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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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Navigating the Beer Divide: Craft Beer vs. Regular Beer
In the world of beer enthusiasts, there’s often a noticeable divide between those who appreciate the nuances of craft beer and others who opt for more mainstream options. If you find yourself in a group of friends who don’t recognize the distinction between “beer” and “craft beer,” you may be wondering how to bridge the gap without coming off as pretentious.
Recently, I’ve experienced this firsthand. Whenever my friends suggest grabbing a “beer,” they typically return with a bulk pack of the least expensive option available. At dinner, their go-to order is simply to ask for a “beer,” as if there’s just one kind on the menu—missing the rich diversity of flavors and styles that craft beers offer.
Last time, I decided to introduce them to some quality craft selections, anticipating that they might appreciate something different. However, their polite sips quickly turned into a retreat to their usual choice of light lagers, leaving me feeling a bit deflated.
I’ve noticed that the moment I attempt to share my enthusiasm for hops, brewing methods, or even the background of a particular beer, my friends seem to zone out as if they’ve activated their “Not Another Craft Beer Lecture” defense mode. It’s disheartening because I can’t help but feel that there’s an entire realm of flavor waiting to be explored beyond what they currently drink—like treating a Belgian tripel and a light lager as if they’re from the same universe.
So, how do you convey your passion for craft beer without alienating those who may not share your interest? Here are a few strategies:
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Focus on Flavor: Instead of delving into brewing processes or specific ingredients, talk about flavors. Discuss what you enjoy about a particular beer’s taste. Perhaps refer to the coffee or chocolate notes in a stout and encourage them to try it, framing it as an adventure rather than a lesson.
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Suggest Simple Tastings: Organize a casual tasting event where you try a range of different styles. This way, they can sample and discover new flavors in a relaxed setting, without the pressure of a lecture.
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Be Inclusive and Fun: Keep the vibe light and friendly. Emphasize the enjoyment of trying something new rather than the superiority of craft beer. Present it as a chance to expand culinary horizons together.
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Find Common Ground: Start with beers that have familiar elements, such as