Navigating Craft Beer Conversations: Am I the Only One?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your choice of beverage seems to trigger an unexpected response from others? Recently, I experienced just that and felt compelled to share.

While dining with coworkers last week, I opted for the house IPA from the menu, excited for a flavorful experience. However, my selection prompted an immediate reaction that felt akin to being labeled a “beer snob.” A colleague remarked, “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer stuff,” as if I had just ordered an extravagant wine pairing for my meal. This person then proceeded to declare a preference for “normal beer” that “tastes like beer,” ultimately opting for a Stella Artois—presumably because it’s imported. Somehow, this made it a more refined choice than my local brewery’s IPA.

It donned on me during our discussion that they viewed hops as an unusual ingredient to be avoided. Despite my attempts to clarify that hops play an essential role in crafting flavorful beers, they remained steadfast in their belief that anything outside of mainstream lagers was unnecessarily complex. Ironically, while enjoying their “premium European lager,” which miraculously tasted like an American adjunct lager but at a higher price, my friend dismissed my choice—a product of local craftsmanship—as pretentious.

This left me pondering: how does one navigate such conversations gracefully without being perceived as a beer snob? I assure you, my intention was merely to savor a drink that burst with flavor, not to make a statement or validate myself in a hierarchy of beer preferences.

I think many of us can relate. Sharing our passion for craft beer often seems to invite judgment from those who equate a lime in Corona with adventurous drinking. Is it too much to ask for a moment of appreciation for unique flavors rather than a debate on what constitutes an “acceptable” beer choice?

Have you ever found yourself defending your beer choices to someone who considers their basic lager the epitome of sophistication? Let’s open up this dialogue—after all, beer is meant to be enjoyed, and every flavor tells a story. Cheers to embracing our individual tastes!