It’s pretty hard not to be a fan of craft beer nowadays, with so many good products on the market that are also pretty easy to find. But with such a plethora of quality craft beer readily available, it’s also quite easy to turn into a bit of a snob. Here are nine of the most common ways to ensure that no one wants to drink a beer with you.
Freaking Out Over Glassware
Yes, you’re right that glassware can have a dramatic impact on the way you experience your beer, but if the bar doesn’t have a snifter for that Imperial IPA you just ordered, take a chill pill. Not all bars have the ability or space to have specific specialty glassware for every brew they serve, especially given how often many places change their taps. So you may not get the exact experience you want, but there’s no sense freaking out about it. In the future, if glassware is so important to you, you may just want to build a collection and drink at home.
Being A Hop Nerd
IPA is still the holy grail when it comes to craft beer appreciation, but don’t expect everyone around you to know all the different variety of hops and how they individually might impact the brew. That’s fantastic that you’ve taken the time to learn, but don’t make others feel stupid because they haven’t, you’re just killing the chill vibe.
Berating Your Bartender
Unless you are at a super nerdy craft beer bar, if you’re a craft beer obsessive there is a good chance you are going to know more about one or two of the beers on tap than the guy or gal behind the bar. So what? If you know so much about it, there’s no sense giving the person pouring you the brew a pop quiz. Just drink your beer and let them earn a living.
Refusing To Drink A Beer That’s Been Purchased By A Larger Corporation
You know exactly who you are, that person that refuses to now drink Ballast Point or Goose Island because they “sold out.” You’re also the person who refers to Sierra Nevada as being OK for a beer that’s basically become a macro brand. This attitude is akin to the indie music snob who stops listening to a band because they’ve signed a major label deal and can now be heard on the radio…no one likes music snobs, so how do you think you’re being perceived?
Openly Discussing Your Cicerone Certification
Congratulations, you’re gaining knowledge about something you’re passionate about. That’s awesome, but once you’ve achieved the certification, there’s no need to tell everyone about it while you’re out drinking. Especially at a volume that is purposefully loud enough so that the bartender will hear you. That’s just tacky.
Reminding Everyone That You Started Drinking Craft Before It Was Cool
Remember our comparison to the music snob above? Yep, this is that same behavior again. It’s awesome that you were ahead of the curve, but no one likes to be reminded that you were doing something well before they were. Not cool bro.
Refusing To Drink A Macro Beer If That’s All That’s Available
Seriously, you are actually ordering a water because the only beer available is a Miller Lite? And don’t make the joke that Miller Lite and the agua are basically the same thing. A Miller Lite at least has some alcohol, which your friends are going to need if they’re going to deal with your snobbisms all night.
Pouring A Beer Down The Drain After Only A Few Sips
Every once in awhile, we’re going to encounter a bad beer that we’d rather toss than drink, but don’t be the person who always does that. You’re wasting good beer, someone will drink it if you don’t feel it’s up to your standards…unless you have herpes. No one wants your mouth herpes.
Being A Critic
Every beer you drink does not have to be analyzed and dissected. If you’ve finally gotten your hands on that elusive beer you’ve always wanted to try, by all means, critique away. But none of your friends enjoy being at happy hour with the person who’s dissecting the craft beer that’s on special. Just drink up and enjoy.
