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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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The Perils of Being a Craft Beer Enthusiast: A Personal Anecdote
As a craft beer enthusiast, I often find myself at the crossroads of enjoyment and judgment, especially when dining out. Recently, while having dinner with colleagues, I encountered a familiar yet frustrating situation that I’m sure many of you have experienced.
When the server approached our table, I confidently ordered their house IPA, expecting to indulge in the vibrant flavors that craft beer offers. However, it wasn’t long before I sensed an atmosphere of condescension directed at my choice. One coworker, in particular, couldn’t resist making a remark about my inclination towards “fancy” craft beer, as if ordering an IPA was akin to requesting a rare wine to accompany my meal.
His response was a humorous testament to the divide between craft beer aficionados and casual drinkers. “I don’t need all those fancy flavors,” he declared, opting instead for a Stella Artois—an “imported” option he deemed superior. To him, anything outside the realm of macro lagers was unnecessary pretentiousness, while he chuckled at my taste, seemingly forgetting that the complexities of hops aren’t some far-fetched concoction.
As I tried to articulate my perspective on appreciating the nuanced profiles of craft beers, he remained resolute in his belief that my choice was an extravagant one. Ironically, he was spending a couple of dollars more on his “premium” European lager, which tasted notably similar to another popular macro brew. It’s bewildering how perceptions can blur the lines of quality and complexity.
In moments like these, I often find myself navigating the tricky waters of defending my passions without coming across as a self-proclaimed beer snob. Honestly, all I wanted was a drink that offered more depth and flavor than the standard fare, but it seems that for some, ordering anything outside of Bud Light instantly places you in the category of those who enjoy esoteric botanicals and artisanal brews.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar position, explaining your passion for craft beer to someone who views anything outside of a classic macro lager as extravagant? It’s a curious dynamic, one that can make you wonder if your taste is truly “exotic” or just misunderstood. Share your experiences in the comments section—how do you handle these kinds of conversations, and what strategies do you employ to express your love for craft brews without alienating your peers?