Like any other hobby or thing, you have all kinds; the know-it-all, the wanna be, the one-upper, the whale hunter (I like that), etc etc etc. But also like others, I think the majority are the genuine craft beer fans that dont get the spotlight enough or are making the loudest noise. They know their stuff but dont feel they need to prove something. When they go out, they order what they want and think they will appreciate at the time. It isn't always the same thing and they can appreciate it whether its a well make cream ale or a whale of immense proportions. Many of my friends know I am a beer nerd. If we are out, I almost never say anything until asked or someone else starts the conversation about beer.
Right. I answer questions that I know the answer to and if I don't know, I just say it. I won't bash Belgians or other beers I don't care for in front of other beer drinkers... I just say that I don't care for it. I also don't bash Bud, Miller or Coors products, Corona, etc. because that seems to be such a "beer geek" thing to do. If someone else likes to drink Coors Light, what do I gain by saying they shouldn't drink it. I will tell the truth about "light lagers" in that you go to the store or a bar and for some reason you have 45 different options in that one style of beer... why? I'll be honest: When I watch a vid from the NHC or some other event, most of the beer enthusiasts there seem like complete idiots to me. There, I said it. Nothing wrong with being passionate about it but there tends to be a very strange element to most guys in this hobby.