So what do you do when you go to an xmas party hosted by (wife's co-worker) someone who claims to be into beer and all they have on offer is a Magic Hat variety pack, some Sam Adams varieties, and some crappy German lager (Warsteiner). Does one drink the (superior) beer that one brought to the party, or is it rude not to drink the host's beer?
to be devil's advocate for a second: MH & SA are craft bers. it shows some appreciation of taste - at least he didn't offer you Bud Platinum as his "fancy beer."
i'd be disappointed by that selection too, and i'd question how "into beer" this person is. however, some perspective is called for. realize what 90% of the population is drinking. Ford, you're part of the 1%. getting stuck in that middle 9%... could be worse.
I go to my in-laws and there like 'we got some good beer for you in the fridge'
And I'm like "thanks"....go in there : Miller Light, Corona Light and some Smirnoff crap
I don't want to be rude as they went out and got me something, but I'd rather drink water if that's my option.
and MH and SA are gateway beers for people to get into real beers
I have actually quite enjoyed some of the Sam Adams seasonal beers as of late. MH...a little while back I actually thought they were good too, can't really drink it anymore
It is amazing the beer selection you get at Giant in VA now a days
Bells/Lagunitas /New Belgium /Dogfish Head/Harpoon/
although they are warm, there is also a great selection of bombers too:
Stone/Allagash/la chouffe/FireStone Walker/Duvel/Schlafly
These can be hard to find in an actual beer store
As far as not drinking the beer you brought....I've struggled with that
As I'll show up with $20+ of bombers of great beer and they've got a fridge of Coors light
I'm sorry, I'm going to drink one or two of the beers I brought as I know they are going to hate the beers I brought.
If I know the host is into beer or might be the kind of person who would be excited...I'll be sure to show the host what I brought and tell them why I think this is a special beer and offer to pour them a glass on the spot. (that's why I like getting bombers too...I can pour them one...and there is enough left for me to have some with them)