Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating the Stigma of Choosing Flavor

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your choice of beverage turned you into a so-called “beer snob”? If you appreciate craft beer, you may relate to this all too well.

Recently, I dined out with some colleagues, and when the server asked for my drink preference, I opted for the house IPA. Almost immediately, I was met with some eyebrow raises and comments dripping with judgment. It was as if I had just announced I was pairing my meal with an extravagant wine instead of simply ordering a flavorful beer.

One coworker chimed in with the classic, “I don’t need all those fancy flavors,” opting instead for a Stella Artois, reasoning that its status as an “imported” beer somehow elevated it above local craft options. As he sipped on his overpriced, mass-produced lager—which tasted no different than many popular American light beers—I couldn’t help but wonder how a choice like mine could evoke such a strong reaction.

I attempted to clarify that hops and the complexity they bring to a beer aren’t some bizarre additives but rather a delightful aspect of craft brewing. Yet the debate continued, with him firmly believing that anything beyond his cherished macro lagers reeked of pretension. It left me pondering: why is appreciating nuanced flavors in beer deemed elitist?

As I sat there, I found myself defending my penchant for IPAs against someone who equated a lime in a Corona to an adventurous leap in the world of beer. It’s astonishing how certain preferences can label someone as “one of those craft beer enthusiasts” who supposedly enjoys tasting everything from Pine Sol to citrus fruits in their drinks.

Does anyone else find themselves in similar debates over beer choices? How do you navigate these conversations without being labeled a snob? After all, enjoying a flavorful beverage should be about personal taste rather than a proclamation of sophistication. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this beer-loving dilemma!