There’s a fine line between a beer lover and a full-on beer snob — and honestly, we’re not mad about it. If anything, being a beer snob just means you know what you like and you have standards. High-fives all around. If any of the signs below sound painfully familiar, congratulations: you’re officially part of the club.
1. You Judge a Bar by Its Draft List
Walking into a new bar? The first thing you do isn’t check out the vibe or the music — it’s scanning the draft list. If the taps are dominated by mass-produced lagers, you’re already mentally plotting your exit strategy. On the flip side, spotting a local saison or a rare barrel-aged stout instantly makes the place your new second home.
2. You Refuse to Drink from the Wrong Glassware
Pint glasses? Acceptable for some beers, sure. But give you a Belgian tripel in a shaker glass, and you might visibly cringe. You know that tulip glasses, snifters, and weizens aren’t just fancy — they’re functional. Proper beer deserves proper presentation, period.
3. You Know (and Care) About IBUs
IBU stands for International Bitterness Units, and you actually know your sweet spot. Whether you’re chasing hop bombs that push 100 IBUs or prefer a mild, malty brew around 20, you’re not afraid to check the stats before you sip.
4. Macrobrews Are Dead to You
Someone hands you a Bud Light at a backyard party. You smile politely, but inside you’re screaming. It’s not about being snobby (well, okay, maybe a little). It’s about taste, and once you’ve had a perfectly crafted lager or a rich, roasty porter, there’s just no going back.
5. You’ve Planned a Vacation Around Breweries
Beach? Mountains? Nah. Your dream beercation is based on the density of breweries per square mile. Whether it’s Portland, Asheville, or a hidden European beer town, your perfect trip itinerary is packed with taprooms, tours, and tastings.
6. You Can Pronounce ‘Gose’ and ‘Saison’ Without Flinching
You’ve mastered the tricky beer words. You don’t even hesitate when ordering a “gose” (it’s “go-zuh,” by the way) or a “saison” (“say-zon”). And if someone around you says it wrong? You’re the friendly corrector… or at least you try to be.
7. Seasonal Releases Feel Like Holidays
Forget Thanksgiving or New Year’s — you get more excited for the annual release of your favorite barrel-aged stout or fresh hop IPA. Some people have Christmas countdowns; you have beer release calendars.
8. You Have Strong Opinions About Hazy IPAs
Whether you think hazy IPAs are a divine gift or an overrated trend, you definitely have thoughts. You’ve debated it at a bar. You’ve defended your stance on Reddit. It’s part of your beer snob DNA.
9. Your Fridge Has More Beer Than Food
Open your fridge and it’s a museum of brews: sours, DIPAs, imperial stouts, maybe a few bombers lying horizontally. There’s mustard somewhere in there… probably.
10. You’ve Homebrewed (or Seriously Thought About It)
You either have a garage full of brewing gear or a spreadsheet filled with homebrew ideas. Even if your first batch ended up tasting like carbonated vinegar, it was all part of the journey. The quest for the perfect brew never ends.
Conclusion
Being a beer snob isn’t about being pretentious — it’s about loving the craft, respecting the tradition, and chasing the best flavors life has to offer. So raise a (properly poured) glass, own your beer snob status, and keep spreading the good word of great beer.
How many of these signs did you recognize in yourself? Let us know — no judgment, just admiration!