There has been a fair bit of ‘interesting’ discussion in the ongoing What makes a “beer person”? thread but I started this thread for a more focused discussion topic.

The word “snob” will carry a negative connotation in some circles but I have a suspicion that more than one BA may view this as a ‘badge of honor’.

So, what say you? Are you a beer snob? Is there anything truly wrong with being a beer snob?

Cheers

That's 'discriminating beer snob', to you.
Or 'sir'.

If the definition of “beer snob” is thinking that certain beers are not worth drinking, then yes, guilty as charged.

Not really. I'll drink whatever beer is available on-hand. I might like some more than others, but I'm down for it all. Whenever I read those posts about "I'll just order a water if they don't have XXX" or whatever, that's definitely not me.

Yes, I’m a beer snob. There is no denying it and I do view it as a badge of honor, at least here on this website.

Do you consider yourself to be a a “beer snob”as well, Jack?

Cheers

I don't think so. I do not like macro lagers and I won't drink them, but if I am offered one I'll just say "no thanks". I'm allowed to like or dislike whatever I want, but if that makes me a snob then so be it.

FWIW I selected the “Maybe” selection of the poll.

While it is true that I mostly drink beer styles/brands that would fit within the “beer snob” category, I am also able to enjoy ‘regular guy’ beers as well. For example, this past weekend I discussed in the Let’s Give Lagers Some Love thread my recent purchase of Utica Club:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/commun...rs-some-love-2026.682325/page-13#post-8424183

I enjoyed drinking that AAL beer and I will enjoy drinking the last 3 cans of that sixpack purchase.

I suppose when it comes to beer, I am a ‘hybrid’!?!

Cheers to beer!

Nah, because as you said Jack the term snob carries a negative connotation e.g. some douchebag that’ll decline a beer offered because it’s macro, cheap lager.

I’m not one of these, but truly appreciate better crafted beer. If Heineken is my only option, I might drink it, if I’m offered something truly awful, I’ll go for mineral water or some soda.

I agree with that viewpoint. I myself would never turn down a cold Rainier!

Below is something I posted back in 2012:

"I should preface the below story by stating that I am a homebrewer and I do not generally drink Budweiser.

I got into the habit of brewing my homebrews to family gatherings and share my homebrewed beers. I have a sister who doesn’t like flavorful beers so she would bring her own beer (mostly Budweiser). For one family event which was my birthday my sister offered me a Budweiser which I accepted. My wife had a look of horror as I accepted this beer. When my sister was out of ear shot she asked: “You are not going to drink that are you?” I replied: “Yes I am”. It was offered to me as a present and I was not going to be ungracious and not accept it. I drank the can of Budweiser and I will readily admit that I would have preferred to be drinking one of my tasty homebrewed beers. A number of BA folks will describe Budweiser using terms of excrement: piss, shit, etc. I personally would not use those words to describe Budweiser (or any other BMC type beer). My biggest complaint with BMC type beers is that they lack flavor."

To augment the above story, I am also not a fan of the mouthfeel of Budweiser since it is on the watery side for my palate.

Cheers!

As has been discussed in previous threads, I'd consider myself a bon vivant:

(noun) a person who loves luxury and enjoys a sociable lifestyle centered on fine food, good drink, and entertainment.

My beer snobbery is only one aspect of my pursuit of knowledge, pleasure, and heightened sensory experiences.

I would say I am not. I certainly have my preferences and don't drink macro lagers as they just don't taste good to me. But I don't worry about what others drink and won't try to convince anyone to do otherwise.

If a snob is someone who knows more than most people about something, appreciates it more, and is not afraid to be honest about that, then I guess I'm a beer snob, just as my wife is a coffee snob. Most people are snobs about one thing or another, and they only resent snobbery when they see it in others--never in themselves.

I would never be an ass about what people order. (Well, maybe to my friends.) And sure I’d drink an ice cold Bud or whatever if the situation called for it.

But I’m so antisocial, I can’t remember the last time the situation called for it. Usually I’m drinking a beer at home, or a beer out at one of my few bars that I frequent. And in those spots I usually order something “craft-y” or German or Belgian or…

so yeah I guess I’m a snob

I was gonna say yes, because I love good beer, but ended up checking “maybe” because I still enjoy a Miller Lite or Shiner Bock on a hot day

I know most of BA shitz on those beers but gotta enjoy the simple things in life

Here's my issue with this moniker. Why should people be demonized for knowing about something and being passionate about it? I feel like people that use this language are the same people who display their participation trophies. Unless you're a dick about your knowledge and passion, you're not a snob, you're an evangelist. You're a zealot. You're an aficionado.

Cheers to you for finding something that gives you, and probably other people around you, great enjoyment.

I'll drink a Shiner with ya, mate!

yes it’s like the George Carlin routine about how anyone who drives slower than you is an idiot, and anyone who drives faster is a maniac.

So… anyone more into beer than me is an asshole snob, who probably lets Tik Tok tell him what trendy hazy to like, is interested in style over substance, and wastes their time in line for pastry stouts.

Anyone who cares less about beer than me is a knuckle-dragging Neanderthal who drinks Natural Light and probably kicks puppies

Wait for it…