Navigating the Beer Conundrum: The Craft Beer Dichotomy

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like a beer enthusiast gets labeled a snob simply for opting for a craft beer over a mainstream lager?

Recently, I found myself at dinner with colleagues when the server approached for drink orders. I decided to indulge in the house IPA, a choice that seemed fairly innocuous to me. However, to my surprise, the reaction was akin to a gastronomic critique—almost as if I had requested a sommelier’s finest wine pairing for my meal. One coworker chirped in, clearly bewildered, about how he prefers “normal beer” and dismissively noted, “I don’t need all those fancy flavors.” Ironically, he went on to order a Stella—because, apparently, being imported adds an air of sophistication compared to my locally crafted IPA.

In that moment, I attempted to clarify that hops are not some obscure ingredient, yet he remained steadfast in his belief that anything beyond a Bud Light is pretentious. What struck me as particularly ironic was that he was paying $2 more for his “premium European lager,” which tasted strikingly similar to an all-too-familiar American beer with added corn syrup.

How does one navigate such conversations without being branded a beer snob? My intent was not to make a statement but rather to enjoy a beverage with more flavor than the standard macro offerings. Yet, it seems that simply ordering an IPA—or any craft beer, for that matter—automatically places you in the category of ‘those craft beer aficionados’ who appreciate flavors like pine and citrus.

Have you ever found yourself defending your beer selections to friends who consider a splash of lime in their Corona as adventurous? It can be a strange scenario, where love for diverse and flavorful brews morphs into an unexpected debate. Engaging in these discussions is perhaps a delicate dance, requiring both passion and patience to ensure that the joy of beer appreciation isn’t lost amidst misunderstandings.

Let’s raise a glass to the diversity of our preferences and the enjoyment that beer—yes, even craft beer—can bring to our experiences!