Your cart is currently empty!
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?
Categories
Tags
Social Links
Bridging the Gap: How to Talk About Craft Beer with Friends
Navigating the world of craft beer can be tricky, especially when your friends have a more casual approach to what they drink. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your friends refer to a “beer” as a one-size-fits-all option, while you’re well acquainted with the diverse and flavorful universe of craft brews, you’re not alone. Here’s how you might share your passion without coming off as pretentious.
Understanding the Disconnect
Recently, I’ve noticed a pattern among my friends: whenever they say, “Let’s grab some beer,” they often bring along a 30-pack of the most generic option available. Even during a dinner outing, their order of “I’ll have a beer” implies a single, uninspired choice. My attempts to introduce them to quality brews have often been met with polite but unenthusiastic sips, followed swiftly by a return to their preferred light lagers.
Upon mentioning hops or any technical brewing aspects, the interest visibly wanes. It feels as though they enter a defensive mode at the mere mention of craft beer, preparing themselves for what they assume will be a lengthy lecture.
Finding Common Ground
So, how can one communicate the wonderful differences between a classic lager and an intricate Belgian tripel without alienating friends? Here are a few strategies that might help:
-
Use Simplicity: Instead of diving straight into technical jargon, try to express what you love about craft beer in relatable terms. Highlight the enjoyment and experience rather than the complexity. For instance, mention how a particular craft beer might pair beautifully with the food you’re having or how it presents a unique flavor profile that they may enjoy.
-
Involve Them in the Experience: Consider organizing a low-key tasting session where you share a few different styles. Encourage an open discussion about flavors they do enjoy. This transforms the experience into something fun rather than a lecture.
-
Encourage Curiosity: If your friends are curious enough to ask about craft beer, seize the moment to share your knowledge. Frame it as a journey of discovery rather than a lesson. Ask them what their favorite flavors are and suggest craft options that align with their tastes.
-
Keep It Fun: Make light of the situation. You could joke about how there’s a world of flavors beyond the “carbonated bread water” they’re used to.