Navigating Beer Snobbery: A Reflection on Craft Beer Choices

Have you ever experienced the judgment of a so-called “beer snob” simply for ordering something other than a mainstream macro lager? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Recently, I found myself in a familiar scenario that highlights the ongoing divide between craft beer enthusiasts and those who cling to traditional brews.

During a dinner outing with colleagues, I opted for the establishment’s house IPA—a choice that elicited surprise and a dismissive attitude from my table. One coworker exclaimed, “Wow, you’re really into that craft beer stuff,” as if I had requested a sommelier’s finest wine pairing for my meal. The conversation quickly escalated as another colleague insisted that he didn’t need any “fancy flavors” and preferred a “normal beer that tastes like beer.” Thrillingly ironic, he proceeded to order a Stella, claiming it was an elegant choice purely because it was imported. This seemed to suggest that a label alone could elevate the experience above my locally brewed IPA.

As I tried to clarify that hops are not a strange ingredient meant to intimidate the average beer drinker, I sensed a wall of resistance. For him, any beer that didn’t fall under the Bud Light umbrella was deemed pretentious. Ironically, he was paying a few dollars extra for a “premium European lager” that, in my opinion, tasted no different from a standard mass-produced beer laden with corn syrup.

This encounter left me pondering: how does one engage in these discussions without coming across as a condescending beer aficionado? My intention was never to make a statement but rather to enjoy a brew with distinct flavors. Yet apparently, choosing an IPA or venturing beyond macro brands paints a target on your back, making you a part of the so-called “craft beer elite.”

Have you found yourself in similar situations, having to defend your choice of IPA to those who believe that a Corona with lime is the peak of exoticism? The divide is real, and navigating these conversations can be tricky. What are your strategies for discussing beer without coming off as a snob, all while championing the flavorful world of craft brews? Your insights could help foster greater understanding and appreciation among fellow beer lovers and casual drinkers alike.