Navigating Beer Snobbery: Do You Face Judgments for Your Craft Beer Choices?

Have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of snarky comments simply for ordering a craft beer instead of a macro lager? If so, you’re not alone.

Recently, while enjoying dinner with colleagues, I made the simple decision to order the house IPA. Almost immediately, I was met with reactions that felt overly judgmental—like I’d just ordered a vintage wine to accompany a casual meal. An acquaintance chimed in, showering me with remarks about how he prefers “normal beer” without the fuss of craft flavors, only to then order a Stella Artois, which he touted as a “sophisticated imported option.” It’s perplexing how choosing a local IPA somehow cast me as a pretentious beer enthusiast in his eyes.

As I attempted to clarify that hops are purely natural ingredients and not some mysterious irritant, he remained convinced that any beer outside of Bud Light is simply an act of snobbery. Ironically, he was willing to pay a premium for a “European lager” that tasted suspiciously similar to the mass-produced beers he criticized, underscoring a common misunderstanding surrounding craft versus commercial brews.

So, how do you navigate these conversations without being labeled a beer snob yourself? I certainly didn’t aim to make a statement; I was merely seeking a beverage with genuine flavor. Yet, in a world where a lime-topped Corona is considered adventurous, it can be a challenge to explain why craft beer might be more appealing.

If you’ve faced similar situations while discussing your beer preferences, you’re certainly part of a larger community. It’s essential to approach these discussions with patience and openness, ensuring you express enjoyment rather than elitism. After all, craft beer is about exploring diverse flavors and experiences, not merely setting oneself above others in the beer-drinking hierarchy.

Let’s embrace our love for craft beer while gently educating those who may not understand its charm. Cheers to flavorful brews and the wonderful conversations they inspire!