Navigating Beer Snobbery: When Ordering Craft Brews Becomes a Debate

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where simply ordering a craft beer invites a surprising level of scrutiny? Recently, during a dinner with colleagues, I decided to indulge in the house IPA — a choice that quickly turned me into the target of lighthearted (but frustrating) ridicule.

As soon as I placed my order, the server’s reaction felt exaggerated: “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer, huh?” It was as if I had committed a culinary faux pas by opting for an IPA instead of a ubiquitous macro lager. One coworker chimed in, asserting that he prefers “normal beer” over “all those fancy flavors.” He then proceeded to order a Stella Artois, proclaiming it as an “imported” choice—as if its foreign label inherently conferred sophistication.

It was perplexing to listen to him dismiss hops as an unnecessary extravagance while he opted for a lager that, in my opinion, tasted remarkably similar to mass-produced American beers. I couldn’t help but feel the irony: he was paying a premium for a beer that offered none of the unique flavor profiles I enjoy in craft brews.

How do you engage in such discussions without being labeled a beer snob? Personally, I simply wanted a drink that offered depth and character, not a statement piece. Yet it seems that any choice outside the realm of macro lagers brands you as “that craft beer enthusiast” who apparently relishes beverages reminiscent of cleaning products or fruit peels.

Have you found yourself defending your beer choices against those who consider Corona with lime a daring selection? It’s a curious world where a simple order can generate such debate—one that highlights not only our preferences but also the varying perceptions of what constitutes a truly enjoyable beer experience.