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Navigating Beer Snobbery: When Ordering Craft Beer Makes You ‘That Person’

Is it just me, or has anyone else faced the dilemma of being labeled a beer snob simply for choosing anything beyond the ubiquitous macro lagers? Recently, while dining with colleagues, I decided to indulge in the restaurant’s house IPA. To my surprise, this seemingly innocuous choice led to an unexpected reaction—one that I can only describe as the “craft beer stigma.”

As soon as I placed my order, a co-worker exclaimed, “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer stuff!” It felt like I had just requested an extravagant wine pairing for my meal. One colleague chimed in, dismissing my choice with a casual, “I don’t need all those fancy flavors.” He proceeded to order a Stella Artois, claiming it was a more sophisticated option solely because it was “imported.” Apparently, that made it a level above my local IPA.

In an effort to clarify my position, I attempted to explain that hops are not some obscure ingredient but rather a key element of flavor in craft beers. Yet, my efforts fell on deaf ears. Meanwhile, he’s sipping on a $2 more expensive “premium European lager” that, frankly, tasted similar to the Budweiser he was criticizing. It was a classic case of irony, yet here I was, the one being perceived as the pretentious beer lover.

How do you handle such interactions without coming across as a know-it-all? I genuinely did not mean to make a statement with my drink choice; I was simply after something with genuine flavor. Yet, in the eyes of some, ordering an IPA or anything outside the realm of macro brews seems to mark you as a member of the “craft beer elite,” with a supposed penchant for tasting notes of Pine Sol and clementine peels.

Have you ever found yourself defending your beer preferences to those who think a Corona with lime is the height of exotic? If so, how do you navigate these conversations while staying true to your love for craft brews? Would love to hear your thoughts!