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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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Bridging the Gap: Explaining the Difference Between Beer and Craft Beer
When it comes to enjoying a night out with friends, the term “beer” often gets thrown around a bit too casually. However, for those of us who appreciate the nuances of craft beer, this can lead to slightly awkward situations. Picture this: your friends are enthusiastic about a casual drink and arrive with a 30-pack of a budget brand, while you’ve brought along a well-crafted brew that boasts unique flavors and aromas. The contrast can be astonishing, and explaining the difference without sounding snooty can feel like a challenge.
The Craft Beer Conundrum
It’s all too common to encounter moments where friends simply ask for a “beer” without considering the myriad of options available. When dining out, pointing at the menu and ordering a generic brand can feel dismissive to any beer aficionado. Reflecting on a recent gathering, I had the chance to introduce a few delightful craft beers, only to see my friends take a single polite sip before defaulting back to their familiar choices.
The moment I mention terms like “hops” or delve into the brewing process, I can see them retreat into what feels like a mental fortress. You can almost hear their inner dialogue: “Oh no, here comes the craft beer lecture!” But I can’t help but wonder, is it really necessary to accept that a light lager and a Belgian tripel belong to the same category?
A World of Flavor Awaits
Craft beer is a rich tapestry of flavors, aromas, and styles, designed to satisfy a range of palates. Unfortunately, many are content with a beverage that can be best described as “carbonated bread water.” It’s like enjoying a symphony while they’re content with a simple jingle. This discrepancy raises the question: how can I share the joy of craft beer without appearing pretentious?
Strategies for Successful Discussions
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Lead by Example: One effective approach to introduce craft beer is to casually share your favorites during a gathering. Highlight different flavors without lecturing. Allow tastes to speak for themselves.
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Find Common Ground: Instead of contrasting your beer choices, try asking your friends what they enjoy in a beer. This can open up a more engaged dialogue about flavors they might explore.
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Educate Gently: If you sense curiosity, seize the moment to share a fun fact about the craft beer you’re enjoying. Keep it light