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
- Oregon Road Trip: Freeland Spirits Garden Botanicals Gin
- Botanist with Trader Joe’s Lemon and Elderflower Soda
- I’m one of the worlds leading buyers of craft gin in the world and a international spirit judge AMA
- I’m blown away…. By how let down I am by this Gin.
- The Botanist 22 Gin Review: Perhaps the most overhyped gin around
Categories
Archive
Tags
Social Links
Navigating the Craft Beer Conversation: How to Educate Friends Without Sounding Snooty
One of the joys of enjoying craft beer is appreciating the vast spectrum of flavors and brewing techniques that distinguish it from mainstream options. However, conveying this passion to friends who prefer their go-to inexpensive options can be a bit of a minefield. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you’re not alone. Many craft beer enthusiasts face the challenge of explaining the difference between “beer” and “craft beer” without coming across as pretentious.
The Thematic Divide: Beer vs. Craft Beer
Picture this: you’re out with friends, and the conversation drifts toward beverages for the evening. Your friends confidently declare they’re simply looking for “beer,” often gravitating towards a 30-pack of a budget choice. Meanwhile, you arrive with a carefully curated selection of craft options, eager to share your favorites, only to watch as they take a single sip before returning to their familiar favorites. Frustrating, right?
Finding Common Ground
When trying to bridge the gap in understanding, it’s crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect for your friends’ preferences. Here are a few strategies to make the conversation more relatable:
-
Start with Enjoyment: Rather than diving directly into the technicalities of hops and brewing methods, discuss the flavors you enjoy. Ask them what they like about their usual drinks, and then relate it back to the craft options you have in mind.
-
Create a Tasting Experience: Host a casual gathering where you can introduce your craft beer selections alongside snacks that enhance the tasting experience. Framing it as a fun exploration rather than a lecture can help ease their apprehension.
-
Share Personal Stories: Instead of focusing solely on technical details, share anecdotes about how you discovered craft beer or a memorable beer-tasting experience. Personal stories can make the conversation feel more engaging and less like a lecture.
-
Use Analogies: Compare the differences in beer to other more relatable topics. For instance, talk about how you wouldn’t compare a basic burger to gourmet cuisine, even though they’re both still in the food category. This can help illustrate your point without sounding condescending.
-
Be Patient and Open-Minded: Accept that not everyone will share your passion for the complex world of craft brewing. Encourage an open dialogue and be receptive to their tastes while gently sharing your knowledge.
**Conclusion: