While craft beer is becoming more popular in North Carolina, there are still plenty of folks who haven’t gotten into it yet. This blog post is for them. I welcome any corrections / comments from fellow beer enthusiasts, though; I still have plenty to learn.

My introduction to craft beer started roughly eight years ago. It was about the time that my love for social media, improvisational comedy, and indie filmmaking really began to flourish. I’d been out of college for a few years and had free time to indulge in a lot of fun stuff.

While looking for a place to host socials for filmmakers (aka: TriFilm), I found that the local craft breweries were most welcoming. I’m deeply grateful for the hospitality these local brewers showed us. That’s how TriFilm eventually lead to Brewconomy, my next documentary all about N.C. craft beer.

Back then I was drinking craft beer but didn’t quite know what to make of it. I liked the culture, people, and atmosphere — but the beer itself left me feeling dumb. Each sip was so wildly different than the mass-produced beer I was used to drinking. To be quite honest, it felt too challenging to simply order a beer.

My ignorance was totally embarrassing. It took me forever to decide between many unfamiliar beers, something that seemed to make everyone else irritated. Even the most patient bar tenders.

The confusion, frustration, and embarrassment slowly faded over time. I started asking for recommendations. I sampled beers before investing in a full pint. I learned that hoppy beers weren’t my favorite. (Never mind the stouts; they were just too heavy.) Those parameters made it easier to find more craft beers to add to my rotation of trustworthy favorites.

Then one night, after an improv comedy show, a friend (and fellow improviser) recommended a beer. It was so incredibly delicious. I was in love! (Derek and I later dated, got married, and built a house together. But that’s another story.)

After a while, I got more adventurous with tasting different beers. I started to like the hoppy ones. Then I started to love stouts. What was happening?!

Beer became FUN! I loved, loved, loved trying new ones. Each craft beer was so different, so full of flavor. I loved learning about the brewery, process, ingredients. Hearing the story and the mission of each brewery was awesome. Each beer had its own story, which made me even happier.

As fate would have it, one night I heard Shane Johnston talk about the craft beer industry’s positive impact on the economy. (Timing is everything, right?) We eventually started working on Brewconomy, a documentary about the N.C. craft beer movement. We hope to premiere it during N.C. Beer Month in April 2015.

My passion and interest in craft beer has grown tremendously ever since.

So when I recently heard a friend say she wanted to like craft beer but couldn’t really get into it, I was eager to help. I quizzed her on what she likes and dislikes. I made a recommendation that seemed to make her happy. It made me happy, too.

Then it finally dawned on me that others may feel the way I did years ago: confused about where to start, frustrated trying to find a favorite, and a nervous about investing in a pint. So if you’re wondering how to get started, this list should help. These are all things that helped me venture out into the wonderful world of craft beer.

Here are 10 ways to introduce yourself to craft beer. Enjoy!

1. Determine what you already like / dislike.

What beers do you really enjoy? They serve as a benchmark. Use your favorites to find a mildly similar craft beer that’ll please your palette. No matter what kind of beer is your fave, it’ll help you figure out where to go next.

Years ago when Derek asked what I typically ordered, my answer was Blue Moon. That meant I liked beers that were lighter, maybe even a little fruity. It also meant I might be willing to try something with more flavor than a mass-produced lite beer.

Now I’ll drink any style of beer but that wasn’t the case when I first started; it took me a while.

2. Ask for recommendations.

Ask for a recommendation before ordering. It’s quite alright to not know what you want when stepping up to the bar. The bar tenders at most breweries, brew pubs, and some restaurants are much more than just bottle openers. Some of them are certified specialists in beer so they know exactly how to find you the right one. Let them lead the way.

You’ll never know if you don’t ask, though. To this day, I ask for recommendations. I love finding new beers to try and trust the pros to point me in the right direction.

3. Get a sample before buying a pint.

If someone recommends a beer but you’re not completely sold on it, ask for a sample. The bar tender will grab a shot glass and pour a little for you. Then you can invest in a full pint if you like it.

When I first started branching out into different styles, I always asked for samples. It’s totally cool to sample first. Everyone that loves craft beer wants you to love it, too. Keep that in mind.

Note: Don’t do this when the bar is insanely busy, though. Do this when the place is slow and you can have a worthwhile conversation about the beers.

4. Tour local breweries.

What better way to learn about craft beer, flavor profiles, and ingredients than touring the breweries? Most breweries have tours on the weekends at predetermined times. Check their websites and get some friends to go with you. Then stick around afterwards and sip on beer made right there in that brewery.

Typically you’ll learn about the beer, ingredients, and brewing process. Sometimes tours include a little business philosophy. You’ll appreciate that pint even more after you see how much effort, attention, and passion goes into it.

5. Get a flight.

Whether you’re at a brewery, restaurant, or bottle shop you can typically find a flight. This is a set of three or more samples of beers on tap. It’s an easy, low-risk way to find a favorite.

Sometimes you can choose the beers you want to sample. Depending on where you are, however, the flights might be set. For example, a brewery might make four beers. The flight would likely include all four beers they make.

Note: If you’re keen on getting a flight, be sure to check the hours of availability. Some breweries don’t offer flights during certain hours because it’s too time consuming to pour that many samples when they’re slammed.

6. Talk to beer enthusiasts.

If your friend or coworker is a beer enthusiast, start listening. Ask questions. Seek recommendations. Go grab a pint together.

Beer enthusiasts love to talk about beer! If you hear a lot of lingo, just ask what it means. You’ll learn a lot by being a part of the conversation. (You can obviously Google later if you don’t want to break up the convo.)

A lot of beer enthusiasts are also home brewers. They have a wealth of information on the brewing process — and how tough it can be to perfect. Many of the head brewers started as home brewers, so listen up when they start talking. It’s fascinating stuff.

7. Visit local bottle shops.

Bottle shops are a great place to get introduced to craft beer. They typically have a range of craft beers from all over the world, including ones brewed in your home state. Most of the folks that work at a bottle shop are beer enthusiasts who can point you in the right direction, too. Ask them where to start if you feel overwhelmed.

Some bottle shops have tastings, special taps, and new release events. A representative of the brewery may be at a special event. It’s a great way to taste, learn, and experience all things beer.

8. Don’t feel obligated to finish a pint.

Seriously. It’s quite alright to leave a pint unfinished.

Sometimes you just don’t like the flavor of that particular beer so you don’t want to finish it. Sometimes the ABV is just too high and it caught you off guard, so you feel irresponsible downing the rest (no matter how good it tastes). Or it’s just time to go and you can’t bear the thought of chugging something that deserves a slow sipping appreciation.

The people that appreciate craft beer will understand. We’d much rather see you savor a pint and get home safely. Trust me.

9. Try something new.

When you start finding craft beer favorites, don’t be afraid to try something new. There are so many great beers available!

Once you open the door to flavor-filled beer, you’ll be much more willing to try different styles. Don’t miss out on seasonal beers, limited releases, and collaboration beers. Part of the fun is the sheer joy of trying new craft beers and talking about them (especially new beer-lovin’ friends).

I was not a fan of hoppy beers, stouts, or sours when I first started drinking craft beer. Now I’ll try any style. My palette has completely changed and I love so many different flavors.

10. Try, try again.

It’s OK to not like a certain beer or style. But do yourself a favor and try, try again. Your palette will change over time, and you’ll find that you might like a beer the second or third time you try it.

My palette has definitely has changed. The first sour I tried assaulted my nose and made my face pucker uncontrollably. It was truly disgusting and I swore I’d never drink another sour. Weeks later I tried another sour. It was delicious and I fell in love. Now I have five different sour beers in my fridge.

So don’t completely give up on a style (or a particular beer) without trying it more than once.

What do you think?

Feel free to use the comments section to keep the conversation going. I’d love to hear your story. How have you been introduced to craft beer? What would you share with others just getting into it?

Did you know?

When you drink a local craft beer, you’re making the world a better place. Most of the local craft breweries are deeply invested in their communities. They often source local ingredients, practice sustainable processes, create jobs, and support charities. Learn more about your local craft breweries to get the details.

N.C. craft beer and Brewconomy 

The craft beer industry is growing rapidly in North Carolina. My next documentary, Brewconomy, is all about the positive impact the industry is having on this state’s agriculture, community, and economy.

We’re hustling to finish Brewconomy so we can submit it to key film festivals. My dream would be premiering the film in Durham, N.C., where the idea for the film was born. Since April is N.C. Beer Month, that’d be the perfect time! We’ll see how things shake out. Stay tuned.

Follow the production of Brewconomy online: my personal blog, @Cammicam, Instagram, @Brewconomy, Facebook, and Brewconomy.com. Sign up for monthly email updates from yours truly, too. (Use the form in the right side bar at the top of this page.)

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