Navigating Beer Preferences: The Challenges of Ordering Craft Brews

Are you someone who feels the weight of judgment for simply opting for a craft beer over a mainstream lager? You’re not alone.

Recently, while dining out with colleagues, I experienced that all-too-familiar scenario. When the server approached for drink orders, I chose their house IPA, looking for a flavorful option to accompany my meal. Surprisingly, I was met with an eye roll and the kind of reaction one might expect after ordering an extravagant wine pairing instead. One coworker in particular exclaimed that he preferred “normal beer” and insisted he didn’t need “all those fancy flavors.” Ironically, he settled on a Stella Artois, proclaiming it an “imported” choice, as if its country of origin somehow elevated its status above my local brewery’s offering.

As I tried to explain that hops are simply part of the brewing process and not an unusual additive, the conversation felt stuck. To him, anything outside of Bud Light bordered on pretension. Yet here he was, spending a few extra dollars on a European lager that tasted, in my opinion, quite similar to that infamous American brew, all while believing he was making a more refined choice. It was a classic case of beer snobbery turned upside down.

How do we engage in these discussions without coming off as overly pretentious? I certainly didn’t aim to make a bold statement; I merely desired a beer with more character and taste. Yet, my choice seemed to label me as one of those craft beer enthusiasts who supposedly relish flavors reminiscent of household cleaners and citrus peels.

Have you found yourself in similar situations, defending your choice of a robust IPA to those who consider a Corona with lime their adventurous pick? It’s a curious phenomenon where personal taste in beer can prompt unexpected debates about sophistication and flavor.

For those of us who enjoy the diversity of craft brews, it can be both frustrating and amusing to navigate the misconceptions surrounding our preferences. Here’s to hoping that more people will embrace the splendid world of flavors beyond the typical macro lagers, allowing everyone to enjoy their drink of choice without the need for comparisons or judgments. Cheers!