The Trials of Being a Craft Beer Enthusiast: Confronting Misconceptions

As a craft beer lover, have you ever found yourself in a situation where your choice of drink raised eyebrows and elicited comments that made you feel like a beer snob? You’re not alone in this experience.

Recently, I had dinner with some colleagues, and when it came time to order drinks, I decided to go with the house IPA. Little did I know that such a simple choice would spark a debate about beer preferences. As soon as I placed my order, the server, along with those at the table, looked at me as if I were making some overly sophisticated choice—like I’d just asked for a wine pairing with my chicken sandwich.

One of my coworkers chimed in, expressing his disdain for “fancy flavors.” He proclaimed that he preferred “normal beer” that tasted like, well, beer. Consequently, he ordered a Stella Artois, attempting to assert its sophistication simply because it was labeled as an imported brew. It was amusing—and slightly frustrating—to find a person so inclined to dismiss my choice while selecting a beer that, in essence, tasted quite similar to what I was already sipping.

As I tried to explain that hops are a core ingredient in many beers, and certainly not some mysterious additive, it became clear that his differences in taste stemmed from a narrow definition of what “beer” should be. Despite my interests in discovering and enjoying the distinct flavors crafted by local breweries, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was viewed as elitist for stepping beyond the realm of macro lagers. In the meantime, my colleague was paying a premium for a European lager, likely unaware that it didn’t hold the complexity of flavor I was after.

This encounter left me questioning how to navigate these conversations without being labeled a beer snob. It’s surprising that expressing an appreciation for diverse beer flavors could lead to such judgments. I genuinely was not trying to make a statement; I simply wished to enjoy something with depth and character, yet it seems that ordering an IPA can often lead to being pigeonholed into the craft beer aficionado stereotype.

Have you ever found yourself defending your beer choices to those who believe that a Corona with lime is a bold and adventurous selection? How do you handle these encounters without taking on the role of “that” craft beer enthusiast? I’m eager to hear your experiences and strategies for fostering open and enjoyable discussions about our beloved brews