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: Educating Friends on the Craft Beer Difference
Navigating the world of beer can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope, especially when your friends seem to view all beers as equal. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where the phrase “let’s get beer” leads to a grab for a hefty 30-rack of budget brews, you’re not alone. Many enthusiasts face the challenge of conveying the richness of craft beer without coming across as pretentious or elitist.
Imagine this scenario: You’re at dinner, and when the menu arrives, your friend casually orders “a beer,” as if there’s only one choice. It’s a moment that can leave any craft beer lover feeling a bit disheartened. Recently, I decided to introduce some quality selections at a gathering, only to witness my friends take a single sip before returning to their familiar, mass-produced staples. A long sigh of disappointment ensued.
The moment I attempted to discuss the complexities of hops or the nuances of brewing techniques, I could practically see them switch off. Their expressions screamed, “Oh no, here comes the craft beer lecture.” It’s a common reaction when the conversation shifts from enjoying a drink to discussing the artistry behind it.
But can we really equate a Miller High Life with a Belgian tripel? The truth is, there’s an entire universe of flavors waiting to be explored, yet many remain content with their choices that often default to the taste of “carbonated bread water.” It raises the question: how do we initiate meaningful conversations about craft beer without alienating our friends?
If you’ve experienced similar frustrations, know that you’re not alone. It might take a little finesse, but opening up a dialogue about craft beer can be done in a way that’s engaging and respectful of everyone’s preferences. Here are a few strategies that might help:
-
Invite Curiosity: Instead of diving into beer jargon, share stories about specific beers or breweries that excite you. Invite your friends to join you on a tasting journey rather than lecturing them on the finer points of brewing.
-
Offer Tasting Sessions: Organize a casual gathering and provide a few different beers—some craft selections alongside their favorites. Encourage a blind tasting challenge where they can explore flavors without any preconceived biases.
-
Keep It Light: Use humor and relatability in your discussions. Share funny experiences or anecdotes related to your craft beer journey that can make the conversation more