The Craft Beer Dilemma: Defending Your Taste in a Macro-Lager World

Have you ever felt judged for your beer choice simply because it isn’t a mainstream lager? Recently, I had an experience that left me pondering the perception of craft beer enthusiasts in a world dominated by macro lagers.

During a casual dinner outing with colleagues, I confidently ordered the house IPA. Almost immediately, I could sense the shift in the atmosphere. It’s a familiar reaction: the server’s surprised look, followed by comments about how “serious” I must be about craft beer, as if I had just orchestrated a wine pairing for my meal. One of my coworkers even chimed in, expressing his disinterest in “fancy flavors” and proclaiming a preference for “normal beer that tastes like beer.” He then proceeded to order a Stella Artois, believing its import status somehow elevated it above my choice—his logic being that an imported beer automatically adds sophistication to the experience.

What truly baffled me was trying to explain the role hops play in brewing. It seemed futile, as my colleague remained convinced that any beer outside of the Bud Light family was merely an act of pretension. Meanwhile, he opted for a “premium European lager” that, in all honesty, tasted quite similar to an American macro brew, but at a higher price point. It left me wondering: how do you articulate your beer preferences without being labeled as a snob?

I assure you, my intention was not to make a statement. I simply sought a flavorful experience rather than a bland, overly processed brew. Yet, it appears that stepping beyond the confines of the familiar macro options often places you in a box labeled “craft beer snob”—a title I’m growing weary of defending.

Have you found yourself in similar situations, trying to hold your ground on your choice of beer while facing the scrutiny of those who consider a slice of lime in their Corona as an adventure? Perhaps there’s a delicate balance between enjoying what you love and navigating the expectations of those who haven’t yet ventured into the broader spectrum of craft brewing.

Let’s embrace our love for quality beer without the fear of judgment. After all, enjoying an IPA or any non-macro lager doesn’t make us snobs; it simply reflects our diverse tastes in the fascinating world of brewing. Cheers to that!