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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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Embracing Craft Beer: Navigating the Snobbery and Stereotypes
Are you tired of being labeled a beer snob simply for choosing something beyond the realm of macro lagers? If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone.
Recently, during a dinner with colleagues, I faced this very scenario. When asked for my drink of choice, I opted for the house IPA, a move that sparked a barrage of reactions. I was met with a condescending comment about being a craft beer enthusiast—akin to proclaiming that I needed a wine pairing for my chicken sandwich. One colleague even chimed in, declaring that he preferred “normal beer” and deemed anything with unique flavors as unnecessary. Ironically, he ordered a Stella, touting its status as an “imported” beer, as if that conferred some sort of sophistication over my locally brewed IPA.
The conversation quickly highlighted a common misconception: that hops and distinctive flavors are somehow exotic or pretentious. As he sipped on his $2-more “premium European lager,” which boasted a flavor profile similar to Budweiser with added corn syrup, I found myself trying to explain the rich complexities of craft beer. It was baffling to me that merely seeking a fuller flavor could be viewed as an act of snobbery.
So, how do you approach discussions about your beer preferences without being labeled a snob? Here are a few strategies:
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Stay Humble: Share your appreciation for craft beers without dismissing others’ choices. Instead of making it an “us vs. them” debate, emphasize how diverse the world of beer has become.
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Educate with Kindness: When explaining different beer styles, present it as a friendly introduction to flavors and experiences rather than a lecture on what’s superior or inferior.
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Focus on Flavor: Highlight the positives of craft beers—rich flavors, local ingredients, and the brewing artistry—rather than dwelling on how they differ from macro beers.
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Embrace Variety: Remind others that there’s a beer for every palate. Perhaps they’ll discover something new that resonates with them.
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Just Enjoy: Ultimately, tasting and enjoying what you love should be the goal. If you find joy in a craft beer, celebrate it!
Navigating these discussions can be tricky, especially when confronted with those who believe a lime in a Corona qualifies as an adventurous choice. But fostering an open dialogue