Navigating Beer Preferences in a Macro Lager World

Have you ever found yourself treated as a beer connoisseur simply for opting for something outside the realm of mainstream lagers? If so, you’re certainly not alone.

Recently, during a dinner outing with colleagues, I experienced this firsthand when I ordered the house IPA. Almost instantly, I was met with a wave of incredulity, as if I had made a bold declaration over a wine selection that paired flawlessly with my chicken sandwich. One of my coworkers launched into a monologue about how he preferred to keep things simple, stating that he didn’t need “all those fancy flavors.” He then proceeded to order a Stella, presumably because it carries the label of being “imported,” as if that somehow elevated it above the local craft beer I had chosen.

As I attempted to clarify that hops are not some obscure ingredient but rather an essential part of many beloved brews, he remained convinced that anything beyond a mass-produced brand was just a show of pretentiousness. Ironically, he was paying a couple of dollars more for his “premium European lager,” which, in terms of flavor, was not much different from the typical Budweiser—yet that seemed to escape his notice.

This situation begs the question: how do you engage in these discussions without coming across as a “beer snob”? It’s not about making a bold statement; it’s simply about wanting a drink that offers a bit more character. It seems that for some, any choice beyond mainstream options brands one as a pretentious enthusiast, ready to extol the virtues of ingredients like pine and citrus.

So, how do you handle these conversations? Have you also found yourself defending your tasting choices to those who consider adding lime to a Corona a culinary adventure? If you’ve navigated these waters, what strategies did you find effective? Let’s explore this together and celebrate the richness of our diverse beer experiences.