The Difference Between a "Beer Geek" and a "Beer Snob"
It's important for all self proclaimed craft beer lovers to know the difference between these two terms, and to ALWAYS be a geek and NEVER a snob. Here are my definitions (certainly not all encompassing):
Beer Snob (n): One who thinks they are better than everyone because of what they drink, likes to put down anything they don't like. Thinks their own opinions on beer are the last word. Is generally not willing to try new things. Thinks they know more than anyone and will try to demonstrate this.
Beer Geek (n): One who is willing to try anything in the name of good beer, does not put down anyone for what they like even if they themselves are not fond of it. Approaches beer with openness. May not like everything, but discusses opinions in a good natured, open manner. Knows there's always more to learn.
I like to think I'm a beer geek. I concentrate on how the beer tastes, what it's made with, etc, rather than who likes it and who doesn't. If someone likes a beer that I don't, who am I to say "they don't know what they're talking about"? (I barely know what I'm talking about half the time.) I may disagree heartily with them, sure, but I will never insult them, never put them down for their opinions.
And sure, we craft beer geeks like to laugh that others actually drink the weak flavored liquid of the masses, but are we going to deny them the tasty goodness of flavor? Are we going to place it on a pedestal far out of their reach because they dared drink something different? Are we going to go so far as to say we are better than them? No, we are not. (And be honest--you probably drank all of those yellow fizzy beers in college, and you may still reach for one after mowing the lawn, am I right?) Craft brewing is an open community. I like to think we support one another and that we welcome in anyone who wants to try something different. We can argue about...say the merits of hoppy beers vs. dark beers, but I like to think we do so in a jovial manner.
I recently read a rather nasty and insulting comment on a beer blog/website that I follow, and I immediately went, "What a snob." My second thought was that if this person could insult the blog owner, who is very knowledgeable and very involved in the craft beer world, then what is to stop said commenter or someone like him from insulting me when I am just a girl drinking beer and calling it like I taste it? It's a little bit intimidating, especially when I'm trying to push this blog into the open and my brain is going, "Noooo what are you doing everyone will think you're stupid aahhh!!!" But hey, haters gonna hate.
Therefore, here is my personal beer drinking manifesto:
1. I will never turn down a beer I have not yet tried.
2. I will judge beer fairly and honestly based on taste, not brand.
3. I will offer and accept knowledge about beer freely.
4. I will argue my point respectfully.
5. The focus will be on the beer.
To put it simply, you shouldn't feel you have to "be qualified" to discuss craft beer. Yes, you should learn as much as you can about it (and if you're really a geek you should want to) but you don't have to be "certified." Craft brewing is about appreciating the beer. It's about making connections and sharing new finds with others. It shouldn't be an exclusive club. To me, it's an open network of awesomeness.
So be awesome, not an idiot.
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