John Lapolla has one pet peeve: when people say that they don't like beer without really trying it.
"Beer is so diverse," said John, who owns the Brooklyn home-brewing supply store Bitter & Esters, "that saying you don't like beer is like saying that you don’t like flowers." For those who don't think they like beer, the best thing you can do is go to a brewery or a craft-focused bar and order a flight of beer.
Tell your bartender what flavors you like, or even what color beer you're looking for. But don't be afraid to try new things: John loves craft beer because you can go pretty high-end and not break the bank—and a flight is a good way to try a lot of different kinds. Try, says John, "And then try it again. It’s like music! It’s not going to kill you. Try a different album. Try a different beer. Keep your palate open and don’t stick to one particular beer."
Photo by James Ransom
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