Hey, 2016: Locals say to end these trends
It's easy, at the end of the year, to think about which trends we want to see continue.
More craft beer in cans? Absolutely. New rye whiskeys? Keep 'em coming.
But as we venture into 2016, it's important also to consider which trends we're over. Some things, really, just need to stop. So in a spirit that's more Grinch-like than giving, we asked a few people to spell out exactly which trends they think should end. Here's what they said:
1. MOSCOW MULE MEAN MUGGING
Who's over it: Keri Smith, head bartender at Doc Crow's
Why: Moscow Mule cocktails are traditionally presented in copper mugs. But Doc Crow's doesn't keep those in stock, and Smith said some customers expecting the cups are quick to make clear their disappointment. "It's a little pretentious," she said. "... Some bars don't carry that. People give me angry faces when they don't get the special cup." And while we're on the trend subject, Smith added that mom jeans and leggings as pants can go, as well.
2. BEER STYLE MISNOMERS
Who's over it: Leah Dienes, head brewer at Apocalypse Brew Works
Why: Dienes said she loves creativity, but she hates beer styles that are misnomers - like session IPAs. "A session IPA is basically an American Pale Ale," Dienes said. "... I hate these marketing names for real beer styles. It doesn't make sense to me."
3. FLAVORED BOURBON
Who's over it: Michael Veach, bourbon historian
Why: Bourbons that are flavored cannot technically be called bourbon, Veach said. "It should just be American whiskey."
4. 10-MINUTE COCKTAILS
Who's over it: Albert W.A. Schmid, Sullivan University instructor and author
Why: The craft cocktail movement is great, but waiting 10 minutes for a drink is not. "I love the fact that bartenders are taking time to make these really incredible quality drinks," Schmid said. "But when I go into a restaurant or a bar and I order a drink and it takes 15 minutes or 10 minutes to get my drink, that needs to stop. A good friend of mine said they will wait for their food, they will not wait for their drink."
5. BAD BEARDS
Who's over it: Michael Butterworth, director of education for Quills
Why: If you can't grow a beard, just don't try. "I'm one of those people," Butterworth said. "I tried for three weeks, and it wasn't happening. So I shaved it off. There's a lot of guys out there that just need to shave it off. Not to beard shame anyone."
Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at 502-582-4646 or bloosemore@courier-journal.com.