Written by: Beer Doctor |  Print this post and share it with your buddies!

“I don’t like beer.”

How many times have you heard those four filthy words uttered? I lost count years ago. The sad thing is, many people actually believe that they don’t like beer! Chances are, these poor souls have yet to be introduced to Better Beers, unique beverages of character and distinction that are actually worthy of being described as beers.

Well, what kinds of beer have you had?

“Bud Light, Labatt Blue, Miller Lite, Heineken. You know, beer!”

Nothing grinds my gears like the person who doesn’t like beer because the only beers he or she knows are macro-yellow-fizzy-bland-light-lagers. That just means that the marketing dollars shelled forth by the Big Guys are having the desired effect: homogenization of the world beer market. These are industrial beers. They are made the same way toilet paper is, one size fits all!

On a side note here, I don’t think the big beers are bad beers, per se. It truly is difficult to do what these breweries do on the large scale they operate. They consistently produce a high-quality product, over and over again, with one batch never differing from the previous. They do what they do very well. But it’s not for me.

“I don’t like microbrews. They’re too strong/weak/bitter/sweet/thick.”

A common misconception about craft beer is that it is difficult to drink, for numerous reasons, depending on how the sun is shining that particular day. The bottom line is that most beer drinkers, or potential beer drinkers, haven’t been exposed to the beauty of craft beer. They don’t know anything about styles and food pairing and the art of brewing. This is something that is slowly, but surely, changing.

In fact, the Craftbrewing scene here in the United States is so hugely popular, that countries all around the world are now beginning to look to the US for the latest trends in beer. Countries such as Belgium, long insulated by their own unique beer culture, are now curiously glancing at brewers in the States, and wondering what we’ll do next!

Let me recommend something you’ll like.

It never fails.

Most bars are beginning to carry at least a couple of unique beer styles in addition to the blonde stuff. A fruity Pale Ale? A spicy-sweet Hefeweizen? A chocolaty-creamy stout? A flowery-citrusy IPA? The possibilities are endless! There are beers to fit the palates of each and every one of the “non-beer-drinkers” out there. If you enjoy beer, and you have a friend who doesn’t, I urge you to suggest new styles to him or her. Do some research. Go to a beer festival. Check out a beer dinner. There’s a whole world of Better Beer out there just waiting to be discovered!

Here’s an idea I’m especially fond of that I’ll cover in more detail in the future: host your own beer tasting. I’m not talking about doing a big event at a hall with a bunch of brewers. Keep it simple, host it at your home! Treat it as a potluck! Everyone who comes over has to bring a unique 6-pack with them, along with info on the beer, such as tasting notes, etc. You, as the host, supply a few unique beers yourself, as well as some hors d’oeuvres to pair the beers with. This can be a really fun night, in addition to being an informative introduction to Better Beers.

“Microbrews are too expensive. I like to drink for the buzz.”

My only response to this statement, unfortunately, won’t sway the opinions of those who believe this. Quality, not quantity. These people are the most difficult to sway to our side of the argument. The best we can do is show them the light, and hope they run from the Lite.

A good place to start in further educating yourself about Better Beer is the Internet. Check out these websites for more information on the subject:

www.beeradvocate.com
Beer Advocate is the ultimate Beer Geek website. It features reviews and articles concerning all things beer. The Alstrom Brothers’ credo of ‘Respect Beer’ has never been more applicable than it is today!

www.beertown.org
The Brewers’ Association website contains a plethora of Better Beer-related information, including styles, Homebrewing, and industry-related facts and figures. Plus, they host the annual Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, the two largest beer festivals and competitions in the world!

www.realbeer.com
Stan Hieronymus is one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the Beer World. In addition to this all-inclusive portal for all things beer, Stan is also the editor of www.appellationbeer.com and the author of numerous books, including “Brew Like a Monk”.

Of course, the best way to educate yourself and others about beer is to drink it. Find a good Beer Store and pick up something new. Invite some friends over and discuss the events of the day and the meaning of life over a few pints of some good quality craft beer!

Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy responsibly. And, for God’s sake, Drink Better Beer!