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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?
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The Art of Refusing: How to Politely Address Beer Glassware Issues
During a recent dinner outing, I encountered a situation that left me pondering the etiquette of beer service. After ordering a hefeweizen, I was presented with my drink in a standard pilsner glass, which is not ideal for this unique style of beer. While it might seem trivial to some, the type of glass used significantly affects the beer’s aroma and flavor profile. A proper hefeweizen glass is specifically designed to enhance the experience, capturing the delightful aromas and promoting the ideal head formation.
As I sat at the table with colleagues who likely view all beer glasses as interchangeable, I felt a bit hesitant. I didn’t want to come across as overly critical or picky by sending back a perfectly good beer simply because of the glass it was served in. So, I opted to drink it, all the while wishing I could relish it in the appropriate glassware.
Interestingly, I later spotted the correct wheat beer glasses behind the bar, meaning the server had chosen convenience over quality. This situation raised a question that I believe many beer enthusiasts face: how can one politely address such discrepancies without creating an uncomfortable atmosphere?
Navigating the Conversation
If you find yourself in a similar predicament, here are a few tips for addressing the issue with grace:
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Express Excitement First: When the server brings your drink, share your enthusiasm about the beer. A simple, “I’ve been looking forward to this hefeweizen!” can create a friendly tone.
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Gently Inquire: If the glassware seems off, you might say something like, “I noticed that my hefeweizen is in a pilsner glass. Would it be possible to have it in a proper wheat glass?” Framing it as a question rather than a demand helps maintain a polite demeanor.
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Keep it Light: Inject some humor into the situation if appropriate. A light-hearted comment about being a “glassware enthusiast” can defuse any tension.
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Respect Their Response: Understand that sometimes, logistics or policies may prevent them from adhering to your request. If they cannot accommodate you, accept it graciously and enjoy the beer nonetheless.
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Educate, Don’t Critique: If the opportunity arises, you can gently educate fellow diners around you about the significance of different glassware, enhancing their appreciation without appearing snobbish.
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