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Dear Hoppy

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By: Sarah McCambridge

Second-Year Brewmaster Student


Dear Hoppy,

Lately I have been thinking that I don’t really enjoy IPA’s. Even though they are super popular I still don’t like them. I want to fit in with my buddies when I am out and enjoying a beer. Help!
Sincerely, I be hating the hops!

Dear Hop-Hater

That does sound like quite the pickle you find yourself in. Of course, going out for a beer with your friends might find you showing the true side of your beer drinking pleasure. I am thinking that it would be important to just order your beer of choice, with confidence! One way of achieving this would be to go with your style, order it loudly and be ready to hear some razing from your buddies. It might make you more of target when it comes to the teasing, but think about it this way- at least you are out and enjoying a beer instead of ordering something that you don’t want to finish.



Dear Hoppy,

I often think of asking the people around me what the difference is between a stout and a porter, but I am too embarrassed to ask in front of a bunch of other beer drinkers. How can I come across like I know what I am talking about and getting a little more info from the bartender?
Sincerely, School me so that I am not schooled!

Dear School-Me,

Well hey there, class is in session! This lesson will send you top of the class and make you seem like a craft beer expert the next time you head into your favourite watering hole. One thing to point out right off the hop - most of the time you will only find one or the other on tap, as they do seem to come across as similar. Depending on the size of the brewery, they often are only willing to commit one tap to a darker beer style. This is to make room for more hop forward choices, which tend to be the more popular these days. Stouts tend to be the smoother beer compared to its brother, but look for roasty, toasty notes hitting it big in this one. It is often a little more balanced when it comes to malt and hop flavours. Porters tend to show big in the flavour department and have a kick when it comes to higher alcohol. One thing I would suggest, if possible, find a spot with both on tap so that you are able to taste them back to back. And remember, don’t be afraid to ask your friendly bartender, they work the front-lines because they like to talk and give advice, especially when it comes to beer drinking.

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