Here in America, we are in the midst of what many would call a beer renaissance. According to the Brewers Association, the United States had 3,464 breweries in 2014, the most of which were microbreweries and brewpubs. And that number is growing faster than it ever has, with the number of breweries in this country essentially doubling from 2010 to now.

This is very good news for us as beer drinkers. It wasn’t that long ago that you had far fewer choices about what you were drinking at the bar, especially if your locale lacked a proper craft brewery. This is no longer a problem. Whether it is an increase in local breweries near you or an increase in distribution from the larger ones like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium, the lack of choice in your beer drinking endeavors seems to be an afterthought at this point. Quite simply, the array of ales and lagers at your disposal has never been greater than right now.


All of this should be great. Unless you lazily hate all beer (in which case you are not a good American), there is almost certainly a beer or countless beers to enjoy within your reach.

That being said, there is one issue that seems to crop up in all of this. That issue is beer shaming. The fact that one should be judged for the beer they drink is stupid, no matter the reason. We are beer drinkers, not boring wine aficionados.


If you like to drink craft beer on principle as a way of sticking it to the man, good for you (you ain’t making that big of a sacrifice there pal). But don’t even think about giving me a questionable look when I pop the top on a Bud Heavy. Sometimes, the occasion just calls for a drinkin’ beer, plain and simple.


If you are one of those guys that drinks the darkest, heaviest beers clear through August because that’s what you prefer, I applaud. The refreshment qualities may be less than optimal, but hey, it’s what you like.

The time has come for us stop caring about what everyone else is drinking and enjoy your own damn beer! I live in Austin, TX; a place with the full spectrum of beer, and I enjoy all. If I want a good beer that I can drink with my buddies and everyone will like, I go pick up a case of Shiner. Problem solved. If the occasion calls for something a little less classy, I can order a Lonestar (think PBR but better because Texas) at literally any bar. There’s nothing wrong with it, and no one questions it. Lastly, the list of craft beers at my disposal is nearly insurmountable, thanks to local breweries like Hops and Grain or Austin Beerworks.


It doesn’t matter what you drink, and it shouldn’t. Drinking a beer is about having a good time and spending time with friends. It’s about buying something you like and kicking back after a hard day at the office. So stop beer shaming you jerks, and enjoy your favorite beer and let the guy next to you do the same.

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