Trouble in Paradise

Let’s face it, if you’re reading this column it’s likely you’re a fan of American craft beer. You enjoy the scene and you want to know more and experience the movement to the full extent. Cheers to you, and I agree in this pursuit of all the good that quality beer has to offer.
In general, the flourishing trend toward better beer in this country is largely positive. A quality product, widely available, made by those who care about their creation is obvious. And there’s also the growing community and creativity surrounding craft beer, brewpubs, and any individuals who are interested in this topic we know, love, and enjoy.
Yet like all trends, there will be problems that arise, the darker side of any area of public interest that catches fire. And I’m not talking about brewery disputes over naming rights or state and federal restrictions on distribution and amounts brewed.
The oft-unseen negative is the behavior of a small portion of folks in the craft beer scene which can have an overwhelming effect on the landscape at large. What follows is a list of some of the worst behaviors seen in craft beer realms. Let’s call them craft beer jerks, it’s these folks that give us all a bad rap.
The first category is the one-upper, the individual who has to brag and outdo everyone else. Instead of discussing and comparing, this is an individual who always has to win in considerations of beer. You had Dark Lord? Well I just had Hunahpu! You got a Mexican cake? So what, I got tequila barrel-aged Mexican cake.
A related problem is moderate to well-informed beer folks who put down newbies and make fun of those with less-crafty knowledge. I realize this column is called The Beer Snob, but I like to see myself as more of a Beer Professor, coaching about the subject, not belittling the uninitiated. If a novice asks for a cold glass, tell them why a room temp one is preferred. Ask a new friend why they prefer Blue Moon, and steer them toward Allagash White. Teach don’t preach.
The last two transgressions are the real problems I see with craft beer today. And no, it’s not the fat, bearded beer fest clichés nor the ridiculous jokey bottle labels and names or the “more sour the better” trend — its hoarding and worse, the selling of rare beer.
You might say one has the right to buy up any beer within one’s own means and do whatever one likes with said beer. Yes, it’s America, and you’re correct. But, this is the kind of selfish and egocentric behavior that’s making craft beer not fun.
Hoarding small batch beers and not sharing them is a real concern. I fully understand the purchasing of several bottles of a given beer with a plan to cellar them, but when it gets to the point that a person drives to numerous establishments and ends up with 10 4-packs of a rare release, essentially removing the chance for others to experience this extraordinary elixir, you’re a hoarder, and a jerk.
Even worse is the person who buys up all the rare beer, and then sells the bottles online for profit. Sure, it’s your right, but this is not the conduct of one who appreciates not only craft beer, but the community we’ve worked to build. If you think it’s cool to profit from the fact you skipped out of work to purchase all the ‘Special X Release’ and you’re selling them, you don’t get it, and you’re out of the club. Enjoy the brews … Cheers.
Gene’s Haufbrau has at more than 200 beers in bottles or on tap. While they don’t have every beer the Beer Snob writes about, they probably have most. Gene’s is located at 817 Savannah Hwy. 225-GENE. E-mail the Beer Snob at publisher@westof.net.