Wonderful World of Beer

One of my favorite things is beer. Don't get me wrong, it's not a love like a frat guy "loves" beer. I can honestly say that I can have a beer with supper and truly enjoy the flavor and all around taste of a well crafted brew. I have found that beer is a very complex beverage and reaches far beyond the public perception of what the macro-breweries offer. This perception is that macro-brewed light beer is "beer" for all intents and purposes. This simply is not true. If you were to broaden your horizons, you might find that you actually enjoy flavor in your beer, that there is more to it that just a vehicle for alcohol. I'm not trying to put anyone down. If you like the macro-brewed light beer, then I say drink it, that's fine with me. But if you want to step out for a bit and try something new, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you might like.

Those thinking about trying it might have a few misconceptions about craft-brewed beer. I am going to address the three big ones that I have encountered over the past few years and dispel them:

1. Avoid "bitter beer face."
--This campaign really took craft beer a step back. It is completely untrue. Bitterness in beer is something you want, something the beer needs. Finding the right balance of hoppy bitterness and the sweetness of the malt is something brewers painstakingly strive for. It is a good thing for a beer to have bitterness or else you would end up with a sugary drink somewhat resembling a child's beverage. What "they" were referring to is avoiding skunky beer, beer that is too old or has been exposed to light. That is definitely something to avoid, but leave the bitterness alone.

2. I just don't like that "dark stuff."
--This is a misconception that many people have. They think to step outside of the macro-brewed beer means that will have to start drinking dark beer. Absolutely not true on many different levels. I have had a dark, black beer was as light and smooth as a light beer, and conversely I have had a straw colored beer that was heavier than a stout. There are many different styles to try. Don't limit yourself to thinking dark beer=craft-brew drinker. There are some wonderfully delicious beers that are light, crisp, and refreshing such as a Hef, or a Kolsch, or a nice Wheat. Take your time and work up to what you feel comfortable with, and you'll be fine.

3. Craft brew drinkers are "beer snobs."
--Yes, I like my craft brew. However, I will not turn down an offered macro-brew just because it is what it is. In fact, sometimes I like to pop open a macro-brew after mowing the lawn, it just hits the spot. Nice and cold, easy to drink, it's quite refreshing. If given a choice though, I would probably always choose a craft brew. Once you come over to our side, that doesn't mean you can't go back.

Take it for what it's worth. Give it a try if you want, if not, that's fine too. Just know that there are some really wonderful beers out there that go relatively unnoticed by a majority of the population. If anyone wants a suggestion of one they should try, let me know and I'll try to help. And as always, drink responsibly and don't drink and drive.