Change in beer taste

For me, the big key on how to handle the sensitive situations with the BMC drinker is similar to how I get my cat to come to me: look the other way.

Of course, it doesn't always work. And if somebody loves their BMC brew and doesn't want anything to do with the craft beer, I give them their space and join them drinking beers we both love. Badgering people with "you don't know what you're missing" might work in some cases but definitely not in all.

One thing about the serious BMC drinker (especially the old guard) as others have pointed out -- if they've been doing it for a long time, their spending habits and financial sense of what beer should cost is so entrenched that it can be very hard to budge them toward the craft beer scene just based on the finances.

The good news is craft beer is here, well supported and getting more popular all the time.

 

"Colorado happened", essentially.

What do I mean to say by saying that? Microbreweries. While California is seen as the focal point of the Craft Beer revolution in the 1970s, it was the proliferation of true microbreweries in Colorado from the early 1980s to present (400 breweries in Colorado right now -- and growing) which caused a knock-on effect in the mountain region and not long after, in the upper Midwest. Over the past twenty years or so the skill level of the crafting and brewing of the beer itself has increased.

On the one hand you need to forgive yourself -- not everyone can either be a trend-setter or an early-adopter of a new mindset or a new methodology (in this case of the Craft Beer brewing industry).

I am probably a little bit older than you, but I've felt the same way in the past about certain things. On the other hand, now that I am older I still find myself helping some who are either new to the industry (this is rare) or who are "new to Craft Beer" and just breaking-in their own palates -- this happens every single day!

I personally haven't studied for the Cicerone exam, but on the other hand I have been immersed in the industry for over twenty years, so much of my 'training' is in the same vein as that. Still, it's goo that you're taking it to that next level, because from here on out it has become a new industry standard for service and excellence.

This is exactly right! Don't be too hard on yourself, and things will go your way from time to time.

 

I lived in Minnesota for all of my five decades aside from a two year stint in the Bay State (Massachusetts).

We have had Brewers Association-defined true Microbreweries (Summit Brewing Company -- under 15,000 Barrels/year for their first five years) since 1986. But even with their British style Ale an Porter (Extra Pale Ale, Great Northern Porter) the palate of the average Minnesota beer drinker then --as now-- has exhibited a noteworthy preference for easy drinking, pale lager without much malt or hop character.

In fact, the number one selling beer in the state since 1992 (the second year that Summit Brewing Company's barrelage exceeded the then-defined 15,000 BB/A Microbrewery definition) has been "Michelob Golden Draught Light".

Minnesota is currently home to over 100 breweries, including small brewers such as "Taprooms" (no kitchens, only sell beer) and brewpubs (both taprooms and brewpubs can sell growlers seven days a week, and some sell 750ml Belgian-style bottles), but also larger, regionally-distributed breweries such as Surly Brewing Company (the most famous brewery in the state) and August Schell, which is among the oldest breweries in the country which has been in continuous operation.

In short, even those Minnesnowta snowmobilers drivin' up to Big Horn to play in the winter are missing out on the Craft Beer renaissance going on in their own home state! So don't feel too bad: a taste for full-flavored (or even subtle) Craft Beer styles just doesn't figure into the lifestyle of everyone.

 

Having lived my entire life in LA/MS, I have observed first hand how quantity trumps quality in beer consumption. Several factors play into this (economics, heritage etc.). Those of us who are willing to spend $9 for a sixer and $12-20 on a single bottle are considered truly insane. Countless times I have been told by family "You could have bought a suitcase of XXX for that much money". These attitudes are slowly changing but glacial in pace.

 

Starbucks syndrome

 

Go

I live in Alexandria Va. I have ridden up the W&OD to Loco 2x this year. First time I stopped at Old Ox . Most recently at Crooked Run. Next time at Lost Rhino, and when I can bike further, Adroit Theory.

Feel the Ashburn!

 

I think the difference between the 90's boom and the current one, is that the people in the business in the 1990's were trying to all become big, the next Sam Adams, trying to reach out regionally and nationally was more of the model. Today's boom is brewers with more content to thrive as a small local business. Lots of more small players in the game right now. At least that's the main difference I'm seeing.