I often get asked if I am a beer snob or wine snob. If my refusing to sacrifice quality in my beverages makes me a snob, then yes, yes I am a beer and wine snob. My job makes it easier for me to be selective in the things I choose to drink, and for that I am both lucky and thankful. However, I find there is a difference between wine and beer snobbery.
Wine snobs get a bad rap for being elitists, white collar rich types and those that do not associate themselves as such tend to poke fun at the stereotype of a fine wine lover. Whereas the beer snobs often referred to as beer geeks are more generally associated with a younger more blue collar, hipster vibe. I find it ironic when I am talking with a beer snob who will not sacrifice their quality of beer, but are ok with a $4 bottle of wine, and on the flip side I have found a wine lover pick up a nice $40 bottle of cab, but then in the same trip will buy an 18 pack of macro brew.
The biggest difference I see is the craft beer consumer tends to be more fanatical. Often chasing the whales like a trophy. They take off of work, stand in lines, and brag about their claims. You do not see this level of excitement in wine, except in the case of wine auctions and buying wine futures at the highest level, and because most people cannot relate to spending thousands of dollars at one time for a case of wine, it comes off as showing off how much money they have. The other main difference I can find is beer has more local feel, it can be made anywhere and can be made quicker. Wine is more limited by region and growing seasons have a bigger impact on the product. Both beer and wine produce uniqueness it their product that can be appreciated once the consumer knows what to look for in the product and how it should taste.
In reality, both consumers are more alike than many think. Take out the whale chasing beer nerds, and the Sotheby’s wine auction buyers. Let’s look at the average consumer. Both the beer and wine lover follow their favorite wine maker or beer maker. They know the names, they know the stories that make them great at their craft. Both consumers are communal in sharing their finds and their love of the product. To me, the snobbery should be more tied together. It should not be such a negative label as snobbery, but more of appreciation of the beverage itself. If a person has refined their tastes in one area, surely they should be able to appreciate the finer tastes in the other. It is my hope that both worlds will start to blend together more and the appreciation for both beverages grow stronger. It will help push the makers of these products to continue to put out a better product at a better price.
The best way to enjoy either of these beverages is with friends and a great meal, and if you want to invite me over, I will show you how to appreciate all of the above. Cheers to drinking well my friends!
