haveigotboozeforyou.com

Navigating Beer Preferences: A Journey Through Craft vs. Macro Lagers

When it comes to beer selection, the divide between craft enthusiasts and macro lager fans can often lead to unexpected and sometimes amusing conversations. Recently, I found myself in a light-hearted but bewildering situation during a dinner outing with some coworkers that exemplified this divide.

As the server approached our table to take drink orders, I confidently requested the house IPA, anticipating a refreshing flavor experience. However, this seemingly ordinary choice quickly elicited surprised reactions from those around me. One colleague exclaimed, “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer scene!” as if I had requested an extravagant wine pairing for my meal. I was taken aback, as all I wanted was a pint of flavorful goodness.

To my surprise, one coworker launched into a critique of my choice, claiming that he didn’t see the need for “all those fancy flavors” and preferred “a normal beer that tastes like beer.” Ironically, he opted for a Stella Artois—an imported lager—believing it held more prestige than the locally brewed IPA I was enjoying. It was a curious moment, as I attempted to rationalize the notion that hops are not some foreign concept but rather an integral part of the brewing process.

As the conversation progressed, I found myself in the position of having to defend my preference for craft beer. It was amusing yet slightly frustrating to realize that to some, anything beyond traditional macro options was viewed as pretentious. While my colleague was willing to pay a premium for his imported lager, I couldn’t help but think about how similar it was in taste to the mass-produced beers we often overlook.

How does one engage in discussions about beer without being labeled a snob? I certainly didn’t aim to make a statement—my quest was simply for a beverage that provided a bit more character. Yet, in the eyes of some, asking for an IPA marked me as a part of the “craft beer elite,” someone who supposedly enjoys the taste of “Pine Sol and clementine peels.”

Have you faced similar situations where your beer choices sparked unwarranted debate? It feels all too common in social settings to encounter those who regard anything beyond a typical lager as exotic or unnecessarily complicated. Let’s embrace our unique preferences without judgment and enjoy the rich world of beer together—whether it’s a crisp IPA, a fine lager, or anything in between. Cheers to enjoying what we love, one sip