Wine Enthusiast Magazine
SubscribeAs an avid but earthy lover of premium wine and beer, I’ve thought about the difference between discernment and snobbery, and I understand why Managing Editor Tim Moriarty felt persecuted for standby favorites as mentioned in his recent entry Budweiser and Beaujolais. But red flags go off for me when I hear that standard call of retreat of “leave me alone and let me drink what I like.” I’m under 30, and represent a generation of drinkers who like to experiment–to familiarize themselves with current offerings in the vast and ever-expanding beverage world. All too often, I see people of an older generation pulling reverse snobbery and steeling themselves against trying something new—maybe a little more expensive. It makes you wonder if it’s true that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
I get it; you’re comfortable with what you know. You’re tired; you went to school, worked your 9-5 job for x amount of years, maybe had kids, paid tons of money and loads of your own personal time all for them to grow up and become successful adults, yadda yadda yadda. But there comes a time when you HAVE to realize that maybe, just maybe, you can know a little more.
That time is now. Never has there been a better or more diverse selection of beer and wine on the market. For beer fans, resources like the Beer Advocate, podcasts at Craft Beer Radio and even our own Best Beer rankings make it easy. Now I know you still love PBR, Rheingold, and Schlitz, and you will keep a special place in your heart for them until the day you die, but there’s no reason that you can’t have more than one beer loves of your life.
Again, there is a fine line between trying to be an informed and educated consumer and snobbery or elitism. The first can easily lead in to the later, so it is imperative to remember your roots and where you began. You had to start somewhere, and you have to give credit where credit is due. And sure, sometimes it’s okay to go back to those times and remember the good old days of thin, watery, refreshing beer; I’ve been known to enjoy some Bud or Amstel Lights after hot days at the beach.
Do you have to remain there forever, though? Maybe you didn’t realize you were in a rut, or just how much there really was for you to catch up on. I know, these worlds of fine food and beverage get tough to navigate through… but there are endless offerings of flavor, experimentation, depth, complexity, and yes, even still refreshment out there. It’s time for you to open your eyes and realize what you’ve been missing out on.
My original eye opener: Lindeman’s Framboise, aka heaven in a glass. (Guys, this is the one beer that will convert ANY girlfriend to a beer lover for life.)
My recent drop of Visine: New Belgium Brewing’s La Folie. Simply amazing, and a wonderful example of some of the styles and techniques being used in brewing today.
So, how about you? Where did you start . . . and what are you drinking now?
Lauren Buzzeo is the Assistant Tasting Director and Resident Beer Goddess at Wine Enthusiast Magazine. She thrives on shaking up the stereotypes of both wine and beer enthusiast alike. She is currently working on obtaining her Diploma in Wines & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Filed under: Beer, Opinions and Commentary
15 Comments
15 Responses to “Stop Whining . . . and Start Tasting”
Please Wait
July 9th, 2008 at 6:46:45 PM
Good points. Well, I’m one of those old guys (twice as old as you, anyway). I must confess that I don’t experiment much with beers. I like a Sam Adams, XX, Corona, Sopporo, Harpoon, some Magic Hat, Blackened Voodoo and a few others. Ordinarily, I buy beer in the supermarket. So where in the supermarket do I start? What should I try that is not going to break the bank? I think that anyone narrow-minded enough to stick to his best beer made Blue Ribbon for life is not going to be influenced or stop whining about perceived snobbery. On the other hand, we old folks need direction at times, aimed at the tasting beginner. So? What’s on the shopping list for this weekend?
July 9th, 2008 at 10:02:19 PM
So…beer is the new wine? As an under-30-something myself I’ve been “elevating” myself and learning more about wine. It’s really a journey–you start out slowly and learn more, attend events, read about it and learn how to serve it, what to drink it with or maybe even just how to figure out what to drink with it, and the snobbery is definitely something that can be intimidating about starting out. I never thought of that same journey with beer and to be truthful, don’t know where to begin. Well, actually you guys have had some small beer items on the site and I think (?) in your mag, but if beer can be high-end and worthy of the same journey…can we have some guidance? Maybe a beer for wine drinkers sort of thing, meaning for people who want to explore a new world of beer as they do with wine.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:30:38 PM
Lauren deserves the title of beer goddess. She knows her beer styles and her wines. A very enjoyable, fun read. Great post! Julia Herz
July 10th, 2008 at 3:01:28 AM
I’d never much been into beer, esp after having tasted all the “mainstream” beers in my early twenties. At a wine and food festival I attended a seminar hosted by Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Beer, lured in by the easy-going vibe in the room. I tasted several beers, especially digging the Indian Brown Ale. It wasn’t served ice cold, and a later on I mentioned this to a friend of mine, who explained that it’s just like wine–you only serve it really cold when you want to numb the flavors. There’s so much complexity and nuance to appreciate in a well crafted beer, as there is in wine.
Another beer I have had that proves the crazy things that can be done with beer is Sam Adam’s Utopias. You want to give someone a drink and have them say, “I’ve never tasted a beer like that!” this is it. Is it a beer disguised as a Cognac? Or the other way around?
I think part of the problem with people expanding their beer-drinking horizons, other than the tendency to revisit what you are used to, is that beer doesn’t equate in people’s minds as it does with wine. For better for for worse there’s a certain elevation in people’s minds when dealing with wine, and the tendency is to think of beer as more commonplace. Until they make the leap into trying some of these complex (and lest we forget, delicious) brews, they won’t realize what they are missing. I don’t think wine should be put on a pedestal, but on the other hand I do think beer could stand to be elevated up a few notches in people’s minds.
At any rate, don’t incur the wrath of the resident wine goddess, people. Like Lauren says, there’s much to discover, so get over yourselves and get tasting.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:31:26 AM
I agree. I’ve expressed it many times in the pages of the Enthusiast: drink what you like, but explore; wine is far too complex, rich, varied and wunnerful to drink ONLY what you’re familiar with. But two comments: Nowhere in my post do I say I ONLY drink Bud, Rheingold, Old Frothingslosh and the like. And as far as whining: It ain’t there. As an over-50 geezer, I’m accustomed to hipper-than-thou attitudes from the youngs. It comforts them and reinforces their rebel image to think we’re set in our ways.
July 10th, 2008 at 11:06:44 AM
Wow! What great comments! Thanks for all of the thoughtful posts, everyone!
Peter – I’m not sure why you’re asking my advice, as it seems that you’re already off to a great start yourself! Sam Adams, Magic Hat, Harpoon… almost East coast standards, by now. But Blackened Voodoo (from Dixie Brewing Co. in LO); that, my fellow beer lover, is drinking outside of the box. My suggestion for your next supermarket (or beer distributor) shopping spree is to go for something new. Perhaps think about a specific style you know you enjoy; for example, if you like Blackened Voodoo, then chances are you’ll be a fan of most Dunkel Lagers or Dark beers. On the lighter end of that you have Beck’s Dark (which you can find at almost any supermarket), and on the more intense end you have Ayinger Dunkel (which you’ll have more luck finding at a properly stocked beer distributor). Also, checking out online resources like the ones mentioned in the post as well as http://www.brewersassociation.com are a tremendous help.
Jayna – I’m happy to hear that you’re ready to begin your quest for beer nirvana just as you have already with wine. You raise an excellent point, and sadly a lot of people do not realize the similarities between the two. It takes time, but the ideal is, just like wine, to determine what it is about a beer that you enjoy. What aromas, flavors, styles, techniques, etc really get you going? In order to find that out, all you can do is taste taste taste! Try to recognize the specific components you dig, and then try to find other beers that share those same or similar characteristics. In terms of a beer for wine drinkers sort of thing, be sure to check out our August 2008 article “Beer for Oenophiles.” It’s a great starting point for wine lovers to determine what styles might suit them best based on their current wine consumption preferences. And, of course, keep checking out http://www.winemag.com for more online exclusive articles.
Samara – Thanks for the support, Sam! There is much to discover, and you make some excellent points to further strengthen the case! I think it is important for people to start to get over the “low-brow” reputation that beer has carried for far too long. There are amazing things going on in the brewing world right now, especially in the American craft brewing segment. Countries all over the world are starting to look at what’s happening here and now and are beginning to emulate that. How wonderful is that! Now if only we could all just appreciate what’s going on in our own back yards!
And finally, Tim – There’s enough beer love to go around. No one was saying you ONLY drink “those” beers, but a bit more flexibility in your consumption tendencies wouldn’t hurt. But, with regards to the whining, I guess that’s the beautiful thing of reader interpretation. :)
Keep it up, everyone!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:11:42 PM
Bud after the beach? Sounds good to me (wink, wink). Excellent post LB. Keep the relics and fogies on edge…that’s what we want. How about Sierra Nevada, girl? I hear it leaves a nice froth on the old ‘stache but rumor has it you’re down on the gang from Chico. Any truth to that rumor?
Big G
July 10th, 2008 at 8:53:18 PM
Down on Sierra Nevada? Never! Even though their Pale Ale might not be my usual first choice (unlike many other folks I know), I still have much love and respect for what I consider to be one of the “founding fathers” of the current American craft brewing scene. And their new fresh hop “Harvest” series…. delicious!
July 11th, 2008 at 1:46:05 AM
What a very interesting topic. Go back to the good ol days when hanging around with the parents when they throw a party and have their friends feed you beer at like 13 years old. The days of bud and coors to get you going, and last through high school and college cause of the price. Although through college Molsen Golden was my weapon of choice for many a year. I find myself willing to experiment in different beers these days. Living in NY the east coast staples like Sam Adams, Long Trail, Sidewinder, Otter Creek Copper Ale, Blue Point Toasted Ale. Maybe from so many ski trips to Vermont over the years I have grown a liking to Vermont beers. Long Trail makes some amazing full flavored ales. I don’t like IPAs AT ALL. But Long Trail and Sidewinder are so great and flavor full, you forget about the burger and go on liquid dinner. Mentioning the ski trips, going out west for amazing conditions and mother nature at its purest… they make some amazing local brews out there. Alaska Ale company, Fat Tire, Mirror Pond, I can’t even remember all of them. Mirror Pond is one of the best beers I have ever had. Since I can’t stay out there all the time being home I stick the the good old favorites: Newcastle (The Dog), Smithwick’s, and Guiness. Although it is summer and some summer seasonals are great too. Try Honey Moon, Blue Moon’s summer beer it is amazing along the lines of Honey Brown but not as heavy. Beer Goddess, what a great topic! In the words of Homer J. Simpson “MMMMMMMMMMM Beer!” I’m gonna go have a cold one right now!
July 11th, 2008 at 12:31:03 PM
Chris – Good for you! Sounds like you do your fair share of experimentation, my beer drinking explorer. Keep searching out all of those local treats wherever you go; you never know where you’ll find your new favorite beer among the local breweries and brewpubs. Also, you can always look into touring some of your favorites. For exampe, you say you’re up in Vermont a lot; I know Magic Hat gives an excellent tour of their facilites (but check availability with them since they have been doing some expansion construction as of late) as well as the Harpoon Vermont facility. I know I found a local gem here in Westchester, NY: Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. Who knew great beer could be found in the ‘burbs of Westchester!
July 14th, 2008 at 1:18:37 PM
So glad to see you blogging Lauren! And the beer goddess title suits you with your long flowing hair. All you need is a hops tiara. I have been trying to get my father-in-law to try something other than Heineken and Guinness so I definitely see your point. Since I am finally able to have an occasional drink or two again I try to make it something good!
July 16th, 2008 at 10:29:40 AM
I keep thinking of that Beatles line from “When I”m 64″ : “You’ll be older, too…” I think you’re showing some ageism when you use language like “old dog,” “tired,” “in a rut,” etc. I’m not sure who you had in mind when you refer to Rheingold and Schlitz (do they still exist?), but it sounds like a caricature of an aging Boomer. I could turn it around and talk about some Millennial twink in Abercrombie and Fitch who’s cruising the new grappa bar. But seriously, it takes a village to keep this wonderful industry moving forward. p>
July 16th, 2008 at 11:03:51 AM
Steve – I appreciate your comments, and I suppose that you can read some ageism in my post. However, it is not necessarily meant in that tone. While the old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” certainly sounds directed to the aged, in my opinion that’s not all it is about. An old dog, to me, can be any dog that is over 1 year old (otherwise known as a puppy); since no alcoholic consumer should be a “puppy”, the “old dog” reference really applies to any aged alcoholic beverage consumer. You can most certainly be a twenty something “old dog” who is “tired” and/or “stuck in a rut”… do you remember college? And you absolutely can turn it around, although I don’t really understand the problem with a “Millennial twink in Abercrombie and Fitch who’s cruising the new grappa bar” (although I must confess I am unsure what you mean by “twink”). Regardless of the definition, good for them for doing something different! Where’s the beef with that?
You’re right, it does take a village to keep the industry moving forward… after all, we don’t say it takes a village to keep the industry right where it is. That’s the important part, and the point of this all… remembering the “forward” part.
July 20th, 2008 at 9:50:39 PM
I represent one of the older generation, yadda yadda yadda, but both my husband (age 69) and I (56) are not your proverbial old dogs. We love to explore different wines and beers, frequently spending weekend days discovering vinyards and wine tastings, and never hesitate to ask for information and opinions from both old and young connoisseurs. And yes, we went to school, raised kids, worked, etc. AND went BACK to school in our 50s and 60s and we’re both working long hours in new exciting careers. I’ve found the longer I live and the more I learn, the more flexible my opinions and the more I know I don’t know everything.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:58:16 PM
I am not a beer drinker, never was. So that makes me ripe for trying the new, unusual, craft ones—and I do. As you indicate, Lauren, there are many locavore beers now. Though some remind me of when wine found oak and alcohol.
With wine, I like to find varietals I’ve never tasted. The first time I had Torrentés, I fell in love with the aroma. When a wine and food make a taste better than either, I fall in love. When I taste a stunning old wine, or a perfect fortified wine through a meal, I fall in love. (There’s a trend here).
OK, maybe it’s just infatuation but what makes a taste a memory is who I’m with and where I am. The what beer, what wine simply slip into the memory of the moment. Which doesn’t make me a WSET contender (I don’t think there is a “good time” category) but does make me content (and, apparently, a better-than-usual seat companion at a dinner party).