn’t make someone a snob; it simply suggests an appreciation for the rich tapestry of flavors that beer can offer. Cheers to that!