The Craft Beer Conundrum: Defending Your Taste in a Macro Lager World

It’s an all-too-familiar scenario for those of us who appreciate the complexities of craft beer. Picture this: you’re out for dinner with colleagues, and when the server approaches to take drink orders, you confidently request the house IPA. Instantly, you’re met with reactions that make you question your beverage choice.

Last week, during a casual outing, I faced the same kind of bemused responses as if I had just ordered a sommelier-recommended wine for my meal. One coworker looked at me like I was an elitist simply for choosing an IPA over a macro lager. “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer stuff,” he remarked, as if I was making a grand statement about my taste preferences.

The conversation quickly veered into a discussion that felt like I was defending a rare and obscure art piece. One individual went so far as to express that he didn’t need all those “fancy flavors,” and his idea of a “normal beer that tastes like beer” triumphed over my choice. He then opted for a Stella Artois, convinced that the mere label of “imported” conferred a sense of sophistication that my local craft IPA supposedly lacked.

As I sat there, attempting to explain the beauty of hops and their role in creating unique flavors, it seemed futile. My friend appeared convinced that anything outside of Bud Light was an act of pretentiousness. Ironically, he ended up paying a few extra dollars for a “premium European lager,” which resembled the taste of the ubiquitous American light beers crafted with corn syrup.

This incident has left me pondering: how does one navigate these conversations without coming off as a beer snob? My intention wasn’t to make a statement or to elevate myself as a connoisseur. I simply desired a beverage that offered actual flavor, rather than the blandness so commonly accepted. Yet, it seems that opting for an IPA or any beer outside the realm of mass-produced options brands you as part of an exclusive club—one that allegedly enjoys beverages reminiscent of “Pine Sol and clementine peels.”

Do you find yourself defending your beer choices against those who regard a Corona with lime as the pinnacle of exotic drinks? How do you engage in these discussions without alienating others or compromising your love for well-crafted brews? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!